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 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.
All MFA applicants are required to submit the following items:
- Online Application and Fee
- Official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Goals Statement
The following should be sent directly to the School of Dance via SlideRoom:
- 15-minute video of original choreography
- Artistic Goals Statement
- Resume
- Applicant must satisfy the following prerequisites: advanced dance technique, improvisation, dance composition, history, anatomy/kinesiology, and dance production. Prerequisite courses are usually fulfilled if the applicant has earned a BA or BFA in Dance.
Qualified students will be invited for an audition after review of application materials.
Concentration in Graphic Design
All MFA applicants are required to submit the following items:
- Online Application and Fee
- Official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Goals Statement
Additional Requirements for Concentration in Graphic Design:
- Portfolio
- Writing Sample: A critical and historical essay or academic paper on a design- (preferred) or art-related topic.
Portfolio Guidelines
The applicant's portfolio is a major selection criterion for graduate admission and should represent the applicant's most accomplished work.
The portfolio and all other application materials should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions. For more information, contact the School of Art office at 703-993-8898.
Portfolios should include 20 samples of design work submitted through SlideRoom. Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title, and date. Videos and Flash files (no more than 4 minutes for each section) must be playable through SlideRoom. In the case of collaborative work, the applicant's role should be clearly stated.
Concentration in Theater
Theater MFA students are admitted to a specific emphasis: acting, design & technology, directing, musical theater, or playwriting & dramaturgy. Specific programs of study will be designed for each individual, based on previous experience and expertise.
Admissions Requirements
All MFA applicants are required to submit the following items:
- Online Application and Fee
- Official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Goals Statement
Additional requirements for concentration in Theater:
- Portfolio
- Interview or Audition
Diversity among students accepted for study is another consideration. Applicants with degrees in areas other than Theater are welcome, although they may be required to complete undergraduate endorsement core courses. Details available on School of Theater website.
Portfolio Guidelines
The applicant's portfolio is a major selection criterion for graduate admission and should represent the applicant's most accomplished work. The portfolio and all other application materials should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions. For more information, contact the School of Theater office at 703-993-1120.
Portfolio requirements are different for each graduate area of emphasis and are listed below. Incomplete portfolios will not be considered. Applicants' portfolio items are considered part of he application for admission and, thus, cannot be returned. Please do not send original materials.
Portfolio Requirements by Area of Emphasis
Design & Technology
One fully documented design in your area of emphasis (i.e. lighting, sound, scenery, costume, etc.). This may include: script analysis, research, renderings, paperwork, drafting, diagrams, sound clips and photographs of the production. Additional examples of design work and artistic vision may also be submitted. Guidelines available on School of Theater website.
Playwriting & Dramaturgy
One to three writing samples, totaling no more than 25 pages. Playwrights should submit a one-page synopsis and dialogue sample. Dramaturgs may submit essays, reviews, or articles written for the general public, along with a cover letter addressing key areas of interest in the field. Guidelines available on School of Theater website.
Directing
Applicants for the MFA with an emphasis in Directing must submit both a portfolio of produced work, as well as a directorial analysis of a play or opera. For the latter, include at least six visual images with annotation that support your ideas. Guidelines available on School of Theater website.
Acting and Music Theater Performance
A three page written character analysis of one of the roles to be presented at auditions. Guidelines available on School of Theater website. Please see audition requirements.
Audition Requirements
Acting
Applicants for the MFA with an emphasis in Acting must complete an audition for the program. Applicants should be prepared with three contrasting monologues. Two monologues will be required for the audition, and a third may be requested should additional material be needed. Please prepare both classical and contemporary work. Auditors will be looking for range, transformational potential, and vocal and physical expressiveness.
Musical Theater
Applicants for the MFA with an emphasis in Musical Theater must complete an audition for the program. Applicants should be prepared with two songs and two monologues. Contrast between the pieces is essential. Please prepare both classical and contemporary work. Auditors will be looking for musical ability, range, transformational potential, vocal and physical expressiveness, dance and movement skills, and emotional honesty through text and song. An accompanist may be provided and requires a cash fee on the day of audition. This includes a brief rehearsal prior to appointment time. Those auditioning may provide their own accompanist.
Concentration in Visual Art
All MFA applicants are required to submit the following items:
- Online Application and Fee
- Official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Goals Statement
Additional Requirements for Concentration in Visual Arts:
- Portfolio
Portfolio Guidelines
The applicant's portfolio is a major selection criterion for graduate admission and should represent the applicant's most accomplished work.
The portfolio and all other application materials should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions. For more information, contact the School of Art office at 703-993-8898.
