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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
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2016-2017 University Catalog

Visual and Performing Arts, MFA

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Banner Code: AR-MFA-VPA
Web: cvpa.gmu.edu

College: College of Visual and Performing Arts  

The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts is a terminal degree which prepares students as professional artists and scholars who can work within their specialty and teach at the university level. Candidates are required to complete 60 credits, of which 30 are made up from core requirements. An additional 30 credits are based on concentration area and comprehensive experience. 

MFA concentrations include:

  • Dance
  • Graphic Design
  • Theater
  • Visual Art

Creative work and skill building are at the core of the study. The curriculum is designed for serious and talented students who are prepared to examine modes of creative inquiry in an inclusive, unique environment that promotes exploration, analysis, synthesis, and development as artists. 

While the faculty anticipate that students will work through their coursework as described in this catalog, individuals with extensive professional accomplishment may craft an individualized program that meets curricular requirements. Individualized programs require the recommendation of the Graduate Committee within the student’s respective school as well as the approval of the CVPA Associate Dean. 

▲ Concentration in Dance (DANC)

The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration 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. 

Admissions Requirements

All MFA applicants are required to submit the following items: 

  • Online Application and Fee
  • Official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Goals Statement

​The following should be sent directly to the School of Dance via SlideRoom:

  • 15-minute video of original choreography
  • Artistic Goals Statement
  • Resume
  • Applicant 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.

Qualified students will be invited for an audition after review of application materials.

Core Degree Requirements (30 credits)

Research Methods (3 credits):

 Graduate Seminar (2 credits):

Writing Seminar (3 credits):

Advanced Aesthetics (3 credits):

Studies in History/Theory/Contemporary Trend (3 credits):

 Teaching Practicum (3 credits):

Directed Reading (1 credit):

Project (6 credits): 

Thesis (6 credits):

Concentration Requirements (30 credits)

▲Concentration in Graphic Design (GD)

The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Graphic Design offers students a comprehensive study and preparation for the graphic design profession. The program includes courses in typography, web design, image making, and brand design, as well as prepares students for an academic career in Graphic Design. The broad range of study is intended to develop professionals prepared for an ever-expanding graphic design field.

Admissions Requirements

All MFA applicants are required to submit the following items: 

  • Online Application and Fee
  • Official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Goals Statement

Additional Requirements for Concentration in Graphic Design:

  • Portfolio 
  • Writing Sample: A critical and historical essay or academic paper on a design- (preferred) or art-related topic. 

Portfolio Guidelines

The applicant’s portfolio is a major selection criterion for graduate admission and should represent the applicant’s most accomplished work.

The portfolio and all other application materials should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions.  For more information, contact the School of Art office at 703-993-8898.

Portfolios should include 20 samples of design work submitted through SlideRoom. Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title, and date. Videos and Flash files (no more than 4 minutes for each section) must be playable through SlideRoom. In the case of collaborative work, the applicant’s role should be clearly stated. 

Core Degree Requirements (30 credits)

Research Methods (4 credits):

Graduate Seminar (5 credits):

Writing Seminar (4 credits):

Advanced Aesthetics (3 credits):

Studies in History/Theory/Contemporary Trend (2 credits):

 Teaching Practicum (2 credits):

Directed Reading (1 credit):

Project (6 credits): 

Thesis (3 credits):

Note:

AVT 796/798/799 involves a study of the historical basis for a studio project; an independent creative production suitable for public viewing; and a written thesis documenting the evolution of the creative problem and exploring the intention, purpose, and relative success of the finished project. 

Concentration Requirements (30 credits)

▲Concentration in Theater (THR)

The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Theater, is a terminal degree that prepares students to become professional artists, work in theater or arts-related fields, and teach at the university level. Theater MFA students are admitted to a specific emphasis: acting, design & technology, directing, musical theater, or playwriting & dramaturgy. Specific programs of study will be designed for each individual, based on previous experience and expertise.

Admissions Requirements

All MFA applicants are required to submit the following items: 

  • Online Application and Fee
  • Official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Goals Statement

Additional requirements for concentration in Theater: 

  • Portfolio
  • Interview or Audition

Diversity among students accepted for study is another consideration. Applicants with degrees in areas other than Theater are welcome, although they may be required to complete undergraduate endorsement core courses. Details available on School of Theater website.

Portfolio Guidelines

The applicant’s portfolio is a major selection criterion for graduate admission and should represent the applicant’s most accomplished work. The portfolio and all other application materials should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions. For more information, contact the School of Theater office at 703-993-1120. 

Portfolio requirements are different for each graduate area of emphasis and are listed below. Incomplete portfolios will not be considered. Applicants’ portfolio items are considered part of he application for admission and, thus, cannot be returned. Please do not send original materials. 

Portfolio requirements by area of emphasis

Design & Technology: One fully documented design in your area of emphasis (i.e. lighting, sound, scenery, costume, etc.). This may include: script analysis, research, renderings, paperwork, drafting, diagrams, sound clips and photographs of the production. Additional examples of design work and artistic vision may also be submitted. Guidelines available on School of Theater website. 

