Dance MFA

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.

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: Applications are accepted on a biennial basis. Please visit the Graduate Admissions portal for current application deadlines and information about the next available application cycle.

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: Interviews are conducted 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.