MFA in Dance in College Park United States | University of Maryland, College Park

The School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies provides a Master of Fine Arts program in Dance, covering choreography, performance, technology integration, academic research, and teaching methods. This program focuses on artistic creation and teamwork with TDPS MFA students specializing in Lighting, Set, Costume, and Media/Projection Design, combining intensive academic coursework with a transformative educational experience for driven, independent learners who embrace exploration and originality. Tailored for advanced modern or contemporary dancers with professional experience, the curriculum fosters interdisciplinary collaborations, choreographic presentations in various formats, performances with visiting artists and faculty, academic conference participation, and community engagement initiatives. Students complete their studies with a thesis project featuring original choreography and performance alongside a written component. The third year includes optional internships with arts organizations, research institutions, or educational settings. Graduates gain the skills to teach diverse dance subjects and produce performances across multiple platforms, from academic to professional environments.

The M.F.A. in Dance emphasizes choreographic development, physical training, and analytical writing. Across three years, students engage in studio practice and academic seminars to refine their artistic research. While Modern dance technique is offered each term, the program accommodates students without prior Modern dance experience. Graduate studies foster connections between artistic practice, sociopolitical contexts, and the broader dance community. The curriculum supports intensive learning for inquisitive, self-motivated individuals pursuing innovative approaches, including cross-disciplinary projects, choreographic showcases, performances with guest artists, conference presentations, and community-based artistic and scholarly activities.