Academics

Dance MFA

MFA • Master's

Graduate students stretch in dance class.

If you’re a mid-career artist ready to lead, create and inspire, Montclair State University’s Low-Residency MFA in Dance is designed for you. This program is designed for dance artists, educators and innovators with at least 5 years of experience post-undergrad—seeking to expand their creative practice, deepen their knowledge and pursue new career opportunities, including teaching in higher education.

The two-year, cohort-based program combines immersive four-week summer sessions on campus with flexible fall and spring online coursework. You’ll begin and complete the program with the same group of peers, building strong artistic and professional connections that last beyond graduation.

Why Montclair’s MFA in Dance?

  • Low-residency format built for working professionals
  • Cohort model for a close-knit, supportive experience
  • Terminal degree that opens doors in higher education
  • A focus on deepening artistic and pedagogical practice
  • A balance of practice, theory, reflection, and creation
  • Opportunity to work with professors who are recognized nationally and internationally in various aspects of the dance field.
  • Join a vibrant community of experienced artists shaping the future of dance.

NOTE: You must have a bachelor’s degree and 5 or more years of professional experience in dance to be considered.

See the curriculum.

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dancers in various poses in a studio with large windows

Low-residency Structure

The two-year MFA in Dance combines summer on-campus intensives with fall and spring online coursework. Expect to spend four weeks on campus for two summers with online coursework and a completed thesis in subsequent fall and spring semesters.

Mission and Objectives of the MFA in Dance

The program is focused on students who are interested in a terminal degree program that emphasizes a practice-based curriculum designed to nurture the artist in the development of new knowledge and skills in one or more aspects of performance or choreography, including technology and application of somatic techniques to art-making. The program provides the knowledge and credentials needed to apply for work at universities, thus giving students the resources to become innovative contributors to their fields.

Program Objectives

  • Advance your performance or choreography through new knowledge and skills.
  • Explore the role of digital media in contemporary art-making.
  • Develop a personalized artistic voice through focused specialization.
  • Refine your teaching and choreographic practice.
  • Shape the future of the dance field through creativity and theory.
MFA Dance students in studio with arms outstretched

What to Expect from the MFA in Dance

The MFA in Dance features three core components:

  • Studio Courses: Advance your creative research by honing artistic, kinesthetic, digital and technical skills.
  • Dance Studies: Deepen your understanding of dance theory, history, pedagogy and analysis through written and verbal reflections.
  • Electives: Customize your path with three independent research courses to explore or specialize in an area of interest.

Admission Requirements

  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
  • – Only candidates with at least five years of professional experience in dance and who have earned a bachelor’s degree will be considered.
  •  *F1/J1 seeking students are not eligible for this program.
  • Please note: Upon offer of admission, you will be required to submit an enrollment deposit which will be used towards your first semester’s tuition

Application Checklist

Application Deadline: The priority application deadline is December 10. Applications completed after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the program is full.

  1. Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
  2. Transcript: One from each college attended.
  3. Essays/Personal Statement: One personal statement of 1-2 pages which includes the following:
    • Description of your recent creative agenda and future project interest.
    • Your reason(s) for wanting to pursue an MFA in Dance.
    • Your career goals.
    • New areas of expertise you would like to pursue.
    • Five years of professional experience may also be reflected within the personal statement.
  4. Online Work Sample: Required. In addition to your essay, please provide examples of your recent work in the form of a document that includes the following:
    • Excerpts from three recent dances representing work done within the past five years. Sample should be 10-15 minutes in length.
    • Links or URL for each work, including clarifying notes with title, choreographer (if other than yourself) and date of performance.
    • Links to professional reviews and press materials may also be submitted if available.
  5. Interview/Portfolio Review: Applicants may be asked to participate in an interview and portfolio review, conducted by the Program Director and other members of the Dance Program faculty. Interviews occur either on-site interview or via video conference.
  6. Resume: Required, and should include evidence of at least five years experience in the dance field.
  7. Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) recent letters of recommendation (within the last 12 months) from professionals in the field.


“Montclair’s MFA program was exactly what I needed as a fulltime performer looking to transition into a new career. The format allowed me to be on a national tour while pursuing my studies. I benefited from a cohort from all corners of the dance world.”

Lindsey Ferguson Hanson

Program: MFA in Dance
Career: Assistant Professor, Hope College



Learn about our MFA in Dance

The Montclair State MFA in Dance is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance which has high standards for dance degree programs and assesses them every 10 years.


Featured Faculty

Seven permanent faculty members and more than 12 visiting professionals mentor our MFA in Dance students through their time at Montclair.



Questions? Find the right contact below.

Connect with our enrollment teams for personalized guidance on admission requirements, the application process, key dates, and your next steps toward enrollment.

For the Low-Residency/Online Program

Get help with requirements, deadlines, documents and the application process for fully online programs.

For Curriculum Questions

Curious about the curriculum? Contact Program Coordinator Elizabeth McPherson for course planning, electives and faculty guidance.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

Apply NowRequest Information

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