Visual and Performing Arts, MFA

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.

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 required to complete 60 credits, 30 of which are made up from core requirements. An additional 30 credits are specific to 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 Assistant Dean.

Banner Code: AR-MFA-VPA

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 total, 30 of which 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

Concentration Requirements

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

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

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

Concentration Requirements for All Emphases

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:

Students in the academic track will complete at least three additional credits in practical teaching over and above the core in the following:

Emphasis Requirements

With the approval of their mentor, students will have the flexibility to select courses from Emphasis areas:

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

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

Areas of Emphasis

InterArts

New Media Art

Painting and Drawing

Photography

Printmaking

Sculpture

Note:

Mason does not guarantee the availability of these courses every semester; some are offered in alternate years.