Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.F.A. in Dance
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.F.A. in Dance at UB is a 60-credit hour program that provides intensive training in performance, choreography, pedagogy, history, theory, and technology. It focuses on developing students' abilities as artists, dance makers, educators, writers, innovators, scholars, and leaders within the dance world. The program is built around embodied inquiry and a strong research component, culminating in a thesis concert that showcases the student's unique choreographic voice and scholarly reflection.
Curriculum: The 60-credit M.F.A. curriculum includes core requirements across several key areas: physical practice (technique), artistic creation (dance making), pedagogy (teaching), history, research and theory, applied anatomy and theories of the body, and design and technology. Students are required to take advanced courses in various dance techniques, participate in a multi-semester "Dance Making" series to explore choreography, and engage with core seminars in dance theory, aesthetics, criticism, and embodied research. All M.F.A. students gain practical teaching experience through "Dance Teaching Seminar" and "Supervised Teaching" (for those without a TA position). Electives allow students to explore secondary areas of study in consultation with their advisors, which can include other departments like Anthropology, Media Study, English, Biology, or even transdisciplinary areas like somatics or queer studies. The program culminates with three comprehensive exam questions to complement the creative thesis concert, which requires students to create an original 20-minute dance work.
Research Focus: The M.F.A. in Dance at UB is deeply rooted in practice-based research and embodied inquiry. Students are encouraged to develop their unique research projects through choreographic creation and performance. The program's core curriculum includes seminars in "Creative Process and Embodied Research" and requires a substantial body of written work through comprehensive exams that contextualize the student's creative thesis historically, politically, and socially. Faculty research interests span diverse areas such as dance pedagogy, performance studies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the exploration of new movement vocabularies and theoretical frameworks. The culminating thesis concert is a significant research endeavor, requiring students to synthesize their skills, demonstrate mastery of craft, and articulate a deeply informed personal aesthetic.
Industry Engagement: UB's M.F.A. in Dance program fosters strong connections with the professional dance world through various experiential learning opportunities. Students have numerous opportunities to perform, design, and manage productions within the department's full season of dance concerts, musicals, and plays. The program brings in nationally and internationally recognized guest artists and choreographers for residencies, providing students with exposure to diverse artistic practices and networking opportunities. While specific formal internships may not be a universal requirement for the M.F.A., the emphasis on professional performance, choreographic presentation, and practical teaching experience directly prepares graduates for careers in dance companies, independent artistry, and educational institutions.
Global Perspective: The M.F.A. in Dance at UB cultivates a global perspective through its engagement with a broad range of dance forms, historical contexts, and theoretical approaches. The curriculum encourages students to explore diverse dance traditions and methodologies, reflecting the interconnectedness of global dance practices. The university's overall commitment to internationalization, attracting a diverse student body and faculty from around the world, further enriches the learning environment by exposing students to varied cultural perspectives on movement, performance, and artistry. Opportunities for research and engagement with guest artists with international backgrounds also contribute to a holistic and globally informed understanding of dance.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Dance from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) is a terminal degree that signifies mastery in the art form. This intensive program develops highly skilled dance artists, choreographers, educators, and scholars through a blend of rigorous practice, theoretical inquiry, and creative research. Graduates emerge not only as exceptional performers and creators but also as critical thinkers and articulate communicators, prepared to lead and innovate within the dynamic global dance field and beyond.
University Professor / Lecturer (Dance): The M.F.A. is typically the terminal degree required for teaching at the college or university level. Graduates can pursue careers as dance professors, teaching technique, choreography, dance history, theory, and performance studies, while also continuing their creative and scholarly research.
Professional Choreographer: With advanced training in dance making and embodied research, graduates are well-equipped to create original dance works for professional companies, theatrical productions, film, television, or as independent artists. They develop unique artistic voices and production skills.
Professional Dancer / Performer: While many professional dancers begin performing earlier, an M.F.A. can elevate one's technical and artistic prowess, leading to performance opportunities with established dance companies, in musical theater, commercial dance, or as a solo artist. The critical and theoretical grounding also informs a more nuanced performance.
Dance Educator (Studio / K-12): Graduates are highly qualified to teach dance technique, composition, and performance in private studios, community centers, or K-12 educational settings (often requiring additional state certification). They can develop curricula and nurture the next generation of dancers.
Artistic Director / Associate Artistic Director: With a comprehensive understanding of creative vision, production, and company management, graduates can lead dance companies or ensembles. This role involves setting the artistic direction, selecting repertoire, managing dancers, and overseeing productions.
Arts Administrator / Program Manager (Dance): The M.F.A. hones organizational, communication, and leadership skills valuable in arts administration. Graduates can work for dance companies, performing arts centers, festivals, or non-profit arts organizations, managing programs, grants, marketing, and community engagement.
Dance Movement Therapist (with additional certification): For those interested in the therapeutic applications of dance, the M.F.A. provides a strong foundation in movement. With further specialized training and certification, graduates can become dance/movement therapists, using movement as a therapeutic tool for physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being in clinical settings.
Dance Notator / Archivist: Graduates with a deep understanding of dance history, technique, and structure can work to document and preserve dance works using notation systems (like Labanotation or Benesh Movement Notation) or by creating archival records, contributing to the historical memory of dance.
Dance Critic / Writer / Scholar: The rigorous training in critical analysis, theory, and writing prepares graduates to become dance critics for publications, scholarly writers contributing to academic journals, or authors of books on dance history, theory, or biography.
Movement Director (Theatre/Film): Graduates can apply their choreographic and movement expertise to theatre, film, or television productions, coaching actors on physical presence, staging movement sequences, or developing specialized movement for characters or scenes.
