The College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) creates an academic environment in which the arts are considered as individual disciplines as well as interdisciplinary forms that strengthen each other. Courses of study are designed to lead to careers as creators, performers, teachers, managers, and scholars of the arts, as well as prepare students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. In addition to providing strong programs for arts majors and minors, CVPA strives to ensure that Mason’s entire student population has the opportunity to experience and study the arts as a key component of a well-rounded liberal arts education.
Studying the arts goes hand in hand with creation and performance. CVPA provides the theaters, studios, rehearsal spaces, computer laboratories, recital halls, and performance classrooms in which students hone their skills. Each major features strong academic preparation in the history and theory of the art form that supports discipline-based technique courses. Creative work and performance are at the core of most courses of study. The college’s faculty of practicing artist-teachers works closely with students in a variety of curricular and co-curricular creative projects. Once basic techniques are established, students are encouraged to stretch, grow, and experiment within this supportive environment. Students regularly perform, create, exhibit, and otherwise develop their art forms in a wide variety of public venues, enhancing their experience as working artists while enriching the cultural life of the campus community.
An education in the arts is deepened by regular contact with the work of distinguished visiting artists. The college is home to the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax campus and the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Prince William campus, both of which include a variety of professional presenting and producing units that provide a diverse program of cultural experiences for the entire university community, as well as Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, D.C., area. Artists from across the country and around the world regularly perform in the Concert Hall and the Hylton Center, give master classes, work with students during extended residencies, and interact with the community in a variety of other ways. The accessibility and vitality of the Concert Hall, Hylton Center, TheaterSpace, the Art and Design Building and Johnson Center Galleries, Harris Theater, and other campus venues make the arts pervasive at Mason and in our larger community.
The undergraduate degree consists of course work in university general education, a major area of study, and electives. To earn a bachelor’s degree, students must complete a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 45 must be upper level courses (numbered 300 and above). At least one course at the 300 or 400 level must be designated “writing intensive.”
CVPA’s graduate programs offer highly focused study designed to prepare students for professional work in the arts and education. The requirements for each graduate degree are described in the sections that follow.
The requirements for each academic program offered by the college are described in the sections below. Students are ultimately responsible for their academic progress towards their degrees. All students are subject to the university’s general academic policies in addition to those specific to each academic unit. Please see the Academic Policies section of this catalog.
Students with questions regarding exceptions to academic policies should contact the CVPA Academic Affairs Office (College Hall, C200; 703-993-4551).
Undergraduate students earning degrees in CVPA may register for 18 credits per fall and spring semester without the dean’s permission. Students are advised that they will be required to pay additional tuition beyond the 16-credit, university full-time academic load. Graduate students earning degrees in CVPA may register for a maximum of 13 credits per fall and spring semester. Students should be cognizant of the time commitment when they register for their courses, especially if they register for high numbers of credits. Students are urged to consult with their advisor and familiarize themselves with Mason guidelines for work and academic load. Students are reminded that employment must not take priority over course work.
Students with documented disabilities should contact the Office of Disability Services (Student Union I, Room 222; 703-993-2474) to open a file and learn more about accommodations that may be available to them.
Students are assigned advisors and are strongly encouraged to meet with them periodically, and particularly when they achieve 75 credits or are two semesters before expected graduation. Undeclared CVPA students and undergraduate students in academic difficulty (cumulative GPA under 2.00) are required to see an advisor prior to registration for the semester following registration restriction.
Undergraduate students earning CVPA degrees must earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in their major, or higher, if required by their program.
George Mason uses only Mason e-mail accounts to communicate with enrolled students. Students should activate their Mason e-mail, use it to communicate with their school/ department/ program and other administrative units, and check it regularly for important information.
Some degrees within CVPA require intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language. This requirement may be fulfilled by completing a course in a foreign language numbered 202, 209, or 210 (or higher level courses taught in the language) or achieving a satisfactory score on an approved proficiency test. International students should consult the CVPA Student Academic Affairs Office about a possible waiver of this requirement.
The baccalaureate degree requires students to take a range of courses that provide a broad knowledge of the world, develop the ability to think both conceptually and critically, acquaint them with many different methods of inquiry, and provide the skills to continue intellectual growth throughout their lives. Students select from a range of courses outlined in the University General Education chapter (University General Education ). Students accepted into the Honors Program in General Education fulfill some/all of their core general education requirements with completion of that program of study. Students are strongly advised to consult the University General Education chapter of this catalog for information concerning general education.
University policy states that students must earn 8 distinct credits that are not used for their major toward their minor. Some departments have more specific criteria for applying credits to a minor.
Activity courses offered by the Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources Department cannot be counted toward credits required for a degree in CVPA. Students may take non-activity PHED courses for elective credit for CVPA degrees.
Undergraduate students must earn a C or better and graduate students must earn a B- or better in prerequisite courses to proceed to the next course.
Students are personally responsible for correctly registering for courses and paying all tuition and fees by the official university registration and payment deadlines. Instructors do not have the authority to add students to courses. All students should verify the accuracy of their enrollment before the end of the add and drop periods.
