Are you eager to explore new possibilities as an artist, educator or scholar in the field of dance? Learn to recognize and cultivate your unique strengths.
The ASU MFA program in dance is normally accomplished during three years of residency.
The dance program welcomes a diversity of applicants, including returning professionals, who have experience and 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, 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.
This program encourages in-depth study in a range of dance practices and related fields.
Each graduate student will develop their potential as a creator, performer, teacher, thinker and art advocate. Frequent showings, a final Master of Fine Arts project, a written document and oral defense are required for degree completion.
At A Glance
Dance, 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
Students in the Master of Fine Arts program in dance take coursework in dance and related fields that have been designed to provide a broad and fundamental preparation for future careers. Opportunities on and off campus further develop the knowledge and skills students need to become leaders in the dance community through teaching, performing, creating, engaging in scholarship, and arts advocacy.
The Master of Fine Arts applied project in dance serves as the culminating experience in the graduate dance curriculum. The applied project takes into consideration the future goals of the student and serves as a bridge to careers beyond graduate school.
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 works
- 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 Music, Dance and Theatre website for full details.