MFA in Dance

 

MFA ADMISSIONS for 2026-2027 are now open. 

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The Hunter College MFA program in Dance is a highly selective program comprised of returning professional artist/educators seeking to investigate the role of dance in culture. This small, closely mentored community of inquiry meets in the intentional space that each cohort of experienced artists forges together. It provides MFA candidates with time to evaluate and redirect their career pathways and roles in the fields of dance and dance studies. Through a wide-ranging program of pedagogy, philosophy, research practices, history, studio practice, and public performances/presentations, the MFA remains rooted in a process-oriented mission. The MFA in Dance is considered a terminal degree in the field; it is the baseline qualifying credential for the college/university teaching job market for arts practitioners. A small group of (4-6) MFA candidates are selected per year to enter this challenging laboratory meant to "move the needle" on the place of dance in professional, academic and social realms. The MFA program enrolled its first students in 2018. 

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Admission Requirements & Process

Applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree in any subject, at least 5 years of post-collegiate, professional dance experience, and a clearly demonstrated career plan for which academic study of the art form is appropriate. All applicants are required to complete the online Hunter College graduate school application and submit an updated CV.

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Upon review of materials, select candidates will be invited to participate in a 45-minute virtual meeting for a presentation of the candidate's professional performance and creative career (20 min) and an interview by the selection committee about career goals (20 min). An additional request for written materials and an on-campus visit may follow. Further details for the presentation will be available after the candidate's application has been submitted. Admission will occur only for the fall semester. 

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The GRE exam is not required for application for the MFA/Dance Program. An undergraduate degree in Dance is desirable, but not required. Based assessment administered early in the course of study, undergraduate courses may be required to cover specific deficiencies in the student's preparation.

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Degree Overview

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The degree plan comprises courses in dance pedagogy, theory, criticism, aesthetics, history, research methods, cultural studies, physical training, and extensive creative work in performance and choreography. The capstone of the curriculum is the MFA project, an intensive research process culminating in the presentation of significant creative work and an accompanying paper.

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Requirements

The MFA program requires 60 credits and is a terminal degree. The program's standards are those articulated by the National Association of Schools of Dance. 12 Credits of existing graduate-level coursework can be transferred, allowing certain MFA students with a lighter curricular load. 

 

Note: Curriculum revisions, expected to be implemented FALL '26, are in YELLOW. For a draft of the Degree Map (semester distribution) Click HERE. 

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• Theory and Perspectives - 12 (15) credits

• Dance Technique - 11 (7) credits

• Creative Work - 11 (15) credits

• Pedagogy - 6 credits

• Major MFA project - 8 credits

• Electives - 12 (9) credits

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The 9 elective credits will make it possible for the student to possibly develop a secondary area of interest and expertise.

 

Curriculum Details

Pedagogy​

• DAN 75000 - Topics in Teaching for College/University (3 cr)

• DAN 76300 - Dance in Higher Ed (3)

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Theory/Context/Perspectives

• DAN 74000 - Aesthetics (3 cr)

• DAN 74200 - Graduate Dance History (3 cr)

• DAN 74400 - Modes of Inquiry (3 cr)

• DAN 74600 - Special Topics in Dance (3 cr)

• DAN 76200 - Critical Approaches to Contemporary Dance Studies (3)

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Dance Technique

• DAN 70100 - Dance Technique (4 cr–2 cr x 4) This will be an individualized program of dance technique focusing on personal interests and needs.

• DAN 70500 - Maintenance of the Dancer’s Instrument (3 cr)

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Creative Work

• DAN 73000 - Studies of Forms (6 cr–3 cr x 2)

• DAN 73300 - Process and Projects (3 cr)

• DAN 76100 - Constructing Repertory (3)

• ONE Film & Media IMA course (3)

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Electives

The 9 credits of electives are chosen from across the college curriculum in Dance or other departments, with permission. Credit for approved outside professional projects also count towards electives. 

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MFA Project

The MFA Thesis Project will be designed by each MFA candidate in close consultation with the MFA Thesis Project Advisor and MFA Director. 

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The MFA Project consists of:

• Approximately 20-40 minutes of new concert performance work, or a 15-20 minute screendance, or a form yet to be determined.

• Close interaction with faculty as aesthetic and compositional strategies are developed, clarified and implemented.

• Preparation of work for public presentation, collaboration with producing partners, including development of PR materials.

• Extensive (20-25 pages) written document designed to foster critical self-awareness, effective evaluation skills, and understanding of personal focus, context and functionality in the community of artists as well as the broader cultural landscape.

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Funding 

Through a generous gift from Nancy MacMillan and funding from The Hearst Foundation, MFA candidates are eligible for significant scholarship support (full in-state tuition) and living stipends. Through Hunter College Student Activities Funds, Dean's Office research grants, and other initiatives, MFAs may apply for project funding, as well. 

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The MFA Project consists of:

• Approximately 20-40 minutes of new concert performance work, or a 15-20 minute screendance, or a form yet to be determined.

• Close interaction with faculty as aesthetic and compositional strategies are developed, clarified and implemented.

• Preparation of work for public presentation, collaboration with producing partners, including development of PR materials.

• Extensive (20-25 pages) written document designed to foster critical self-awareness, effective evaluation skills, and understanding of personal focus, context and functionality in the community of artists as well as the broader cultural la