Students enrolled at George Mason University are expected to complete their coursework in residence. Exceptions to this policy are rare and are considered only under extraordinary circumstances and on a case-by-case basis. Students must obtain advance, written approval from their department/program and dean’s office before enrolling in classes elsewhere. Students who do not obtain advance, written approval must apply for readmission to the university.
To be considered for an exception to this policy, students must have completed the immediately preceding semester with a GPA of 2.00 or higher and not be in danger of academic probation, suspension or dismissal. Freshmen and new transfer students are not allowed to take courses elsewhere as they have yet to establish an academic record at George Mason. Since transfer students have already transferred a number of hours, they are expected to plan all remaining courses in residence. Local community colleges are not part of the University Consortium, and requests to take community college courses are seldom approved. Courses offered at Consortium Universities must be reviewed by the Consortium Coordinator in advance and will not be considered for general study elsewhere review.
Courses elsewhere that have been pre-approved by the dean’s office must be taken for a grade and be passed with a GPA of 2.00 or higher in order to be transferred to George Mason. Although credit for the course can be transferred, the grade for the course cannot.
Students must make arrangements with the visited institution to have an official transcript mailed directly to the George Mason Office of the University Registrar immediately after the course work is completed. Credit cannot be transferred until an official transcript is received.
Undergraduate students may transfer a maximum of 18 credits earned in nondegree status into a degree program.
Graduate credit earned prior to admission to a certificate, master’s, or doctoral program may be eligible to be transferred and applied to a CVPA graduate program, certificate or doctoral degree. Please see the Graduate Policies/Transfer of Credit portion of the catalog for more detailed information about the requirements.
Students are responsible for all courses in which they remain officially enrolled once the drop period has ended.
Instructors do not have the authority to withdraw students from classes. Withdrawals require the approval of the academic dean and are typically allowed only for full semesters at a time (all enrolled courses) and are only permitted for non-academic reasons. No withdrawals can be approved to avoid an unsatisfactory grade. When submitting a withdrawal request, students must provide verifiable, third-party documentation for the reason for the withdrawal. Requests for withdrawals should be submitted as early in the semester as possible, and never after the last day of classes.
Undergraduates enrolled in degree programs are eligible to withdraw from three classes through the ninth week (of a fifteen week semester) without dean’s approval and at the student’s own discretion during their entire undergraduate career at Mason. See University Academic Policies for further details.
Although faculty members are generally the best judges of student performance in their classes, circumstances may cause a student to believe that a professor is unfair. Grade appeals are not accepted after the last day of classes for the following semester, as indicated in the Schedule of Classes (spring for fall grades, fall for spring and summer grades). The following are the College’s steps in grade appeals:
The decision of the CVPA Senior Associate Dean is final.
In exceptional circumstances a student may request a meeting to review the decision of an academic action.
A student who intends to file a non-academic appeal, or intends to file a grievance against a faculty member, another student, or administrator follows the following steps:
The Office of the University Registrar contacts students via e-mail if they earned an academic warning, or dismissal. Students wishing to appeal should contact the CVPA Graduate Programs Office within three days of the e-mail date. A deadline for the appeal documentation is determined, normally two weeks. Students are to submit:
Some CVPA courses transcend individual disciplines. These courses are administered by the Dean’s Office and are designated CVPA in the Courses chapter of this catalog.
■ School of Art
Art and Design Building, Room 2050
Phone: 703-993-8898
Web: soa.gmu.edu
Faculty
Harold Linton, Director
Professors: Carbonneau, Frederick, Kravitz (gallery director), Linton (director), Sandell
Associate Professors: Ashcraft, Cooley, Crawford, Endress, Feerick, Frenn, Rothstein, Whit, Wrbican
Assistant Professors: Cui, Karametou, Sheridan, Winant (associate director)
Term Assistant Professors: Constantine, Del Popolo, Stanley, Starr
Adjunct Faculty: Bradley, Carr, Cushner, Dicicco, Erlich-Moss, Feuer, Goldman, Gorman, Guerrieri, Hicks, Ho, Hoffmann, Morris, Nahidian, Organ, Petzwinkler, Porrata, Salyards, Sapsford, Tomhave, Watson
Mission
The School of Art offers students an environment in which the pursuit of a degree is a commitment to a way of life that centers on creative thought processes and the production of artworks. The curriculum and the faculty focus on cultivating students’ appreciation of and expertise in studio and digital arts. Students are encouraged to dedicate themselves to academic excellence, skilled artistry, and employing visual literacy within an atmosphere of creative freedom. The faculty’s ongoing engagement with artistic practice forms a vital part of the student-instructor relationship. By offering instruction in traditional and contemporary technologies for art making, faculty members help students develop a strong foundation to realize their personal and professional goals.
