Tucson,
AZ,
United States
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
MFA in Dance in Tucson United States | University of Arizona
University of Arizona
|
Tucson United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Masters Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
33,992
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
24 months
The Master of Fine Arts in Dance program enhances knowledge, expands perspectives, and cultivates research and artistic skills. Graduate students build upon a solid undergraduate foundation to develop deep expertise in dance, maintaining rigorous academic and creative standards. The School of Dance fosters exceptional scholarship and the creation of innovative artistic work.
Our diverse graduate community offers a collaborative environment where students engage with multiple viewpoints. Graduate students also work closely with undergraduates, gaining opportunities to choreograph for and perform alongside some of the nation's finest young dancers. The program's triple-track structure enables exploration of ballet, modern, and jazz dance techniques.
A distinctive feature of our MFA program is the chance to create a fully staged thesis performance featuring graduate and undergraduate dancers. Students may also perform in renowned works staged for the UA Dance Ensemble by choreographers like George Balanchine, Martha Graham, and Jerome Robbins. The program emphasizes community engagement through performances at venues including Diamond Children's Hospital. Alumni teach at universities, K-12 schools, and studios worldwide, while others hold leadership roles in professional dance companies.
The curriculum supports specialization in teaching, research, choreography, or performance, with options for interdisciplinary study across arts and sciences. Students develop as scholars, educators, and artists through this comprehensive approach.
The 60-unit MFA program offers two concentrations: performance or choreography. Designed for 2-3 years of study, it combines technique classes with theoretical and pedagogical coursework, providing a thorough graduate dance education.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 7.0
Qualification Requirements
To apply for admission for the graduate program, the candidate must have extensive dance training, hold an undergraduate degree in dance and meet the minimum requirements of the UA Graduate College.
Within that online application are directions for submitting your three letters of recommendation, undergraduate transcripts, and Statement of Purpose.
Prior to auditioning, the School of Dance office must also receive the following application materials via mail or email:
Curriculum Vitae (comprehensive resume)
Online link of recent creative work (performance/choreography/teaching)
Graduate Admission Status
Once your application to the Graduate College has been processed, the School of Dance will review all application materials and consider an on-campus audition/interview. Since nearly all applicants have previously earned a B.F.A. degree in Dance, we do not encourage any applicant to apply without having already completed all prerequisites. A 2-3 year hiatus is also recommended between completion of a BFA and entering the MFA program to demonstrate self-motivated professional activity.
Students will be admitted to enter graduate studies who meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate College and the School of Dance including:
Demonstrated advanced level in technique in ballet, modern dance, or jazz dance.
Have completed at least one year of dance composition, achieving a grade of B or higher, or at least two professional compositions that have been publicly presented.
Have completed at least one year of Dance or Drama Theatre Production, achieving a grade of B or higher, or at least 2 years of professional experience.
Have completed at least one course each in:
Music history/literature, music for dance, or two years of applied music study.
Anatomy for Dance, Kinesiology, or Biomechanics.
Aesthetics of dance or the arts, or in dance ethnology/anthropology.
Dance History
All students applying for admission to the program of study must also meet qualitative standards determined by the dance faculty including:
Review of three confidential letters of recommendation
Review of the applicant's performance or choreographic work
Review of the student's written Statement of Purpose
On-site audition, with personal interview
Criteria for admission to the program of study are based on the quantitative and qualitative requirements listed above, and admission will be determined according to:
Each student's demonstrated expertise in performance or choreography
Evidence of self-motivated professional experience in the field
Potential for successful completion of the degree at the University of Arizona
Personal maturity, independence and academic and artistic integrity
THE GRE IS NOT REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION
Standardized Tests
Required test(s): No Tests Required for Admission to the Master of Fine Arts in Dance.
Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) - 3.00
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 79 iBT (or 60 on the revised PBT with no section score lower than 15). Individual MyBest scores must also be dated within 2 years of the enrollment term to be considered valid.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - minimum composite score of 7, with no subject area below a 6
Within that online application are directions for submitting your three letters of recommendation, undergraduate transcripts, and Statement of Purpose.
Prior to auditioning, the School of Dance office must also receive the following application materials via mail or email:
Curriculum Vitae (comprehensive resume)
Online link of recent creative work (performance/choreography/teaching)
Graduate Admission Status
Once your application to the Graduate College has been processed, the School of Dance will review all application materials and consider an on-campus audition/interview. Since nearly all applicants have previously earned a B.F.A. degree in Dance, we do not encourage any applicant to apply without having already completed all prerequisites. A 2-3 year hiatus is also recommended between completion of a BFA and entering the MFA program to demonstrate self-motivated professional activity.
Students will be admitted to enter graduate studies who meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate College and the School of Dance including:
Demonstrated advanced level in technique in ballet, modern dance, or jazz dance.
Have completed at least one year of dance composition, achieving a grade of B or higher, or at least two professional compositions that have been publicly presented.
Have completed at least one year of Dance or Drama Theatre Production, achieving a grade of B or higher, or at least 2 years of professional experience.
Have completed at least one course each in:
Music history/literature, music for dance, or two years of applied music study.
Anatomy for Dance, Kinesiology, or Biomechanics.
Aesthetics of dance or the arts, or in dance ethnology/anthropology.
Dance History
All students applying for admission to the program of study must also meet qualitative standards determined by the dance faculty including:
Review of three confidential letters of recommendation
Review of the applicant's performance or choreographic work
Review of the student's written Statement of Purpose
On-site audition, with personal interview
Criteria for admission to the program of study are based on the quantitative and qualitative requirements listed above, and admission will be determined according to:
Each student's demonstrated expertise in performance or choreography
Evidence of self-motivated professional experience in the field
Potential for successful completion of the degree at the University of Arizona
Personal maturity, independence and academic and artistic integrity
THE GRE IS NOT REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION
Standardized Tests
Required test(s): No Tests Required for Admission to the Master of Fine Arts in Dance.
Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) - 3.00
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score of 79 iBT (or 60 on the revised PBT with no section score lower than 15). Individual MyBest scores must also be dated within 2 years of the enrollment term to be considered valid.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - minimum composite score of 7, with no subject area below a 6
Tuition
USD
33,992