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CIP 50.0511 Visual and Performing Arts

Comedy Writing and Performance

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

35

2025 · 2 schools

International share

2.9%

1 international students

Bachelor's degrees

35

2.9% international

Overview

Comedy Writing and Performance is a dynamic and creative field that explores the art of humor in both written and performed formats. This major typically combines elements of scriptwriting, stand-up comedy, improvisation, and character development, offering students a comprehensive understanding of how to craft and deliver comedic material effectively.

Students in this program learn the fundamentals of comedic theory, including timing, delivery, and audience engagement. They often participate in workshops and collaborative projects, where they can develop their unique comedic voice and style. This hands-on approach helps students refine their skills through practice, feedback, and performance opportunities.

Courses may cover a range of topics, from writing for television and film to live performance techniques. Students also study the history of comedy, examining various comedic forms and styles across different cultures and eras. Additionally, they may analyze successful comedic works and learn how to identify what makes humor resonate with audiences.

Graduates of a Comedy Writing and Performance program often pursue careers as stand-up comedians, television writers, screenwriters, or actors. They may work in various entertainment sectors, including television, film, theater, and online platforms. The skills developed in this major—such as creativity, quick thinking, and effective communication—are valuable in many professions beyond comedy, making it a versatile choice for aspiring artists. Overall, this major offers a unique opportunity for students to express their creativity while honing their craft in the ever-evolving world of comedy.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2021 to 2025, graduates fell 19% and the international share went from 0.0% to 2.9%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
77.1%
Asian
2.9%
Hispanic
11.4%
Black
5.7%
Other
0.0%
Intl.
2.9%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 2 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#169 DePaul University Illinois 11 0
— Columbia College Chicago Illinois 24 1

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 93,560 — $94,700
Actors 55,000 $58.29 —
Writers and Authors 47,940 $41.39 $86,090

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2021–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.