A principle that underlies the School of Art Program is its focus on fostering student understanding and experience of the interdisciplinary nature of inquiry and practice in the visual arts. This focus is important because art today crosses the boundaries of traditional disciplines and integrates traditional and technology-based media into the creation of new art forms. This interdisciplinary focus is introduced to all AVT majors in required Foundations and Core courses and is reinforced throughout the AVT curriculum.
Course Work
The School of Art offers all course work designated AVT in the Courses chapter of this catalog.
Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate studio degrees offered by the School of Art include the bachelor of arts (BA) and the bachelor of fine arts (BFA). The school also offers an undergraduate minor, an interdisciplinary minor in multimedia, and an honors program for selected AVT majors.
Neither the BA nor the BFA program satisfies all requirements for those seeking accreditation for teaching in the public schools. Undergraduate students interested in this field should contact the school’s art education advisor to learn more about teacher preparation.
All George Mason University students are welcome to enroll in course work in the School of Art. Consult the course listings for prerequisites.
Admission to School of Art Requirements
All students are admitted to School of Art programs of study separately from their admission to the University by portfolio review. All students who have applied to the University who intend to be candidates for either the BA or BFA in Art and Visual Technology must complete a portfolio review before they are accepted in the School of Art Program.
- All transfer students who intend to become candidates for a BA or BFA in Art and Visual Technology must complete a portfolio review as a part of their general application to the University.
- Students who are applying to the University as freshmen must apply to the School of Art BA or BFA program upon admission to the University through a portfolio review, or request a portfolio review after submitting an application to the University.
- Portfolio reviews are scheduled through periodic Admissions Office events or through scheduled dates designated by the School of Art. Please call the main office to schedule an appointment (703-993-8898).
- Digital portfolios may be submitted by applicants who live more than 75 miles from the George Mason University Fairfax campus. However, face to face reviews are preferred.
For current Mason students in the Art and Visual Technology BA program who wish to change to the BFA program or other current Mason students who wish to change their major to Art and Visual Technology, application deadlines are at the end of the sixth week of the fall and spring semesters each year.
For all candidates, admission to the BA and BFA programs are competitive and require the following:
- Portfolio of 10 to 15 original examples of current or college level work
- One-page, double-spaced essay that describes the candidate’s interest in a studio art degree
- 3.00 cumulative GPA overall
In addition, for all transfer students the following are required:
- Transcripts of all college-level study
- Portfolio review (face-to-face reviews are preferred but work may be submitted by CD in some cases)
Artsbus Requirement
All AVT majors must meet the school’s requirement of travel to galleries and museums through the Artsbus program. Students meet this requirement by enrolling in AVT 300 Artsbus Attendance. The procedure and requirements for enrollment in AVT 300 are the same as for any other class.
Freshmen who enroll as AVT majors must accumulate five AVT 300 credits during their course of study. Transfer students and students who change their majors to AVT must take AVT 300 for the equivalent of each semester they are enrolled at Mason, up to a maximum of five semesters. Semesters of enrollment in AVT 300 do not have to be consecutive. Students may take AVT 300 up to three times in a semester if they wish to accelerate their completion of the requirement although this is strongly discouraged.
All rules and requirements to AVT 300/Artsbus participation are posted on the Artsbus web site: http://artsbus.gmu.edu. Students are responsible for being familiar with and following the posted rules and requirements for Artsbus. The site also provides pertinent information for each trip regarding exhibits as well as reviews and articles for exhibitions.
Visual Voices Requirement
All AVT majors must fulfill three credits of Visual Voices, AVT 301, in order to graduate unless they are enrolled at Mason for fewer than three semesters. If enrolled for less than three semesters, students are required to have one AVT 301 credit per semester in which they are enrolled. Visual Voices is an intrinsic part of the major, offering students a chance to meet with and hear nationally and internationally recognized artists speak about their work. The procedure and requirements for enrollment in AVT 301 are the same as for any other class.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
Mason requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. AVT students fulfill this requirement by successfully completing AVT 395 (or AVT 494 for BFA students planning to pursue the MAT in art education).
Upper-Level Credits
All undergraduate students are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division courses at the 300–499 level.
Major GPA
All School of Art undergraduate students must earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in their major.
To graduate with a BA or BFA in Art and Visual Technology with a concentration in Graphic Design, students are required to maintain a 2.40 grade point average in concentration classes. Students who fail to maintain this minimum may either retake core classes (an earned higher grade replaces the old one) or take concentration special topics classes in order to raise their average to the threshold. The effect of this change will be that very weak students will have to return to required classes to master core skills, and marginally weak students will be able to meet the requirement while expanding the breadth of their education.
Studios
The School of Art program is located in the Art and Design Building which houses well-equipped studios for drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture, as well as six computer-equipped studios that cross platforms and are installed with current software applications used for two-dimensional imaging, three-dimensional modeling, animation, video production, sound editing, multimedia authoring, photography, and web publishing.
Policies, procedures, and schedules for studio use are established by the AVT studio faculty and are posted in the studios.
