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Dance (Interdisciplinary Digital Media and Performance), MFA

Would you like to advance your knowledge of new media practices and dance? Through interdisciplinary coursework and research, you'll examine and explore the interconnections between movement and new technology.

Performers pose on a stage, demonstrating the field explored in the Dance (Interdisciplinary Digital Media and Performance), MFA.

Quick facts

Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

This program is not currently accepting applications.

Program description

The Master of Fine Arts program in dance with a concentration in interdisciplinary digital media and performance is typically completed during three years of residency.

The program offers you the chance to be a part of a select group of graduate students with a rigorous and in-depth opportunity to specialize in dance and transdisciplinary technology. Classes and research activities offered by The Game School; the Herberger Institute experience; and the School of Music, Dance and Theatre provide the springboard for you to advance your practice and research. If you have a transdisciplinary and cross-cultural approach, are self-motivated, have clear and demonstrated objectives, and are willing to explore new possibilities in the field of dance and beyond, this program is are ideal.

You develop creative work, scholarship and research that represents your unique perspective as a creative, thinker, teacher and arts advocate. Frequent showings are required for degree completion.

Why specialize in interdisciplinary digital media and performance at ASU?

You can learn from internationally recognized artists, educators and scholars who guide your artistic growth, and tap into a network of alumni, internships, residencies and partnerships that reach across the arts and wellness sectors. You can tailor your focus toward choreography, performance, teaching, administration or interdisciplinary practice, shaping a pathway that fits your goals.

As a graduate student, you have the opportunity to apprentice with faculty, and teaching assistantships are available on a case-by-case basis to help pay for your degree program. Pursue a praxis certificate along with your degree to receive credentialing for teaching in K-12 schools.

Curriculum

This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:

60 credit hours and a portfolio

The degree program involves three years of residency:

a final MFA portfolio (8 credit hours)
a written document
an oral defense
required coursework in the concentration taught by the School of Arts, Media and Engineering (18 credit hours)
electives (15 credit hours)
required courses in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre (19 credit hours)
ongoing showings of work

The current MFA program is completed during three years of residency in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre. Ongoing showings of creative work are required. Foundational coursework is offered in areas of creative practice, movement practices, professional development, technology and theory.

Students enrolled in the program specialize in areas related to independent research. The MFA portfolio acts as the culminating experience for the program and may involve producing original choreography or presenting a lecture demonstration on a body of research. Completing the process are a presentation, a final written document that is reflective in nature, and an oral defense.

Additional information on requirements for this degree is available on the curriculum check sheet located on the Music, Dance and Theatre graduate degree page.


What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Students will be able to apply advanced knowledge of media applications to live dance performances, installations and alternative creative outputs.
  • Students will implement relevant practical and theoretical frames for the creation, performance, embodied experience and teaching of dance.
  • Students will develop creative and movement inquiry and research processes relevant to dance and digital media.

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. School of Music, Dance and Theatre application including a personal statement, teaching sample, recent creative work and a current resume
  4. letters of recommendation
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

All applicants should thoroughly review the application materials and deadlines on the school's admission website.

Application deadlines

Fall
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person 02/01 Final*

*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Career opportunities

Careers this interdisciplinary digital media and performance concentration prepares you for

Graduates have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings and industries, including higher education, digital media and arts programs, media production companies, commercial dance venues, arts organizations, dance production, and performance settings. For some, the degree serves as preparation for the study of dance or other disciplines at the Doctor of Philosophy level.

Dance interdisciplinary media artists are empowered to secure employment at diverse international venues and events, and many work abroad as independent multimedia artists and performers, digital media consultants and specialists. In addition to working in traditional performance spaces and venues, dance media artists are finding employment opportunities in rapidly evolving global digital performance and entertainment spaces.

Opportunities may include positions that involve:

  • choreography, dance film or installation art
  • community and social engagement
  • curation and archives
  • dance lighting, stage production, sound design and technology
  • education
  • research and scholarship
  • interactive performance art
  • intermedia specialist
  • performing artist and entrepreneurship
  • research and scholarship
Number 2 in the U.S. for employability among public universities. ASU ahead of UCLA, University of Michigan and Purdue. Global Employability University Ranking and Survey, 4 years, 2023 to 2026.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

School of Music, Dance and Theatre | MUSIC E167
MDTAdmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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