MFA Program
Degree Conferred: M.F.A. (DRAM)
Prerequisites to the Degree Program
A student entering graduate studies in the Department of Drama should have a bachelor's degree in drama or a completed BA in another field and a minimum of 24 semester hours in undergraduate drama/theatre credit. In the event a student does not satisfy this requirement, the student and an adviser will assess the student's needs and establish a plan of study which will prepare the student for advanced degree work. Before being granted full admission, the student must take the Graduate Record Examination. The test should be taken prior to the beginning of graduate studies.
Requirements for the Master of Fine Arts Degree
The Master of Fine Arts Degree in Drama is considered to be the terminal degree in the creative and performance aspects of Drama. It is awarded in recognition of professional-level achievement in drama as evidenced by successful fulfillment of a prescribed series of creative and academic requirements.
Admission procedures
In addition to meeting the prerequisite requirements described above, all M.F.A. degree applicants will present an audition and/or portfolio for assessment and evaluation prior to consideration for acceptance.
Degree requirements
The Master of Fine Arts degree requires 60 hours of approved graduate-level coursework that is focused in one of three study tracks: Performance (Acting and Directing), Design (Lighting, Scene, and Costume) or Playwriting. Specific course requirements and related production requirements are determined in conference with the particular track advisor. All students will produce a thesis (6 hours credit) prior to graduation. This thesis will take the form of a performance, design, or playwriting project with appropriate written research and documentation to support it. Both the proposed thesis project and the final product shall be subject to review and approval by the student's thesis committee.
Each student will be reviewed annually. Departmental faculty will determine whether sufficient progress has been made, artistically and academically, to warrant continuation into subsequent year of study and eventual graduation.
A final examination will be administered to all graduating MFA students. This examination will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of theatre at a level appropriate to those who have reached the end of their particular course of studies.
Transfer of credit may be considered for those students entering the M.F.A. program and to those already holding the M.A. degree in Drama. However, a minimum of 42 hours of graduate-level courses and four (4) regular semesters must be completed on the Fayetteville campus.
Departmental requirements may be waived by the faculty in Drama only upon receipt of evidence of equivalent learning or skill resulting from earlier education or experience. Students not holding a Bachelor's degree in Drama may be required to take supplemental coursework and/or demonstrate proficiency in the creative areas of Drama.