School of Art Honors Program
Students interested in the Honors Program in School of Art should contact the director of the school. Both BA and BFA students are eligible to apply for admission to the program. Honors students must complete at least 4 credits of AVT 394 Honors Seminar. They must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 and at least 3.50 in AVT 394 and the AVT major.
Graduate Programs
The MA in Graphic Design offers students a comprehensive study and preparation for the graphic design profession. The program calls for 36 credits, which includes courses in typography, web design, image making, and brand design. The broad range of study is intended to develop professionals prepared for an ever-expanding graphic design field. This degree is the only MA in Graphic Design in the Capital region.
The Art Education Licensure Certificate is a post-baccalaureate program designed for those who currently hold a graduate degree in an art-related field along with those who want a more immediate entrance into the art teaching profession. This “licensure only’ program, which results in a pre K-12 art certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a 21 credit program consisting of graduate education courses, area endorsements, student teaching internships and seminar. There is a MAT Graduate Degree option with an additional 9 graduate credits.
The Master of Arts in Teaching in Art Education is a preservice degree program that prepares students with a BFA degree or equivalent for pre K-12 art licensure by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Using a studio-based approach to art education and working closely with area public school systems, the MAT degree consists of 30 credits of graduate art education, school practicum experience, studio work, and preservice teaching internship and seminar.
The MFA is a terminal degree that prepares students to become professional artists, work in technology or arts-related fields, and teach at the university level. Candidates are required to complete 60 credits, of which 45 credits are made up from both core and studio requirements. An additional 15 credits are based on comprehensive experience.
MFA students may choose an emphasis in digital arts, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, or InterArts. The latter offers students the opportunity to combine art forms in interdisciplinary projects that may be installation, performance, publishing, time-based, or writing-based; and combine creative and critical approaches to their work.
While it is anticipated that students will move through the MFA as described in this catalog, individuals with extensive professional accomplishment may, upon recommendation of the SOA Graduate Committee and with prior approval of the CVPA dean, craft an individualized program that meets curricular requirements.
Academic Policies
Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts academic policies.
Undergraduate Degree
Undergraduate Minor
Master's Degree
Master's Level Certificate
■ Arts Management
3330 N. Washington Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 703-993-8926
Web: artsmanagement.gmu.edu
Faculty
Richard Kamenitzer, Program Director
Nicole Springer, Assistant Director Professional Development
Professor: Reeder
Associate Professors: Kamenitzer (program director), Marcus
Assistant Professors: Dawn, Rosenstein
Adjunct Faculty: Allen, Berardelli, Bienvenu, Bursten, Case, Corbett, Denhardt-Cissna, Goldstein, Herrmann, Hill, Huschle, Johnson, Kaiser, Lopez, Madden, Salmon, Simpson, Smith, Smyers, Springer, Sweet, Thompson
Course Work
The Arts Management Program offers all course work designated AMGT in the Courses chapter of this catalog.
Undergraduate Program
Arts Management Minor
The field of visual and performing arts offers many career paths that rely on a strong foundation in one or more art forms and require specific knowledge and skills in administration and management. The minor in arts management is open to all CVPA majors as well as art history majors. All other students must complete 9 credits of arts-related course work to be eligible for this minor.
Graduate Certificate
Arts Management
The Arts Management certificate is intended for those who know the specific expertise they desire to acquire to either enter into or advance arts management or related careers. Students successfully complete fifteen (15) credits in an area of emphasis including Marketing and Public Relations in the Arts, Entrepreneurship in the Arts, Programming and Project Management in the Arts, and Fundraising and Development in the Arts.
Completed applications must be received by March 1 for fall and October 15 for spring. International applicants: Completed applications must be received by February 15 for fall and September 15 for spring.
MA in Arts Management
The MA in arts management responds to a growing demand for graduates who can manage and coordinate the arts, bridging the world of performing and visual arts with applied managerial skills. The Washington, D.C., region is home to one of the nation’s largest concentrations of performing and visual arts organizations. The demand for arts managers with skills in financial and budgetary management, strategic management and entrepreneurship, and public relations, including marketing and advertising, has arguably never been more acute. The need for arts managers with skills in philanthropy, fund raising, and ongoing relationship-building management among the private and public arts sectors also continues to grow at a fast pace.
The MA is a 36-credit program of study that provides a core curriculum in the fundamentals of arts management. Students complete a 24-credit core and then select 6 credits of approved elective courses. Students also take internal and external internships. The internal internship affords an in-depth opportunity to work with professionals in residence at Mason’s Center for the Arts. The external internship provides the opportunity to work at more than 60 different visual and performing arts venues in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Admissions Requirements
The program is geared toward those with a passion for the arts. Diversity among applicants is anticipated and sought, and candidates are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Work experience is strongly preferred. It is anticipated that applicants will come from the arts community, with experience and training in music, dance, theater, and visual and technical arts and wish to add the skills of marketing, finance, strategy, entrepreneurship, and management to their repertoire. It is also expected that students will enter with more developed skills in the business side of the arts and wish to unite these skills with prior experiences in the arts. Completed applications must be received by March 1 for fall and October 15 for spring. International applicants: Completed applications must be received by February 15 for fall and September 15 for spring.
