The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts is a terminal degree which prepares students as professional artists and scholars who can work within their specialty and teach at the university level. Creative work and skill building are at the core of the study. The curriculum is designed for serious and talented students who are prepared to examine modes of creative inquiry in an inclusive, unique environment that promotes exploration, analysis, synthesis, and development as artists.
Admissions
Concentration in Arts Management
The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Arts Management, is a highly selective and individualized program of study for Arts Managers who wish to innovate arts management practice through research and experimentation. The program prepares students to lead arts initiatives, programs, and organizations, and credentials those who wish to pursue an academic career. Specific graduate admissions requirements can be found on the College of Visual and Performing Arts Graduate Admissions requirements page.
Concentration in Dance
The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Dance, is a highly selective 60-credit program of study grounded in the modern dance genre that emphasizes mastery in performance, choreography, and teaching in higher education. Applicants must have significant (5 years or more) professional performance experience in modern or ballet at the national or international level. They must also demonstrate professional competence in choreography as exemplified by a significant body of work, and have experience teaching technique at the advanced level.
Concentration in Graphic Design
The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, Graphic Design concentration, is a terminal degree that offers creative students a broad study of design as well as the development of skills for teaching at the university level. The 60-credit program includes courses in typography, web and motion design, user experience, and branding. Coursework in theoretical and historical design will supplement the studio experience. The broad range of study is intended to develop design educators and professionals, preparing them for the ever-evolving field of design. Admission is selective, ideal applicants should possess a BFA degree in graphic design and a significant design portfolio, reflecting professional achievement.
Concentration in Theater
The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts with a concentration in Theater is a highly selective program designed for theater artists with some professional experience who continue to work professionally during their course of study. Students are admitted to a specific emphasis: Acting, Design & Technology, or Directing. A program of study will be designed for each individual, based on their area of expertise, previous experience and professional goals.
Concentration in Visual Art
The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts with a concentration in Visual Arts is a highly selective 60 credit terminal degree that prepares students to become professional artists, work in technology or arts-related fields, and teach at the university level. Coursework includes research in areas of study that include New Media, Painting and Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and InterArts. Students have the opportunity to combine art forms in projects that may be installation, performance, publishing, time-based, or writing-based, and combine creative and critical approaches in their work.
Policies
Program Requirements
Candidates are admitted to a specific concentration within the MFA degree. All concentrations require a total of 60 credits.
MFA concentrations include:
- Arts Management
- Dance
- Graphic Design
- Theater
- Visual Art
While the faculty anticipate that students will work through their coursework as described in this catalog, individuals with extensive professional accomplishment may craft an individualized program that meets curricular requirements. Individualized programs require the recommendation of the Graduate Committee within the student's respective school as well as the approval of the CVPA Assistant Dean.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 60
Candidates are required to complete 60 credits total, 30 of which are made up of core requirements for the college and/or the unit. An additional 30 credits are based on concentration area and studio or professional experience. Students should complete all requirements within the concentration to which they have been admitted.
Core Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CVPA 520 | Artistic Identities | 3 |
| CVPA 580 | Research Methodologies | 3 |
| CVPA 620 | Communication in the Arts | 3 |
| CVPA 705 | Questions and Frameworks in the Arts | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Arts Management (AMGT)
The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts Concentration in Arts Management is a highly selective and individualized program of study for Arts Managers who wish to innovate arts management practice through research and experimentation. The program prepares students to lead arts initiatives, programs, and organizations, and credentials those who wish to pursue an academic career.
Concentration Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AMGT 602 | Seminar in Arts Management | 3 |
| AMGT 603 | The Arts in Society | 3 |
| AMGT 605 | Finance and Budgeting for Arts I | 3 |
| AMGT 796 | Teaching Practicum | 3 |
| Advanced Study Electives | ||
| Choose five from | 15 | |
| Professional Development Arts Management | ||
| Fund Raising/Development I | ||
| Public Relations and Marketing Strategies for the Arts I | ||
| Programming and Project Arts Management | ||
| Legal Aspects of Arts Management | ||
| Festivals and Special Events | ||
| Arts Entrepreneurship | ||
| Six credits of | 6 | |
| Directed Readings and Project | ||
| Project | ||
| Six credits of | 6 | |
| Field Research | ||
| Thesis | 9 | |
| Thesis Proposal | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | |
Concentration in Dance (DANC)
The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Dance, is a highly selective 60-credit program of study grounded in the modern dance genre that emphasizes mastery in performance, choreography, and teaching in higher education.
Concentration Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DANC 501 | Graduate Dance Seminar | 3 |
| DANC 510 | Contemporary Movement Theories | 3 |
| DANC 560 | Advanced Choreography | 3 |
| DANC 570 | Advanced Dance Performance | 3 |
| DANC 571 | Residency Workshop | 3 |
| DANC 627 | Advanced Teaching Seminar | 3 |
| DANC 672 | Dance Production | 3 |
| DANC 790 | Internship | 3 |
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Advanced Modern Dance (must be taken for a minimum 6 credits) | ||
| Advanced Ballet (must be taken for a minimum 3 credits) | ||
| Project | ||
| Six credits of | 6 | |
| Directed Choreography/Project | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Six credits of | 6 | |
| Thesis | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | |
Concentration in Graphic Design (GD)
The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Graphic Design offers students a comprehensive study and preparation for the graphic design profession. The program includes courses in typography, web design, image making, and brand design, as well as prepares students for an academic career in Graphic Design. The broad range of study is intended to develop professionals prepared for an ever-expanding graphic design field.
