MFA in Lighting Design in Boston United States | Boston University

Boston University College of Fine Arts offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Lighting Design that helps emerging theatre professionals shape their artistic vision while honing their creative communication abilities through practical, guided design work across diverse productions and academic coursework.

BU's MFA in Lighting Design delivers comprehensive training through varied theatrical narratives and design projects, broadening students' expertise in design artistry while fostering growth as well-rounded theatre practitioners.

As an MFA Lighting Design candidate, you will:
Enhance your grasp of theatre's collaborative storytelling process
Cultivate your distinctive artistic perspective and creative voice
Advance your skills in using light to enhance narratives, concepts, scripts, scores, and choreography
Acquire professional lighting design competencies for a thriving theatre career

This intensive curriculum tracks progress through coursework, class engagement, and independent projects. Classes typically maintain five to eight students with a favorable 2:1 student-faculty ratio.

Students undertake numerous annual design projects where skill implementation and artistic growth are assessed. These projects synthesize all theatrical elements and academic learning. The program includes professional internships and culminates in a final-year thesis examining sophisticated lighting concepts and theatrical expression.

Program Features
Diverse guest artist sessions, specialized workshops, and intensive seminars
Guided portfolio and resume preparation with access to Professional Theatre Initiative summer positions after year one
Sponsored participation in national design showcases like the National Design Portfolio Review upon graduation
Professional portfolio development and industry networking opportunities at program completion

This 60-credit program follows a sequential structure and typically requires two years to finish