In addition to meeting general requirements for university admission for graduate study, applicants must submit the following items:
- Official undergraduate transcripts listing a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty members or individuals who have first-hand knowledge of the applicant’s academic or professional capabilities
- A two-page (maximum) statement of intent and goals
- Resume
Applicants might be asked to interview with at least one member of the program faculty or Admissions Committee. In addition, applicants may submit a portfolio that demonstrates work experience. Internship experience for recent graduates will also be considered.
Academic Policies
Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts for college academic policies.
Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Minor
Master's Degree
Master's Level Certificate
■ Computer Game Design
Art and Design Building, Room 2020
Phone: 703-993-5734
Web: game.gmu.edu
Faculty
Scott Martin, Program Director
Seth Hudson, Assistant Director
Associate Professor: Martin (program director)
Term Assistant Professors: Grimsby, Willis, Wren
Undergraduate Program
The 120 credit Computer Game Design program enables students to focus on the artistic components of computer game design while providing them with the technical skills prerequisite to the field. Required courses include computer science, art and visual technology, music, the humanities, and computer game design. The required internship provides students with practical experience that enhances their employability postgraduation.
Portfolio Requirement
Effective Fall 2011 students who wish to apply for the Computer Game Design BFA program must submit a portfolio.
The portfolio should include 10-15 examples of student work, at least half of which must be from studio art courses. Examples may include drawing, painting, sculpture, 2 or 3D digital art, prints, animation, models, characters, music, websites (URLs), or game levels. Applicants may include game design documents, scripts and stories, or game code (Script, C++, JAVA). The portfolio must be neatly organized and clearly labeled with name and desired major on the outside. Call 703-993-5158 to schedule a portfolio review.
Course Work
The Computer Game Design Program offers all course work designated GAME in the Courses chapter of this catalog.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students in the BFA in computer game design fulfill this requirement by successfully completing GAME 332.
Upper-Level Credits
All undergraduate students are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division courses at the 300-499 level.
Major GPA
All GAME undergraduate students must earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in their major.
All GAME courses except GAME 101, GAME 250 and GAME 367 must be passed with a grade of C or better.
Academic Policies
Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts for college academic policies.
Undergraduate Degree
Undergraduate Minor
■ School of Dance
Performing Arts Building, Room A300
Phone: 703-993-1114
Web: dance.gmu.edu
Faculty
Elizabeth Price, Director
Professors: Lepore, Miller, Shields
Associate Professors: Joyce, Price (director), Studd
Assistant Professor: d’Amboise (Heritage Professor)
Term Assistant Professors: Reedy, Torres-Ortiz
Adjunct Faculty: Clancy, Cronmiller, Dinapoli, Goodson, Haynes, Lee, Nuamah, Summerall, Urgelles, Windom
Course Work
The School of Dance offers all course work designated DANC in the Courses chapter of this catalog.
Undergraduate Programs
The School of Dance offers a BFA and a BA. Entrance to either program is by audition. Information about the audition process, including dates and audition application, can be found on the school web page, dance.gmu.edu, or by calling the dance office at 703-993-1114. Admission to the university is determined by the Admissions Office.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their major at the 300-level or above. Students in the BFA and BA in dance fulfill this requirement by successfully completing DANC 390 or 391.
Certification to Teach
This program is approved by the Virginia State Department of Education and administered through the College of Education and Human Development, which is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). To be considered for licensure in dance education, a student must successfully complete requirements for a BA or BFA in dance. In addition, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be formally accepted into the program by the Dance Education Committee. Before requesting an interview with the committee, students must complete 45 to 60 credits with a GPA of 2.80 or higher, and submit passing scores for the Praxis I tests (Reading, Writing, Mathematics). It is strongly recommended that students take the Praxis I tests as soon as they have completed ENGH 302, a course in literature, and a course in mathematics.
- Earn no grade lower than a C in dance (see major curriculum) and in professional education courses (EDUC 301, 302; EDRD 300; DANC 453, 454).
- Maintain an overall GPA of 2.80 or higher in all dance course work at Mason and at all other institutions of higher learning combined.
- As dance elective options, complete DANC 118 World Dance, DANC 453 Teaching Creative Movement, and DANC 131 Beginning Jazz Technique or 231 Intermediate Jazz Technique.
- With committee approval, register for and complete EDUC 301 and 302 and EDRD 300.
- After completing all required course work and with committee approval, submit passing scores on the VLCA and complete a full-time 15-week student teaching internship (DANC 455) that includes experiences at both elementary and middle or secondary levels.
This course of study will require a post-baccalaureate semester.
Graduate Program
The MFA in dance is a highly selective 60-credit program of study grounded in the modern dance genre that emphasizes mastery in performance, choreography, and teaching in higher education. Applicants must have significant (5 years or more) professional performance experience in modern or ballet at the national or international level. They must also demonstrate professional competence in choreography as exemplified by a significant body of work and have experience teaching technique at the advanced level.