Portfolio requirements are different for each graduate area of emphasis and are listed below. Incomplete portfolios will not be considered.
Portfolio Requirements by Area of Emphasis
InterArts
20 images submitted through SlideRoom. Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title and date. Videos and Flash files (no more than four minutes for each section) must be playable through SlideRoom. In the case of collaborative work, the applicant's role should be clearly stated. If writing-based materials are submitted, they should be submitted in printed form.
New Media Arts
20 images submitted through SlideRoom. Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title and date. Videos and Flash files (no more than four minutes for each section) must be playable through SlideRoom. Only the relevant parts of the video should be marked for viewing, with the applicant's role clearly stated.
Painting and Drawing
20 images submitted through SlideRoom. Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title and date.
Photography
20 images submitted through SlideRoom. Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title and date.
Printmaking
20 images submitted through SlideRoom. Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title and date.
Sculpture
20 images submitted through SlideRoom. Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title and date.
Policies
Program Requirements
Candidates are required to complete 60 credits, of which 30 are made up from core requirements. An additional 30 credits are based on concentration area and comprehensive experience.
MFA concentrations include:
- 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 Associate Dean.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 60
Students should complete all requirements within the concentration to which they have been admitted. Candidates are required to complete 60 credits, of which 30 are made up from core requirements. An additional 30 credits are based on concentration area and comprehensive experience.
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.
Core Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research Methods | ||
| AVT 600 | Research Methodologies | 3 |
| Graduate Seminar | ||
| Two credits of | 2 | |
| Graduate Dance Seminar | ||
| Writing Seminar | ||
| AVT 621 | Art Writing Seminar | 3 |
| Advanced Aesthetics | ||
| DANC 598 | Philosophy and Aesthetics of Dance | 3 |
| Studies in History/Theory/Contemporary Trend | ||
| DANC 615 | Contemporary Trends | 3 |
| Teaching Practicum | ||
| DANC 627 | Advanced Teaching Seminar | 3 |
| Directed Reading | ||
| AVT 796 | Directed Reading | 1 |
| Project | ||
| Six credits of | 6 | |
| Directed Choreography/Project | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Six credits of | 6 | |
| Thesis | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Concentration Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DANC 510 | Contemporary Movement Theories | 3 |
| DANC 560 | Advanced Choreography | 3 |
| Three credits of | 3 | |
| Advanced Dance Performance | ||
| DANC 571 | Residency Workshop | 3 |
| Three credits of | 3 | |
| Internship | ||
| DANC 672 | Dance Production | 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) | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
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.
Core Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research Methods | ||
| Four credits of | 4 | |
| Special Topics in Graphic Design | ||
| Graduate Seminar | ||
| Five credits of | 5 | |
| Graduate Design Seminar | ||
| Writing Seminar | ||
| AVT 617 | Advanced Typography | 4 |
| Advanced Aesthetics | ||
| AVT 613 | Experiential Design History | 3 |
| Studies in History/Theory/Contemporary Trend | ||
| AVT 618 | Visual Communication Theories | 2 |
| Teaching Practicum | ||
| Two credits of | 2 | |
| Teaching Practicum | ||
| Directed Reading | ||
| AVT 796 | Directed Reading 1 | 1 |
| Project | ||
| Six credits of | 6 | |
| Directed Project and Exhibition (6 credits) 1 | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Three credits of | 3 | |
| Thesis 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
| 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 Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 10 - 14 credits from the following: | 10-14 | |
| Special Topics in Graphic Design | ||
| Brand Identity Design | ||
| Advanced Web Design | ||
| Select 0 - 4 credits from the following: | 0-4 | |
| Independent Study | ||
| Special Topics in Art and Visual Technology | ||
Other graduate studio courses as approved by director | ||
| AVT 641 | Graduate Graphic Design I | 4 |
| AVT 646 | Graduate Graphic Design II | 4 |
| AVT 647 | Advanced Graduate Graphic Design l | 4 |
| AVT 648 | Advanced Graphic Design II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
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.
