MFA in Dance

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance

The MFA Dance program requires 60 credits and is a terminal degree.

The MFA program requires 60 credits and is a terminal degree. The program’s standards are those articulated by the National Association of Schools of Dance. The credit requirements are as follows:

• Theory and Perspectives  12 credits
• Dance Technique  11 credits
• Creative Work  11 credits
• Pedagogy  6 credits
• Major MFA project  8 credits
• Electives  12 credits

The 12 elective credits will make it possible for the student to investigate particular areas of interest, and possibly develop a secondary area of interest and expertise.

You must meet the following minimum requirements in order to be considered for admission. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program.

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least five (5) years of professional (post-collegiate) experience
• A clearly demonstrated career plan for which academic study of the art form is appropriate
• A statement of purpose of approximately 500-750 words describing your long-term objectives in dance
• Two letters of recommendation from appropriate academic or professional references

Supplemental Application Materials and Activities:

• Creative work samples and/or published writing
  • Link to 1-3 clips of your creative work, 5-15 minutes in total. No promo reels please.
  • Links or copies of 1-3 pieces of critical writing on performance.
  • Please include the links at the end of your statement of purpose (see above) before uploading it into the online application system.
• Current personal/professional curriculum vitae
• Audition/Interview: Select candidates will be invited for an interview with the committee in early April. You will be asked to prepare a 20-minute presentation of your current and planned creative and/or scholarly research.

Manage the administrative aspects of dance organizations, including fundraising, budgeting, and strategic planning.

Salary Range: $50,000 to $100,000+ (varies based on organization size and budget).

Create original dance routines, work with dancers to bring concepts to life, collaborate with directors and designers.

Salary Range: $40,000 to $100,000+ (varies based on reputation and project scope).

Oversee daily operations of a dance company, manage budgets, coordinate schedules, and liaise with dancers, staff, and external partners.

Salary Range: $50,000 to $100,000+ (depends on company size and budget).

Teach dance techniques, choreography, and theory in schools, studios, or community programs.

Salary Range: $30,000 to $80,000 (depends on experience and educational setting).

Capture dance performances, rehearsals, and promotional materials through photography or videography.

Salary Range: $40,000 to $80,000 (depends on experience and clientele).

Use dance as a form of therapy, work with individuals or groups to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Salary Range: $50,000 to $80,000+ (depends on setting and experience).

Review dance performances, write articles or books on dance, and contribute to dance publications.

Salary Range: $40,000 to $70,000 (varies based on freelance opportunities and publication).

Plan and execute dance events, festivals, or showcases, including logistics, marketing, and artist coordination.

Salary Range: $50,000 to $90,000+ (depends on the scale and frequency of events).

Perform in various projects, collaborate with choreographers, and audition for dance companies or productions.

Salary Range: Highly variable, depending on the number and type of gigs secured.

Design and manage the technical aspects of dance productions, including lighting, sets, and costumes.

Salary Range: $50,000 to $90,000+ (depends on the scale of productions and experience).