University of Oregon
Department of Dance
161 Gerlinger Annex 
1214 University of Oregon, 
Eugene, OR 97403-1214
(541) 346-3386  Fax: (541) 346-3380
 
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MFA Requirements
Goals | Course Requirements | Graduate Fellowships

The M.F.A. is designed as a rigorous terminal degree. Prescribed components provide a basis upon which each student can individualize the degree to match their special interests. Flexible emphases supported by faculty expertise permit elective areas of study currently including performance, choreography, education, history, contemporary issues, movement theory and analysis, and dance science. The program emphasizes modern dance with ballet as a strong supporting area. In addition to earning a minimum of 99 graduate credits, at least 3 years in residence are required to complete the MFA in Dance. Undergraduate deficiencies for the M.F.A. are the same as those listed for the General Masterís Degree with Thesis.

Goals
The MFA in Dance is designed to provide advanced development of:

  • individual creative and scholarly talents, interests and philosophies that can be used to expand and preserve our cultural heritage; 
  • individuals with the potential to solve contemporary problems in the major aspects of dance and to explore and address new questions and issues; 
  • professional competence in the dissemination of knowledge, including logical, verbal and written presentation of aesthetic ideas; 
  • scholarly competence in the organization, evaluation and interpretation of knowledge; 
  • professional competence as reflected in a significant body of artistic work. 
As part of their degree work, MFA students will be responsible for consistent engagement in practica and internships in the process of creating and presenting concert dance to the community. Graduates with an MFA in Dance will have developed abilities to speak and write articulately about the underlying aesthetics and craft of dance. They will graduate with a repertory of dance works ready for professional production. They will be capable producers. They will be excellent performers. They will be excellent teachers. They will be invested in the preservation and expansion of our cultural heritage. 
 
Course Requirements
Deficiencies satisfied by undergraduate work
Title
Credits
Improvisation
1
Fundamentals of Rhythm
3
Composition
6
Dance Production
3
Dance kinesiology
3
Total Credits:
16
 
Deficiencies satisfied by graduate work
Title
Credits
History
6
Teaching dance
4
Music for Dancers (if DAN 252 Fundamentals of Rhythm is waived)
3
Total Credits:
13
 
Graduate Course Requirements
Theory Core 
Subj/Num Title
Credits
DAN 558 Music for Dancers
3
DAN 602 Supervised College Teaching (every term 1st year)
3
DAN 605 Reading and Conference
3
DAN 607 Grad Seminar (minimum of 1 credit every term)
9
DAN 611 Research Methods in Dance
3
DAN 693 Aesthetic Bases for Dance in Art and Education
3
 
Total Credits:
24
 
Performance and Choreography Core
Subj/Num Title
Credits
DAN 59X Technique Lab (every term for 3 years)
18
DAN 606 Special Problems in Composition
9
DAN 508/608 Workshop in Rehearsal and Performance
8
 
Total Credits:
35
 
Electives
Dance Electives include (but are not limited to):
Production
Technique
Performance
Choreography
Teaching Dance
Scientific Aspects of Dance
Administration of Dance in Education (15-21 credits)
Other Electives: (8 credits minimum in non-Dance course work) (8-16 credits)

DAN 503 Thesis (9 credits)

DAN 612 Movement Project (9 credits)

All Masterís applicants for fall entrance are encouraged to visit the Dance Department in mid-March of the preceding spring. Contact the Dance Department to obtain further details and to register. Plan to arrive for a Wednesday evening performance. Courses, interviews and choreographic showings will be held throughout Thursday and Friday. Performances, class observations and faculty interviews will help applicants get to know the program. Participation in master classes and performance of choreographic excerpts will help the faculty evaluate applicants and can serve in lieu of preparing a video application. However, video applications are acceptable. Video applications must be in half-inch NTSC VHS format and clearly show technical, performance and choreographic proficiencies.

Graduate Fellowships
Some graduate teaching fellowships (GTFís) are available. Applications are in the Dance Department office. GTF applicants must submit a half-inch NTSC VHS video documenting teaching skills in at least two dance idioms (i.e., African, ballet, ballroom, contact improvisation, ethnic, jazz, modern, or tap). Videos should document entire classes. Edited highlights of classes are not acceptable. In addition, applicants are strongly urged to visit the Dance Department in mid-March of the preceding spring. Contact the Dance Department to obtain further details and to register. Plan to arrive for a Wednesday evening performance. Courses, interviews and choreographic showings will be held throughout Thursday and Friday. Contact the Dance Department to obtain further details and to register. Performances, class observations and faculty interviews will help applicants get to know the program. Participation in master classes and performance of choreographic excerpts will help the faculty evaluate applicants and can serve in lieu of preparing a video demonstrating technical, performance and choreographic proficiencies. Applications are reviewed beginning March 1 for the following fall term. GTF offers are made beginning April 15. Positions remain open until filled.