Admission Requirements
In addition to fulfilling the admission requirements for graduate study, the applicant must submit directly to the School of Dance a résumé, artistic statement including artistic goals, and a 15-minute video of original choreography.
All candidates must satisfy the following prerequisites: advanced dance technique, improvisation, dance composition, history, anatomy/kinesiology, and dance production. Prerequisite courses are usually fulfilled if the applicant has earned a BA or BFA in dance.
Academic Policies
Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts for college academic policies.
Undergraduate Degree
Undergraduate Minor
Master's Degree
■ Film and Video Studies
Performing Arts Building, Room A407
Phone: 703-993-5158
Web: gmu.edu/cvpa/favs
Faculty
Cynthia Lont, Program Director
Clayton Austin, Theater; Thomas Britt, Film and Video Studies; Julie Christensen, Modern and Classical Languages; Mark Cooley, Art and Visual Technology; Lynne Constantine, Art and Visual Technology; Ken Elston, Theater; Edgar Endress, Art and Visual Technology; Peggy Feerick, Art and Visual Technology; Cynthia Fuchs, English; Edward Gero, Theater; Timothy Gibson, Communication; Carma Hinton, Robinson Professor; Seth Hudson, Computer Game Design; Richard Kamenitzer, Arts Management; Howard Kurtz, Theater; Alison Landsberg, History and Art History; Carla Marcantonio, English; Scott Martin, Computer Game Design; Heather McDonald, Theater; David Miller, Communication; Kristina Olsen, Modern and Classical Languages; Paula Petrik, History and Art History; Janine Ricouart, Modern and Classical Languages; Mark Sample, English; Jessica Scarlata, English; Benjamin Steger, Film and Video Studies; Gail Scott White, Art and Visual Technology; Martin Winkler, Modern and Classical Languages; Sue Wrbican, Art and Visual Technology
Course Work
The Film and Video Studies Program offers all course work designated FAVS in the Courses chapter of this catalog.
Undergraduate Program
The Film and Video Studies Program offers a 120-credit multidisciplinary BA degree, which spans many units including Art and Visual Technology, Communication, English, History and Art History, Modern and Classical Languages, New Century College, and Theater. Students study film and video production, theory, criticism, ethics, screenwriting, and business.
The vocabulary of film (broadly defined) pervades the intellectual, cultural, political, and social landscape. The tools the filmmaker wields apply to an ever-widening range of tasks across the fields of human endeavor, from traditional narrative and documentary productions to academic research and pedagogical applications to projects of personal expression. Emerging technology makes the means of production available to anyone with access to a moderate level of computing power. This combination of factors makes film an important subject for academic inquiry and training.
Portfolio Requirement
All students are admitted to the Film and Video Studies (FAVS) program of study separately from their admission to the university and only by portfolio review. Admission to the university is determined by the Admissions Office.
New students at Mason may apply to the BA program upon admission to the university through a portfolio review. Information about the portfolio process, including dates and portfolio requirements, can be found on the FAVS web page, http://cvpa.gmu.edu/favs or by calling 703-993-5158. The portfolio must be submitted to favs@gmu.edu for assessment prior to scheduling an appointment for the portfolio review.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students seeking a BA in film and video studies fulfill this requirement by completing THR 482.
Upper-Level Credits
All undergraduate students are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division courses at the 300-499 level.
Graduate Program affiliated with Film and Video Studies
The master’s degree program in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in Film and Video Studies (MAIS in Film and Video Studies) in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences is designed for students who seek a degree that integrates knowledge from several disciplines in the area of film/video. It addresses a rapidly evolving demand for specialized and individualized graduate study.
The degree requires course work with FAVS program and faculty and selected courses from other disciplines. Students complete their degree with a project or thesis. For additional information, please refer to the MAIS in Film and Video Studies in the catalog.
Academic Policies
Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts for college academic policies.
Undergraduate Degree
■ School of Music
Performing Arts Building, Room A417
Phone: 703-993-1380
Web: music.gmu.edu
Faculty
Dennis Layendecker, Heritage Chair, Director
Professors: Camphouse, Carroll, Engebretson, Gardner, Layendecker (director), Maiello, Miller, Monson (associate director), Smith
Term Professors: Balakerskaia, Hearden, Rendler
Associate Professors: Aler, R. Bergman, Billingham, T. Owens
Term Associate Professor: Ker-Hackleman
Assistant Professors: Guessford, Nickens, Robinson
Term Associate Professor: Wuttke
Term Assistant Professor: Kilkenny
Adjunct Faculty: Baumgarten, Beach, Beckwith, Berger, M. Bergman, Berkshire-Brown, Bonds, Bonneau, Chalifoux, Chao, Curtis, Delaney, Dewey, East, Edelbrock, Ferguson, Fraedrich, Freer, Gerber, Haase, M. Hackleman, Harbison, Haroutounian, Healey, Hitz, Hussey, Kobayashi, Kuebler, Lapple, Law, Lechter, G. McCarthy, J. McCarthy, Nam, Neff, Ja. Nickel, Ju. Nickel, Oedemann, M. Owens, Parker, Parrell, Purcell, Rittenhouse, Sisk, Snedecor, Snitzler, Spirtas, Stephansky, Summey, Taylor, Thomas, Watters, Wenner, Whitehead, Yang
Course Work
The School of Music offers all course work designated MUSI in the Courses chapter of this catalog.