Playwriting & Dramaturgy: One to three writing samples, totaling no more than 25 pages. Playwrights should submit a one-page synopsis and dialogue sample. Dramaturgs may submit essays, reviews, or articles written for the general public, along with a cover letter addressing key areas of interest in the field. Guidelines available on School of Theater website. 

Directing: Applicants for the MFA with an emphasis in Directing must submit both a portfolio of produced work, as well as a directorial analysis of a play or opera. For the latter, include at least six visual images with annotation that support your ideas. Guidelines available on School of Theater website. 

Acting and Music Theater Performance: A three page written character analysis of one of the roles to be presented at auditions. Guidelines available on School of Theater website. Please see audition requirements.

Audition Requirements

Acting: Applicants for the MFA with an emphasis in Acting must complete an audition for the program. Applicants should be prepared with three contrasting monologues. Two monologues will be required for the audition, and a third may be requested should additional material be needed. Please prepare both classical and contemporary work. Auditors will be looking for range, transformational potential, and vocal and physical expressiveness. 

Musical Theater: Applicants for the MFA with an emphasis in Musical Theater must complete an audition for the program. Applicants should be prepared with two songs and two monologues. Contrast between the pieces is essential. Please prepare both classical and contemporary work. Auditors will be looking for musical ability, range, transformational potential, vocal and physical expressiveness, dance and movement skills, and emotional honesty through text and song. An accompanist may be provided and requires a cash fee on the day of audition. This includes a brief rehearsal prior to appointment time. Those auditioning may provide their own accompanist. 

Core Degree Requirements (30 credits)

Research Methods (3 credits):

Graduate Seminar (2 credits):

Writing Seminar (3 credits):

Advanced Aesthetics (3 credits):

Studies in History/Theory/Contemporary Trend (6 credits):

Teaching Practicum (3 credits):

Directed Reading (1 credit):

Project (6 credits): 

Thesis (3 credits):

Concentration Requirements (30 credits)

Concentration Requirements for All Emphases (12 credits)

Track Requirements (3 credits)

In each area of emphasis, students must pick either a professional or academic track. Students in the professional track will complete at least three additional credits in practical production experience over and above the core in the following: 

Students in the academic track will complete at least three additional credits in practical teaching over and above the core in the following: 

 

Emphasis Requirements (15 credits)

With the approval of their mentor, students will have the flexibility to select courses from Emphasis areas:

Acting Emphasis
Design & Technology Emphasis
Directing Emphasis
Musical Theater Emphasis
Playwriting & Dramaturgy Emphasis

▲Concentration in Visual Art (VART)

The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Visual Arts, is a terminal degree that prepares students to become professional artists, work in technology or arts-related fields, and teach at the university level. Students select an emphasis in one of the following: New Media, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, or InterArts. Students have the opportunity to combine art forms in projects that may be installation, performance, publishing, time-based, or writing-based, and combine creative and critical approaches in their work.

Admissions Requirements

All MFA applicants are required to submit the following items: 

  • Online Application and Fee
  • Official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Goals Statement

Additional Requirements for Concentration in Visual Arts:

  • Portfolio 

Portfolio Guidelines

The applicant’s portfolio is a major selection criterion for graduate admission and should represent the applicant’s most accomplished work.

The portfolio and all other application materials should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions.  For more information, contact the School of Art office at 703-993-8898.

Portfolio requirements are different for each graduate area of emphasis and are listed below. Incomplete portfolios will not be considered.

Portfolio Requirements by Area of Emphasis

InterArts: 20 images submitted through SlideRoom.  Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title and date.  Videos and Flash files (no more than four minutes for each section) must be playable through SlideRoom.  In the case of collaborative work, the applicant’s role should be clearly stated.  If writing-based materials are submitted, they should be submitted in printed form.

New Media Arts: 20 images submitted through SlideRoom.  Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title and date.  Videos and Flash files (no more than four minutes for each section) must be playable through SlideRoom.  Only the relevant parts of the video should be marked for viewing, with the applicant’s role clearly stated.

Painting: 20 images  submitted through SlideRoom. Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title and date.

Photography: 20 images submitted through SlideRoom. Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title and date.

Printmaking: 20 images submitted through SlideRoom. Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title and date.

Sculpture: 20 images submitted through SlideRoom. Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title and date.

Core Requirements (30 credits)

Research Methods (3 credits):

 Graduate Seminar (6 credits):

Writing Seminar (3 credits):

Advanced Aesthetics (3 credits):

Studies in History/Theory/Contemporary Trend (3 credits):

 Teaching Practicum (2 credits):

Directed Reading (1 credit):

Project (6 credits): 

Thesis (3 credits):

Note:

AVT 796/798/799 involves a study of the historical basis for a studio project; an independent creative production suitable for public viewing; and a written thesis documenting the evolution of the creative problem and exploring the intention, purpose, and relative success of the finished project. 

Concentration Requirements (30 credits)

Areas of Emphasis

InterArts
  • 16 credits of any 500 - 600 level AVT course as approved by the division director. InterArts graduate students may combine courses from studio areas of emphasis (as indicated below) and work with faculty to design an interdisciplinary thesis project. 
New Media Art

Any of the following courses:

Painting
Photography
Printmaking
Sculpture

Total: 60 credits

Note:

Mason does not guarantee the availability of these courses every semester; some are offered in alternate years.

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