Master's Degrees in Dance

The department's graduate offerings in dance include the MA Plan A (two options), the MA Plan B (two options), and the MFA Plan A.

For admission to the master's in dance program the GRE is not required; for foreign students the minimum TOEFL score is 600. The MA Plan A requires a written thesis. In Plan B, a generalist degree, the candidate takes additional course work in lieu of a thesis.

The MFA Plan A requires a creative performance thesis with accompanying written documentation. Intended dance candidates for all degrees must present an adequate undergraduate background in dance or a related field and submit three letters of recommendation. MFA candidates in dance must also submit a video (VHS format) of their choreography and performance. MA and MFA candidates must submit a sample of written work, such as a major paper.

The application deadline for the fall semester is February 1 (January 15 for foreign applicants). Spring semester application deadline is September 1 (August 1 for foreign applicants).

Upon the successful completion of 12 graduate credit hours within the department, the elimination of any undergraduate deficiencies, and (for MFA students) the presentation of an acceptable example of creative work, the student may be admitted to candidacy.

The MA Plan A emphasizes research in dance ethnology or other general areas. The MA Plan A, Option I (dance ethnology emphasis) requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, including DNCE 651, 652, 653, 661, 654 or 655, and 700 (6 credit hours); 3 credit hours in 400-level Asian or Pacific performance courses; related area electives (6 credit hours); dance electives (3 credit hours); and general electives (3 credit hours).

All electives must relate to thesis research. Candidates must pass a reading or speaking proficiency exam in a foreign language relevant to their area of thesis research or must satisfactorily complete four semesters of a language relevant to their area of thesis research.

MA Plan A, Option II (general) requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, including DNCE 651, 652, and 700 (6 credit hours); 9 credit hours from DNCE 321, 331, 421 or 431; 600-level dance theory electives (6 credit hours); general electives (6 credit hours); and 3 credit hours in two different Asian or Pacific dance forms.

MA Plan B, Option I (dance education emphasis) requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, including DNCE 651, 652, 691, 693 and 659 or 699; 9 credit hours from 321, 331, 421, 431; 3 credit hours in 300 to 400-level Asian or Pacific dance courses; and 9 credit hours of electives (3 credits at the 600 level).

MA Plan B, Option II (general) requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, including DNCE 651, 652, and 659 or 699; 9 credit hours from 321, 331, 421, 431; 3 credit hours from 300- to 400-level Asian or Pacific dance courses; 6 credit hours of 600-level dance theory electives; 3 credit hours of 600-level electives outside of the dance area; and 6 credit hours of general electives.

MFA Plan A (performance and choreography) requires the MFA Plan A requires a minimum of 60 credit hours, including 6 credits of DNCE 321, 331, 421, or 431, and 12 additional credits of DNCE 421 or 431; DNCE 651, 652, 660, 661, 671, and 672 (4 credit hours); DNCE 679 (2 credit hours), 691, and 700 (6 credit hours); 2 credit hours in two different Asian or Pacific dance forms; 3 credit hours in 600-level dance electives; 6 credit hours in non-dance electives; and 1 credit hour in a general elective. MFA candidates must participate in two dance productions a year.

The nature of the required performance in productions should be determined in consultation with the student's adviser.

MFA Plan A and MA Plan B require written comprehensive examinations and an oral defense of the examination. MA Plan A and MFA Plan A require an oral defense of the thesis.

Go to Dance Course Descriptions