Master of Fine Arts in Dance

The Department of Dance at Sam Houston State University offers a 60-hour program of study leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree in Dance, the terminal degree in studio arts. The program is designed to provide intensive studio experience with substantive choreographic and performance opportunities, underscored by a broad exposure to the philosophical, theoretical, and creative process context of dance as an art form. A creative or performance thesis is required for graduation.

The curriculum emphasizes choreography and performance, including a significant number of dance technique classes, particularly for candidates coming directly from undergraduate study. Dance professionals in career transitions will find that the program allows considerable latitude to formulate plans of study that meet their needs. The curriculum also includes courses in:

• Composition
• Production
• Dance theory
• Pedagogy
• Laban movement analysis
• Research methods
• Integrated technology
• Professional issues in dance

Elective hours may be used outside the Department of Dance for coursework that may apply to the candidate’s thesis production or other research interests.

The degree normally takes three years to complete. The first year is probationary, allowing both the candidate and the department time to assess the appropriateness of the educational relationship. At the conclusion of the first year the candidate will file the Petition for Admission to Candidacy before moving to the thesis stage of study.

Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Fine Arts in Dance degree program must:

1. Attend a regularly-scheduled audition (visit our Admission/Audition page for audition dates) that will include:
   • Submission of a writing sample
   • Interview with the dance faculty
   • Technique audition in both ballet and modern dance
   • Performance of a self-choreographed solo
2. Submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
   • Letter of inquiry
   • Graduate Application  
   • Application fee
   • Resume / curriculum vita
   • Video portfolio of performance and choreography
   • Three letters of recommendation
   • Transcripts
   • Confirmation of degree conferral

Admission is based upon an aggregated evaluation of all application components. 

A long-distance audition, including a Skype interview and video submission of technique and choreography, may be approved and arranged if the applicant is not able to make it to campus for an on-site audition.