Undergraduate Programs
The two undergraduate degree programs offered through the School of Music, the bachelor of art (BA) in music and the bachelor of music (BM), prepare students for graduate work in music and music literature; research and professional work in musical activities; and state licensure, or certification, to teach vocal and choral or instrumental music at the elementary and secondary school levels.
Through its strategic plan, Music Outreach and the Teaching Professions, the School of Music enables students to pursue worthwhile vocational goals as teachers, performers, conductors, and composers. The School of Music also seeks to educate its students to reflect a concern for cultural and humanistic values as future ambassadors and advocates of music and other arts. Through innovative learning experiences, the School of Music provides all students in the BA and BM programs with opportunities to become effective musicians, teachers, and advocates of music. Teaching music is the principal area in which students can find employment in private studios, public and private schools, academies, and higher education within the ever-changing workplace. Because of this, all music majors at Mason receive some training in the teaching of music.
The School of Music also recognizes the critical outreach role it provides in serving students from all majors, as well as members of the community who significantly benefit from the values and experiences of an education in music. The School of Music seeks to provide unique educational opportunities through its various course offerings, workshops, presentations, and performances for those seeking music enrichment.
Entrance to all music degree programs is by audition. Arrangements for an audition must be made in advance by contacting the School of Music before the scheduled audition date. Auditions are held approximately once per month. Audition dates and audition application forms are available through the School of Music web site: music.gmu.edu.
A fundamentals of music test is given during the first week of classes to all students enrolled in MUSI 115 Theory I. Call the School of Music at 703-993-1380 for additional information.
Competency placement tests are required of all transfer students who wish to present transfer credit in any of the following areas: aural skills and keyboard skills.
Students must earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in their major or higher, if required by their program.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
Mason requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their major at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in music may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing MUSI 332. Students who transfer this course into Mason may be required to repeat it or enroll in some other suitable course to fulfill the writing intensive requirement.
Teacher Licensure
Undergraduate students seeking certification to teach vocal and choral or instrumental music at the elementary and secondary levels must earn the BM degree as specified under Concentration in Music Education section in this chapter. Students who have earned a baccalaureate degree and are seeking state licensure to teach music must also complete this sequence of courses, which constitute a state-approved program for teacher education in music.
Graduate Certificates
Instrumental Performance Artist Graduate Certificate
The certificate is a specialized, graduate-level program for advanced musicians who desire to further develop and refine their performance art. The certificate program is a two-year course of study requiring at least two consecutive semesters of residence. A total of 32 credits is required. Advisor’s approval is required for each semester’s enrollment.
Piano Performance Artist Certificate
The certificate is a specialized, graduate-level program for advanced musicians who desire to further develop and refine their performance art. The certificate program is a two-year course of study requiring at least two consecutive semesters of residence. A total of 32 credits is required. Advisor’s approval is required for each semester’s enrollment.
Vocal Performance Artist Graduate Certificate
The certificate is a specialized, graduate-level program for advanced musicians who desire to further develop and refine their performance art. The certificate program is a two-year course of study requiring at least two consecutive semesters of residence. A total of 32 credits is required. Advisor’s approval is required for each semester’s enrollment.
Graduate Programs
The PhD in music education and the doctor of musical arts degree require 60 credits beyond the master’s degree in music.
Music, MM
The expansion of professional education in the arts is paramount for the growth and development of a rich and vital cultural community and a supporting network of individual artists. The dynamics of contemporary society suggest that the influence of the arts on public life will continue to expand well into the 21st century. Each year, opportunities increase for creative work by performers, composers, sculptors, painters, dancers, actors, historians, theoreticians, and musicologists.
The MM degree is offered as an educational channel to meet the intellectual and career needs of qualified students. It is a comprehensive and advanced program of study with a choice of concentrations in performance, music education, composition, conducting, jazz studies, and pedagogy. The MM with a concentration in music education does not provide licensure to teach music in public or private schools.
PhD in Music Education
The PhD in music education, a research-intensive degree, focuses on the gathering, processing, and interpretation of information. Students in the PhD program take seminars and topics courses in music education, as well as research courses through the College of Education and Human Development. PhD graduates are expected to demonstrate the ability to communicate significant concepts of music education.
Doctor of Music Arts
The doctor of musical arts concentrations are composition, conducting, and performance. While these concentrations share some of the required course work, each is also distinct in course requirements. Professional musicians earn the DMA to enhance and extend their knowledge and practice within their area of specialization. The DMA student focuses on the profession of music performance, as well as the theory and practice of the discipline.
