The Master of Fine Arts requires a minimum of 90 quarter credit hours of graduate-level credit and normally takes three years to complete. It is the recognized terminal degree which focuses on five studio-centered areas: choreography, performance, directing from Labanotation scores, lighting, and dance and technology.

The MFA in Dance at The Ohio State University is designed for returning dance professionals who wish to further their development in their current area of specialization and/or to develop skills in another dance area. It is also designed for persons without extensive professional background who exhibit exceptional promise in their chosen area of emphasis. The MFA candidate is one who understands and demonstrates what it means to be a working artist and scholar. The department welcomes applicants whose credentials reflect a broad repertory or performance experience, self-motivation, and the ability to clearly formulate and communicate objectives and artistic intent.



curriculum

Each MFA area of concentration consists of prerequisites, a core of courses, related theoretical and studio courses, and a project specific to the area. Prerequisites include the equivalent of undergraduate dance history coursework and substantial experience in a somatic or body-mind practice. Students lacking these prerequisites must contact their advisor upon entering to determine what courses will satisfy the requirement.

download course offerings

candidacy requirements

The completion and showing of substantial MFA project demonstrating a synthesis of craft and artistic vision, as well as professional competence in the specific area of concentration;

Full-time enrollment in the MFA program (usually three years), and completion of the program within seven years;

Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 of 90 graduate credit hours consisting of core requirements and related courses;

Successful completion of the three-part written comprehensive examination;

Documentation of the project through an appropriate format such as videotape, CD or DVD, website or written documentation with one copy of the approved project document presented to the Department of Dance;

A successful oral examination including a discussion and defense of the synthesis of craft and artistic vision as demonstrated in the project.

For further information contact program coordinator Misty Kerns at dance@osu.edu or 614-292-7977.