Please Note:
1. We no longer mail a hard copy of this information by US post.
2. All information regarding the MFA program is available on this web site.
Degree Description and Philosophy
The MFA degree in Dance is a 60-unit plan of study emphasizing performance and choreography grounded in the modern dance genre. This degree requires 3 years in residence to complete all course work. The Masters of Fine Arts degree is considered to be the terminal degree in the studio area of the dance discipline, and is the degree required by major dance schools in the United States for university and college teaching. CSULB offers the only MFA in Dance in the California State University system.
The CSULB Dance Department has chosen to keep the MFA degree program small (6-10 candidates) and selective in order to provide adequate resources to all students in the degree plan. It is expected that applicants for the MFA in Dance should have professional experience in the field prior to application; therefore, consideration is not given to anyone who recently was awarded an undergraduate degree.
Application requirements
A. Required of the University:
1. A completed CSULB graduate application with original undergraduate transcripts processed directly to CSULB's Admissions Office of Enrollment Services.
Additional application information and International student information is at www.csumentor.edu
International students must follow the specific requirements for international admissions listed in the CSULB General Catalog and Graduate Application.
B. Required of the Dance Department (Due February 2, 2007): Send items directly to Judy Allen at the CSULB Dance Department (address below)
1. Cover letter ( A brief statement to confirm intent to apply for entrance to the MFA Program).
2. Personal statement (2 pages, typed, double spaced) addressing how the graduate plan of study will fulfill intended professional goals.
3. Undergraduate transcript (original or copy)
4. Resume
5. 3 current letters of reference
6. VHS or DVD video of a recent group choreographic work
C. Physical audition on the CSULB campus (Dance Center, Studio 3), February 24, 2007.
Time: 10:30am-4:00pm
This audition will include a ballet and modern technique class, a presentation
of a 3-5 minute solo composition, and possibly a personal interview with
faculty.
Selection and Admission Process
Candidates admitted into this program will be selected on the following criteria:
*
audition in performance and choreography;
* professional experience in the field;
* undergraduate degree in dance or equivalent
with a 3.0 g.p.a. in upper division dance courses;
* professional goals which can be supported through the plan of study;
* completion of all application materials.
Prerequisite courses
MFA applicants must complete the following prerequisite courses as part of the MFA degree requirements; these undergraduate courses are normally contained in an undergraduate BA or BFA in Dance degree. MFA Candidates may fulfill prerequisite requirements while completing graduate courses. All prerequisite courses fulfilled at CSULB must be taken for a letter grade.
* Advanced technique
* Dance Composition (3 courses)
* Dance History (2 courses)
* Music for Dance
* Anatomy/Kinesiology
* Dance Notation or Laban Movement Analysis
* Dance Production (2 courses)
Curriculum
18 units -- Technique to be earned from the following courses:
DANC 512/510A Int/Advanced Modern Technique (3) [12 total units]
DANC 514/510B Int/Advanced Ballet Technique (3) [6 total units]
14-16 units -- Theory
DANC 597 Seminar in Dance Criticism and Analysis (3)
DANC 505 Seminar in Methodology (3)
DANC 605 Seminar in Dance (2)
DANC 565 Dance Science as Related to Teaching Technique (3)
DANC 693 Teaching Internship (1-3)
DANC 588 Seminar in Dance Management (2)
23 units -- Performance/Choreography/Production
DANC 520A,B,C,D Choreography (3) [12 total units]
DANC 580A,B, 585A,B Performance (1) [4 total units]
DANC 592 Special Topics: Production (1)
DANC 699 THESIS (6)
Electives (3-5)
60 units total
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will explore, practice, and actualize the craft of making dances to communicate a declared intention.
2. Students will refine proficiency in modern dance and ballet movement vocabularies, enabling them to pursue careers in the professional arenas of performance/choreography and/or education.
3. Students will engage in theoretical inquiry and study in the dance-related areas of history, music, film/video, aesthetics, dance science, and dance criticism.
4. Students will attain substantial knowledge/practical skills in preparation for teaching, including theoretical, practical, and kinesiological perspectives.
5. Students will acquire practical skills in the production aspects of dance, including costume design, lighting design, and stage management and/or public relations.
Financial Aid
The Dance Department has very limited resources for financial support of its graduate candidates. However, every effort is made to help graduate students whenever possible with internal support as well as guidance for finding support with the help of the CSULB Financial Aid office. Complete financial aid information is contained in the CSULB Graduate Application booklet.
Opportunities for Performance/Choreography
Graduate concerts are scheduled each semester of the second and third year of the MFA plan of study. In addition, two faculty/guest artist concerts and one undergraduate concert are produced by the Department each academic year. The Department annually participates in the American College Dance Festival Association's regional festivals, and each semester hosts guest choreographers to restage or create works on student performers.
To view a list of recent guest artists, click here.
To view information on all future Dance Department concerts, including upcoming graduate concerts in October 2006 and March 2007, click here.
Graduate Associateships and Assistanships
The Dance Department awards graduate associateships and teaching assistantships to qualified MFA candidates. Most graduate associates provide work to the Department in the areas of production, Dance Center supervision, special project assistants, etc. Teaching assistantships are usually awarded to students who are qualified to teach non-major beginning dance activity courses in jazz, modern, and/or ballet. MFA candidates are considered for these awards after they have been fully accepted into the University and the Dance Department.
For more information regarding any aspect of the MFA in Dance degree, contact:
Judy Allen, Graduate Advisor
CSULB Dance Department
1250 Bellflower Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90840-7201
562-985-4748
judyalle@csulb.edu
To request a CSULB graduate application form, contact:
Enrollment Services
Graduate Admissions
California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90840
562-985-5505
Or you may apply online by clicking on this link to CSU Mentor
California State University, Long Beach, in compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title Vl and Title Vll), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, handicap, or age in any of its policies, procedures, or practices; nor does CSULB discriminate on the basis of marital status or sexual orientation. This non-discrimination policy covers all CSULB programs. and activities.