Core Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research Methods | ||
| AVT 600 | Research Methodologies | 3 |
| Graduate Seminar | ||
| Two credits of | 2 | |
| Graduate Seminar | ||
| Writing Seminar | ||
| THR 652 | Writing Seminar | 3 |
| Advanced Aesthetics | ||
| AVT 621 | Art Writing Seminar | 3 |
| Studies in History/Theory/Contemporary Trend | ||
| Six credits of | 6 | |
| Advanced Dramatic Theory and Criticism | ||
| Teaching Practicum | ||
| THR 655 | Teaching Practicum | 3 |
| Directed Reading | ||
| THR 796 | Directed Reading | 1 |
| Project | ||
| THR 797 & THR 798 | Project Preparation and Project Practicum | 6 |
| Thesis | ||
| THR 799 | Thesis (3 credits) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Concentration Requirements for All Emphases
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THR 539 | Aesthetics for the Theater | 3 |
| THR 551 | Advanced Theater Pedagogy | 2 |
| THR 560 | Advanced Script Analysis | 3 |
| THR 691 | Professional Development | 1 |
| THR 790 | Directed Research | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Track Requirements
In each area of emphasis, students must pick either a professional or academic track. Students in the professional track will complete at least three additional credits in practical production experience over and above the core in the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Graduate Field Experience | ||
| Advanced Acting Practicum | ||
| Advanced Playwriting and Dramaturgy Practicum | ||
| Advanced Directing Practicum | ||
| Advanced Design Practicum | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Students in the academic track will complete at least three additional credits in practical teaching over and above the core in the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THR 755 | Academic Track Practicum | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
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 | ||
| Documentary Filmmaking | ||
| Fiction Film Directing | ||
| Special Topics | ||
Directing Emphasis: | ||
| Directing Techniques | ||
| Special Topics for Graduate Study | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Directing Mentorship | ||
| Graduate Field Experience | ||
| Advanced Directing Practicum | ||
| Academic Track Practicum | ||
| Documentary Filmmaking | ||
| Fiction Film Directing | ||
| 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 Dramaturg 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.
Core Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research Methods | ||
| AVT 600 | Research Methodologies | 3 |
| Graduate Seminar | ||
| Six credits of | 6 | |
| Graduate Seminar | ||
| Writing Seminar | ||
| AVT 621 | Art Writing Seminar | 3 |
| Advanced Aesthetics | ||
| AVT 507 | Advanced Aesthetics | 3 |
| or AVT 599 | Special Topics in Art and Visual Technology | |
| Studies in History/Theory/Contemporary Trend | ||
| AVT 620 | Theory, Criticism, and the Arts | 3 |
| Teaching Practicum | ||
| Two credits of | 2 | |
| Teaching Practicum | ||
| Directed Reading | ||
| AVT 796 | Directed Reading | 1 |
| Project | ||
| Six credits of | 6 | |
| Directed Project and Exhibition | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Three credits of | 3 | |
| Thesis | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
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.
Concentration Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 8 credits from the following: | 8 | |
| Independent Study | ||
| Special Topics in Art and Visual Technology | ||
Other courses as approved by director | ||
| Four credits of | 4 | |
| Special Topics in Art and Visual Technology | ||
| AVT 610 | Graduate Seminar | 2 |
| AVT Emphasis Courses | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Areas of Emphasis
InterArts
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 16 credits of any 500 - 600 level AVT course as approved by the division director. InterArts graduate students may combine courses from studio areas of emphasis (as indicated below) and work with faculty to design an interdisciplinary thesis project. | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
New Media Art
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four from the following courses: | 16 | |
| Advanced Art and Interactivity | ||
| Graduate Sound Art | ||
| Experimental 2D Animation | ||
| Advanced Image Making | ||
| Video Art | ||
| Experimental 3D Animation | ||
| Advanced Topics: New Media | ||
| Hybrid Animation | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Painting and Drawing
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four courses from the following: | 16 | |
| Drawing V | ||
| Drawing VI | ||
| Special Topics in Art and Visual Technology ( Must be approved by advisor) | ||
| Advanced Drawing | ||
| Graduate Painting I | ||
| Graduate Painting II | ||
| Advanced Graduate Painting I | ||
| Advanced Graduate Painting II | ||
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Photography
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AVT 652 | Graduate Photography I | 4 |
| AVT 653 | Graduate Photography II | 4 |
| AVT 654 | Advanced Graduate Photography I | 4 |
| AVT 655 | Advanced Graduate Photography II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Printmaking
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AVT 642 | Graduate Printmaking I | 4 |
| AVT 643 | Graduate Printmaking II | 4 |
| AVT 644 | Advanced Graduate Printmaking I | 4 |
| AVT 645 | Advanced Graduate Printmaking II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Sculpture
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AVT 662 | Graduate Sculpture I | 4 |
| AVT 663 | Graduate Sculpture II | 4 |
| AVT 664 | Advanced Graduate Sculpture I | 4 |
| AVT 665 | Advanced Graduate Sculpture II | 4 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Note:
Mason does not guarantee the availability of these courses every semester; some are offered in alternate years.