Master of Fine Arts in Dance

The Master of Fine Arts in Dance in Temple’s Boyer College of Music and Dance is designed for dance students and artists who seek a deeper understanding of dance as a performing art and mode of inquiry. Through its interdisciplinary curriculum, you’ll advance your artistic practice while interacting with cultural, political and social perspectives of dance. Graduates pursue careers in artistic direction and choreography, as well as dance administration, advocacy, entrepreneurship, research, writing and teaching in higher education.  

You’ll acquire holistic knowledge of multiple perspectives in the field, engage with the evolving aesthetics and pedagogies of professional dance practices, and research your personal artistic qualities and style. 

The curriculum is offered on a full-time or part-time basis, and it is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. Coursework enables you to 

• challenge your artistic viewpoints and directions;
• create, interpret, and present dance works;
• participate fully in choreographic research and production; and
• refine your critical thinking skills in relation to current discourses in dance.

All students create a final master’s presentation of choreographic research, as well as a written thesis that documents and reflects on their research process and final work. You’ll work closely with a primary concert advisor and committee, made up of internationally known artists and scholars. Learn more about the Dance MFA faculty. 

Choosing between the MFA and MA

The Master of Fine Arts in Dance emphasizes dance as a performing art. Experienced and emerging professionals hone their vision and skills as performing artists and teachers. Students create, interpret and present works, and they study aesthetics of contemporary practice in a pluralistic world.

The Master of Arts in Dance is uniquely designed for students who are interested in a one-year intensive graduate program that emphasizes creativity, research and teaching. The curriculum also serves as a pathway to doctoral programs for those students who seek to further their study of dance.