Contemporary Dance, MA
Degree: Master of Arts (MA)
Field of Study: Contemporary Dance
Program Overview
Although the graduate dance program is geared toward the Master of Fine Arts degree, all graduate students begin in the Master of Arts program. Advancement to the MFA program can occur upon faculty recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies in the third or fourth semester. The coursework for the 30-credit-hour MA may be similar to that for the Master of Fine Arts, though not as extensive. The candidate’s program of study will be designed by the primary dance faculty. The School of Graduate Studies and the Department of Dance, in accordance with the Ohio Department of Education, require a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
Graduate Policies
For graduate policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.
Program Requirements
MA candidates must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, following a program similar to that suggested below. The principal faculty advisor may suggest modifications.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Technique Classes: | 12 | |
| Advanced Contemporary Dance Technique I and Advanced Contemporary Dance Technique II | ||
| Fourth-Year Contemporary Dance Technique I and Fourth-Year Contemporary Dance Technique II | ||
| Ballet Technique for Contemporary Dance Students I and Ballet Technique for Contemporary Dance Students II | ||
| Choreography: | 9 | |
| The Craft of Choreography | ||
| Choreography and Music | ||
| Choreography and Theatrical Elements | ||
| Dance Science: | 4-5 | |
| Topics in Dance Medicine, Science, and Wellness | ||
| Additional core courses, one or more courses by advisement: | 3-6 | |
| Contemporary Dance Pedagogy | ||
| History of Modern Dance | ||
or DANC 424 | Dance Production Resources | |
| Thesis or Research: | 3 | |
| Special Projects | ||
or DANC 644 | M.A. Project | |
| Eurhythmics | 2 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 33-37 | |
The program recommends the School of Graduate Studies' plan B, with requirements including a non-performance, non-production thesis on a topic approved by the primary program faculty. The thesis must be a substantial contribution to the field, with potential for publication or presentation. The MA thesis must be completed no later than one academic year beyond the completion of the course requirements.