Dance, M.F.A.

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 dance/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 collaboration with artists/designers and technical personnel, dance concert direction/production, technical theater equipment operation, stage management, and publicity.

Criteria for Admission into the Program

Prerequisites

Intermediate or advanced technique in at least one movement practice, Dance Composition and/or Improvisation (3 courses) or substantial demonstrated training and experience in dance making, Undergraduate degree in dance or undergraduate degree in any field plus substantial training and experience in the field of dance. Undergraduate degree with a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher.

Application Requirements

1. A CSULB post-baccalaureate application via CSU Mentor (includes official transcript and application fee).
2. The following returned to the CSULB Department of Dance (visit CSULB Department of Dance website for further explanation):
   1. Cover letter;
   2. Resume or curriculum vitae;
   3. 3 letters of reference;
   4. 2 choreographic works (at least one group work of 3 or more people) posted to Vimeo or Youtube and a 1-page statement that provides the following: a discussion of  the intent, process and goals for each work submitted, credits (titles, composers, and other production credits) and performers (including the candidate if performing);
   5. 3-page (double spaced) statement of purposeaddressing how professional goals will be met through  this plan of study. Within this statement, reflect upon current artistic vision and where you would like to see expansion in your creative practice and work in the field.
3. Audition on the CSULB campus to include a warm-up, composition/improvisation session, presentation of a 3-5 minute self-choreographed solo demonstrating technical  proficiency and choreographic skill, and an interview with Department faculty.

Advancement to Candidacy

Advancement to candidacy will occur based on the following:

1. Unconditional admission status;
2. Completion of 30 graduate dance units with a GPA of 3.0;
3. Successful choreography produced in a graduate concert;
4. Evaluation by graduate faculty of the candidate’s satisfactory progress toward the degree;
5. Removal of any incomplete grades.

Performance/Choreography Concentration