Academic Policies
Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts academic policies.
Undergraduate Degree
Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Minor
Undergraduate Minor
Master's Degree
Master's Level Certificate
Doctoral Degree
■ Theater
Performing Arts Building, Room A407
Phone: 703-993-1120
Web: theater.gmu.edu
Faculty
Ken Elston, Chair
Professors: D’Andrea (Robinson Professor), Davis, McDonald
Associate Professors: Austin, Elston, Gero, Johnsen-Neshati, Kurtz
Term Associate Professor: Chew
Adjunct Faculty: Cadby, Cetron, Dunayer, Gaines, Lechter, Lee, Maier, McManus, Mountain, Murray, Nanni-Messegee, Wallace
Course Work
The Theater Department offers all course work designated THR in the Courses chapter of this catalog.
Undergraduate Programs
The Theater Department offers BA and BFA degrees, both requiring completion of 120 hours of course work. Entrance into either program is by interview and audition or portfolio review. Information about the audition, portfolio review and interview process, including dates, can be found on the department web page, theater.gmu.edu/admissions or by calling the department office at 703-993-1120. Admission to the University is determined by the Admissions Office.
The department aims to prepare students for graduate study or entry into the profession through rigorous, concentrated, and individualized training; however, students are encouraged to maintain wide-ranging interests within the department and throughout the university’s extensive offerings.
Students seeking to earn a BA or BFA as a second bachelor’s degree, either concurrently or sequentially, must complete all theater degree requirements. Students must earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in their major.
Theater BA
Theater majors organize their advanced work within the major to include classes in at least two areas of emphasis including Performance, Design and Technical Theater, and Theater Studies.
Theater BA Concentrations
Theater majors may apply to complete their Bachelor of Arts degree in one of the following concentrations: Design and Technical Theater, Performance (Acting and Directing), Playwriting and Dramaturgy, Teaching Theatre Arts PK-12, or Theater Studies. University application deadlines and a link to the application form can be found on the department web page, theater.gmu.edu/admissions or by calling the department office at 703-993-1120.
Theater BFA Concentrations
In addition to the general education requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree, Theater Bachelor of Fine Arts majors must complete a minimum of 80 hours in the major: 32 credits of required core courses and 48 hours in a concentration. Concentrations are: Design for Stage and Screen, Performance for Stage and Screen (Acting and Directing), Writing and Dramaturgy for Stage and Screen.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated writing-intensive in their major at the 300 level or above. Students seeking a BA in theater fulfill this requirement by successfully completing THR 350 or THR 482.
Certification for Teaching Theatre Arts PK-12
The Teaching Theatre Arts PK-12 concentration is approved by the Virginia State Department of Education and administered through the College of Education and Human Development, which is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Minimum scores on the Praxis I and VCLA tests must be achieved before state licensure is granted.
Students must be formally accepted into the Teaching Theatre Arts PK-12 concentration. See Teaching Theatre Arts PK-12 concentration for a complete list of requirements.
Production Opportunities
Participation in Theater at Mason productions is expected of all declared majors.
All Theater majors must enroll in THR 191 each semester. It is a zero (0) credit class, graded S/NC, that is successfully completed by attending productions, guest lectures, workshops; participation in production load-in; and participation in production strike.
Students must also earn four (4) practicum credits, one (1) credit for satisfactory completion (a minimum of 30 hours) of each of four (4) performance and production assignments in the major, including faculty or guest-directed Mason Players Mainstage, and student-directed Studio productions.
All freshmen, first year transfer, and new Theater majors must register for one (1) THR 198 credit and one (1) THR 199 credit during their first academic year.
Assignments for THR 196 and THR 197 will include a presentation of portfolio documents demonstrating a practical analysis of the role, design, or support position to subject area mentors.
- THR 196 assignments including actor, designer, assistant designer, stage manager, and assistant stage manager.
- THR 197 assignments include director, assistant director, dramaturg, master electrician, technical director, playwright, house management, and publicity.
- THR 198 assignments include scenery construction and painting, costume construction, electrician, and props.
- THR 199 assignments include stage crew, light board operator, sound board operator, wardrobe, and fly crew.
Unless registered for a Theater course approved as directly connected to production (i.e. THR 196-199, 492 or 495) all students (including non-Theater majors) electing to participate in a Theater at Mason production must register for THR 200 concurrent with participation.
Theater Honors Program
Highly qualified students who have completed 75 credits may pursue advanced work leading to graduation with honors in the major. Students apply for Honors in Theater by submitting to the Chair (by November 15 or April 15) a two-page written statement outlining their reasons for pursuing advanced coursework and specific professional goals, along with the names of two Mason theater faculty members who have agreed to serve as references.
Students satisfy the honors course sequence by taking three Honors specific courses from their chosen concentration. They must also maintain an overall GPA of 3.50 and a GPA of 3.75 within the major.
Academic Policies
Please see College of Visual and Performing Arts academic policies.
Undergraduate Degree
Undergraduate Minor
Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program
Master's Level Certificate
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