Dance (MFA)
Main Campus, Tucson, United States
Master of Fine Arts in Dance
University of Arizona
Dance
MFA in Dance at the University of Arizona
The Master of Fine Arts in Dance at the University of Arizona is a practice-oriented terminal degree that prepares dance artists for professional careers in performance, choreography, teaching, and arts leadership. Housed within the College of Fine Arts and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), the program offers two emphasis areas in performance or choreography, allowing you to develop intensive expertise in your chosen track.
The MFA curriculum integrates core coursework in dance technique across ballet, modern, and jazz with rigorous study in theory, pedagogy, and scholarly research. You will work closely with a dedicated faculty of experienced professionals and collaborate with both graduate and undergraduate dancers in a tight-knit community of 10-12 MFA candidates at any given time.
Located in Tucson, Arizona, the program benefits from the award-winning Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, a 29,000-square-foot facility with a 300-seat theatre and full-fly system that hosts approximately 40 performances per year. The vibrant cultural environment of Tucson, combined with the university's strong arts infrastructure, provides an exceptional setting for your artistic and academic growth.
Program Highlights
- Terminal degree with two emphasis tracks: Performance or Choreography, providing focused professional development in your area of strength.
- Triple-track training in ballet, modern, and jazz dance, offering a uniquely versatile technical foundation rare among MFA programs.
- Opportunity to choreograph a fully produced thesis concert at the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre featuring graduate and undergraduate dancers.
- Charter member of the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) with faculty recognized by the National Dance Education Organization Hero Award.
Curriculum and Modules
The MFA in Dance requires 60 units of coursework with at least 65% in studio or related areas, 50% in graduate-only courses, and 15% in academic studies. The curriculum balances advanced technique training with theory, pedagogy, and creative research, culminating in a final thesis project presented as a concert or performance.
Graduate Dance Technique
Variable UnitsAdvanced technical training across ballet, modern, and jazz dance forms. Students develop professional-level proficiency through daily studio practice and faculty mentorship in their primary and secondary dance disciplines.
Teaching Methods of Dance (DNC 595A)
3 UnitsProvides fundamental knowledge in teaching ballet, jazz, and modern dance at the beginning level. Students develop pedagogical skills and their individual teaching style in preparation for university-level instruction.
Preceptorship (DNC 591)
1-3 UnitsHands-on teaching practicum where graduate students apply pedagogical knowledge in actual classroom settings, including teaching undergraduate general education dance courses and large lecture classes.
Masters Project in Dance (DNC 694A)
3 UnitsA milestone course taken during the Progress Semester and Candidacy Semester. Students in the choreography option design and implement an original choreographic project, while performance-track students perform a graduate-level repertoire work.
Graduate Forum (DNC 696A)
1 UnitSeminar covering professional development topics including grant writing, job applications, artist statements, music for choreography, and evaluation and assessment methods in the dance field.
Master's Report (DNC 909)
9 UnitsThe capstone final project, typically presented as a fully produced thesis concert or performance during the fourth semester. Students demonstrate professional competence in their area of study through a substantial body of creative work.
Elective Opportunities
Admission Requirements
Admission to the MFA in Dance is highly selective, based on both quantitative academic standards and qualitative evaluation by the dance faculty. Applicants are expected to hold a BFA in Dance or equivalent undergraduate degree with significant dance experience, and a 2-3 year professional hiatus between the BFA and MFA is recommended to demonstrate self-motivated professional activity.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeBFA in Dance or equivalent degree with significant dance experience and no more than 12 units of deficiencies
- Professional ExperienceAt least 2 years of self-motivated professional experience in the field of dance
- Dance Technique LevelDemonstrated advanced level in technique in ballet, modern dance, or jazz dance
- Composition ExperienceAt least one year of dance composition with a grade of B or higher, or at least two publicly presented professional compositions
- Production ExperienceAt least one year of Dance or Drama Theatre Production with a grade of B or higher, or at least 2 years of professional experience
Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
- IELTSContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
- Duolingo English TestContact Uni4Edu for current accepted scores and alternatives
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Arizona offers several funding opportunities for graduate students in the MFA Dance program, including assistantships, fellowships, and tuition scholarships. MFA candidates may also be eligible for teaching assistantships that include a stipend, health insurance, and tuition coverage. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on available funding options.
Graduate Teaching Assistantship
Varies — includes stipend, health insurance, and tuitionMFA Dance students may receive graduate assistantships at 0.50 FTE or higher, which include a stipend, individual health insurance, and full tuition coverage. Assistants gain valuable teaching experience by instructing undergraduate dance courses.
Graduate Access Fellowship
Up to USD 4,000 per semester for MFA studentsA need-based fellowship for incoming domestic graduate students who demonstrate academic achievement despite facing challenging social, economic, or educational obstacles. Awards may be in the form of cash fellowships or tuition scholarships.
Confluencenter Graduate Fellowship
Varies by projectDesigned to fund specific interdisciplinary projects for eligible graduate students in the arts, humanities, or social sciences. Candidates must demonstrate evidence of innovative scholarship or creative work that advances a field.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MFA in Dance program at the University of Arizona pursue diverse careers across academia, professional dance companies, arts administration, and K-12 education. The MFA is recognized as the terminal degree in dance, qualifying graduates for tenure-track university faculty positions and senior leadership roles in the performing arts.
Potential Career Paths
Where Graduates Work
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Arizona is a leading public research institution consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States and globally. The School of Dance holds national recognition as a charter member of the National Association of Schools of Dance and has received the NDEO Hero Award for outstanding contributions to dance education.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Performing Arts (Dance) | NASD / NDEO | Nationally Recognized |
| Arts and Humanities | QS World Rankings | Top 200 |
| Overall University | CWUR | #102 |
| Most Innovative Schools | U.S. News & World Report | #48 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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