Concentration Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Eight credits of | 8 | |
| Graduate Seminar | ||
| AVT 613 | Experiential Design History | 3 |
| AVT 614 | Brand Identity Design | 3 |
| or AVT 519 | Special Topics in Graphic Design | |
| AVT 617 | Advanced Typography | 3 |
| or AVT 519 | Special Topics in Graphic Design | |
| AVT 618 | Visual Communication Theories | 3 |
| AVT 641 | Graduate Graphic Design I | 3 |
| AVT 646 | Graduate Graphic Design II | 3 |
| AVT 647 | Advanced Graduate Graphic Design l | 3 |
| AVT 648 | Advanced Graphic Design II | 3 |
| Teaching Practicum | ||
| Four credits of | 4 | |
| Teaching Practicum | ||
| Directed Reading | ||
| AVT 796 | Directed Reading 1 | 3 |
| Project | ||
| Six credits of | 6 | |
| Directed Project and Exhibition 1 | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Three credits of | 3 | |
| Thesis 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | |
- 1
Involves a study of the historical basis for a studio project; an independent creative production suitable for public viewing; and a written thesis documenting the evolution of the creative problem and exploring the intention, purpose, and relative success of the finished project.
Concentration in Theater (THR)
The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Theater, is a terminal degree that prepares students to become professional artists, work in theater or arts-related fields, and teach at the university level.
Concentration Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THR 560 | Advanced Script Analysis | 3 |
| THR 591 | Graduate Seminar | 2 |
| Six credits of | 6 | |
| Advanced Dramatic Theory and Criticism | ||
| THR 655 | Teaching Practicum | 3 |
| THR 691 | Professional Development | 3 |
| THR 790 | Directed Research | 3 |
| THR 796 | Directed Reading | 1 |
| Project | ||
| THR 797 | Project Preparation | 3 |
| THR 798 | Project Practicum | 3 |
| Thesis | 3 | |
| THR 799 | Thesis | 3 |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
Emphasis Requirements
With the approval of their mentor, students will have the flexibility to select courses from Emphasis areas:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 15 credits from the following: | 15 | |
Acting Emphasis: | ||
| Advanced Musical Theater Workshop | ||
| Special Topics for Graduate Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Acting Mentorship | ||
| Acting Techniques | ||
| Graduate Field Experience | ||
| Advanced Acting Practicum | ||
Design & Technology Emphasis: | ||
| Topics in Theater Design | ||
| Special Topics for Graduate Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Design Mentorship | ||
| Graduate Field Experience | ||
| Advanced Design Practicum | ||
| Seminar in Arts Management | ||
| Performing Arts Management | ||
| Festivals and Special Events | ||
| Arts Entrepreneurship | ||
| Issues in Interactive Entertainment | ||
| Advanced Music and Sound for Games | ||
| Experimental 2D Animation | ||
| Experimental 3D Animation | ||
| Advanced Topics: New Media | ||
| Hybrid Animation | ||
| Special Topics | ||
Directing Emphasis: | ||
| Directing Techniques | ||
| Special Topics for Graduate Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Directing Mentorship | ||
| Graduate Field Experience | ||
| Advanced Directing Practicum | ||
| Academic Track Practicum | ||
| Special Topics | ||
Musical Theater Emphasis: | ||
| Advanced Musical Theater Workshop | ||
| Special Topics for Graduate Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Acting Mentorship | ||
| Acting Techniques | ||
| Graduate Field Experience | ||
| Advanced Acting Practicum | ||
| Academic Track Practicum | ||
| Graduate Applied Music | ||
| Opera and Musical Theater Ensemble | ||
| Independent Study | ||
Playwriting & Dramaturgy Emphasis: | ||
| Advanced Playwriting Workshop | ||
| Special Topics for Graduate Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Graduate Field Experience | ||
| Advanced Playwriting and Dramaturgy Practicum | ||
| Directors and Dramaturgs in Collaboration | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Concentration in Visual Art (VART)
The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Visual Arts, is a terminal degree that prepares students to become professional artists, work in technology or arts-related fields, and teach at the university level. Students select an emphasis in one of the following: New Media, Painting and Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, or InterArts. Students have the opportunity to combine art forms in projects that may be installation, performance, publishing, time-based, or writing-based, and combine creative and critical approaches in their work.
Concentration Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AVT 507 | Advanced Aesthetics | 3 |
| AVT 596 | Independent Study | 3 |
| AVT 599 | Special Topics in Art and Visual Technology | 3 |
| Eight credits of | 8 | |
| Graduate Seminar | ||
| AVT 621 | Art Writing Seminar | 3 |
| AVT 636 | Graduate Studio I | 3 |
| AVT 637 | Graduate Studio II | 3 |
| AVT 638 | Graduate Studio III | 3 |
| AVT 639 | Graduate Studio IV | 3 |
| Four credits of | 4 | |
| Teaching Practicum | ||
| AVT 796 | Directed Reading | 3 |
| Project | ||
| Six credits of | 6 | |
| Directed Project and Exhibition | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Three credits of | 3 | |
| Thesis | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | |
Note:
AVT 796 Directed Reading/AVT 798 Directed Project and Exhibition/AVT 799 Thesis involves a study of the historical basis for a studio project; an independent creative production suitable for public viewing; and a written thesis documenting the evolution of the creative problem and exploring the intention, purpose, and relative success of the finished project.
Note:
Mason does not guarantee the availability of these courses every semester; some are offered in alternate years.