Would you like to advance your knowledge of new media practices and dance? In this program, you examine and explore the interconnections between movement and digital arts, through interdisciplinary coursework and research in both the School of Music, Dance and Theatre and the School of Arts, Media and Engineering.
The MFA program in dance with a concentration in interdisciplinary digital media and performance builds on the strength of the School of Music, Dance and Theatre and expands into the specific area of new media practices.
The concentration provides a select group of graduate students a rigorous, in-depth opportunity to specialize in dance as well as transdisciplinary digital arts. The degree is normally accomplished within three years of residency. The interdisciplinary classes and research activities of the transdisciplinary School of Arts, Media and Engineering that are part of this concentration give students access to advanced media equipment, studios, project funding and interdisciplinary collaborators.
The program welcomes a diversity of students, including returning professionals, who have experience or interest in choreography, dance science and somatics, dance teaching praxis, dance and technology, community engagement, practices of equity and inclusion, professional partnerships, and dance scholarship and theory. Students whose approaches are interdisciplinary and cross-cultural in nature, and who are self-motivated, have clear and demonstrated objectives, and are willing to explore new possibilities in the field of dance and beyond are ideal for this program.
Each graduate student will develop their potential as a creator, performer, teacher, thinker and art advocate. Frequent showings, a final Master of Fine Arts (IDMP focused) project, a written document and oral defense are required for degree completion.
At A Glance
Dance (Interdisciplinary Digital Media and Perform.), MFA
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
Plan of study
The Plan of study is the required curriculum to complete this graduate level program.
Degree requirements
The degree program involves three years of residency:
a final Master of Fine Arts applied project (8 credit hours)
a written document
an oral defense
required coursework in the concentration taught by AME (18 credit hours)
electives (15 credit hours)
required courses in the School of Dance (19 credit hours)
ongoing showings of work
The current Master of Fine Arts program is normally accomplished during three years of residency in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre. Ongoing showings of creative work are required. Foundational coursework is offered in areas of creative practice, movement practices, pedagogy, professional development, technology and theory.
Students enrolled in the program specialize in areas related to independent research. The Master of Fine Arts applied project, which may involve producing original choreography, presenting a lecture demonstration on a body of research or another form of original work, acts as the culminating experience of the program. Completing the process are a presentation, a final written document, reflective in nature, as well as an oral defense.
Admission requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- teaching sample
- recent creative work
- current resume
- letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.
All applicants should thoroughly review the application materials and deadlines on this website: https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/dance/graduate-steps-to-apply.
Information about this program
Visit the School of Arts, Media and Engineering website for full details.
Visit the School of Music, Dance and Theatre website for full details.