The M.F.A. in Dance, Choreography Concentration is a three-year in-residence program that requires 60 credit hours to complete, culminating in a dance choreography project designed and carried out by the student with the support of faculty. The program is designed to prepare students for professional dance careers and teaching dance in higher education. Students develop knowledge in choreographic practice, dance scholarship, research methods, and somatic practices. The M.F.A. is a terminal degree commonly held by studio faculty at the university level.

For information regarding deadlines and requirements for admission, please see https://grs.uncg.edu/programs/.

In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, applicants should submit a personal statement and samples of work to the school.

Admission to graduate study in dance is on the basis of competence as evidenced by the undergraduate record, demonstrated proficiency, and potential in the field of dance. Prospective students should contact the school before submitting an application.

Program entry is in the fall term only; the application deadline is November 15.

Degree Program Requirements

Required: 60 credit hours

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Required Courses (35-36 credits)
DCE 605	Choreographies and Choreographers	3
DCE 610	Dance Studies I: Theories and Methods	3
DCE 611	Dance Studies II: Research Projects	3
DCE 621	Administration of Dance	3
DCE 624	Movement for Dance 1	3
DCE 630	Advanced Body Theories and Practices in Dance	4
or DCE 667	The Dancer's Body
DCE 651	Choreographic Practice 2	12
DCE 661	Dance Pedagogy in Higher Education	2
DCE 662	Practicum in Teaching Dance 3	2
DCE 694	Comprehensive Exams/Portfolio Review Preparation	1
Electives (18-19 credits)
Select 18-19 credits of electives, including 6 credits from outside of the School of Dance		18-19
Recommended Dance Electives:
DCE 631	Capoeira History and Practice
DCE 632	Pilates: Movement Fundamentals for Dancers
DCE 650	Dance Design Practicum
DCE 659	Laban Movement Analysis
DCE 665	Screen Dance
Culminating Project (6 credits) 4
Select one option from the following:		6
Option 1: For a full-length concert or equivalent artistic presentation
DCE 697	Masters Production Project
Option 2: For significant research that directly informs a major choreographic work (or series of works) equivalent to half a concert
DCE 697	Masters Production Project
DCE 698	Field Project in Dance
Total Credit Hours		60

¹

Taken three times for a total of 3 credits.

²

Taken four times for a total of 12 credits.

³

Taken for a total of 2 credits.

⁴

Capstone Experience enrolled in over two semesters.

Program Progression and Reviews

The Graduate Faculty assesses student progress in their degree program in the Spring semester of their first year.

After the removal of all deficiencies, three semesters of choreography practice (DCE 651 Choreographic Practice ), and at the completion of at least 30 credits, students apply for M.F.A. candidacy. Admission is based on a variety of criteria, including a minimum overall 3.0 GPA. Students submit a portfolio of work to the Graduate Program Director, usually by December 1 of their third semester, for review by the Graduate Committee. See the School of Dance M.F.A. Handbook for portfolio contents and process.

When the student has been in residence for at least two semesters and passed candidacy, they assemble a committee of at least three members of the graduate faculty to review their culminating concert or project proposal. Proposal guidelines are included in the School of Dance M.F.A. Handbook. Once the committee approves the proposal, the student may register for DCE 697 Masters Production Project or DCE 698 Field Project in Dance and work towards culmination of study.