Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance
Our Graduate DegreesProgram Overview
The Master of Fine Arts in Dance at the University of New Mexico is a three-year terminal degree for artists pursuing advanced creative and professional development in choreography, performance, teaching, and research. Grounded in sustained choreographic practice, the program supports individualized graduate study through close faculty mentorship and rigorous artistic inquiry. Students develop original creative work throughout the degree, including choreographing multiple works each year and, in the final year, creating and presenting a full evening-length project supported by written documentation. The program welcomes artists working in a range of dance forms and movement practices. At UNM, contemporary dance and flamenco hold a particularly significant place in the department’s artistic and pedagogical life.
MFA Dance Admission Requirements
All questions should be directed to: (505) 277-4332
(your call will be directed to appropriate advisor)
e-mail: theatre@unm.edu or dance@unm.edu
If you wish to be considered for financial aid the deadline is February 1.
To receive an early response, applicants are encouraged to submit a complete application as early as possible.
International applicants require additional materials and are processed through The University of New Mexico’s International Admissions Office. Call (505) 277-5829 or e-mail: goglobal@unm.edu for more information.
Programs in the Department of Theatre and Dance are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) and the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).
To enter the program, the student should have completed an undergraduate major in theatre or dance or have taken a minimum of 24 hours in Theatre and/or Dance, including History, Criticism, Dramatic Literature, Directing, Playwriting, Choreography, Technical Theatre and Performance. However, students with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines are eligible for admittance. Contact the Department for information.
The student applying for admission should obtain a Self-Managed Application from the Office of Admissions:
Call: (505) 277-4332
Online application form: http://ogs.unm.edu (click forms)
Other application materials required by the department:
• Three letters of recommendation
• Academic/scholarly writing sample
For the M.F.A. in Dance–
• A 12-minute video of recent choreography or dance performance work, submitted through vimeo or other easily accessed media
Dance Graduate Programs Coordinator
Ninoska M’bewe Escobar, PH.D.
(505) 277-4332
nescobar2@unm.edu
New students accepted Fall Semester only. Application Deadlines: postmarked no later than Feb.1 for financial aid and no later than Apr. 15 if spaces remain.
How to Apply
• All students must be admitted to the University, whether as an incoming freshman, transfer student, or non-degree student. Apply online through the Admissions Department at UNM
•After meeting all CFA admission requirements, students must apply to become a declared major.
Academic Advisement
The College of Fine Arts Student Success & Advisement Center is committed to serve the UNM community with compassion, guidance, and respect as we promote academic excellence.
To speak with a CFA advisor, please call (505) 277-4817.