The MFA degree's 60-unit plan of study emphasizes choreographic exploration and presentation in addition to preparing students for teaching careers in higher education. The program provides MFA candidates with theoretical and practice-based study, teaching opportunities, production skills, and a thesis project focusing on the creation of original choreography. CSULB Dance has chosen to keep the MFA degree small and selective in order to provide students with ready resources and mentorship. We seek candidates whose experiences include professional-level investigation and choreography in dance beyond the baccalaureate level. Practitioners of any movement/dance genre are encouraged to apply to the M.F.A. in Dance degree program.

CSULB Dance works diligently to provide scholarships and award support for MFA candidates, including the endowed Celeste Kennedy Scholarship for Graduate Dance Study and other competitive and merit-based College of the Arts funding. MFA candidates with teaching experience may also earn income within the department by applying for part-time teaching positions beginning in their first year of study. MFA candidates are usually assigned general education and non-major technique classes, which are offered in a variety of genres, by the candidate's area of expertise and experience.

Program Learning Outcomes
Program graduates will have the ability to:

1. Craft dances that communicate a declared intention; skills include actualizing concepts, directing and collaborating with performers and contributors, processing feedback, implementing revisions, and ethically/critically considering the role of the work in the contemporary climate.
2. Produce their own dance works; students will demonstrate a working knowledge of lighting design, costume design, stage management, technical direction, house management, and/or public relations. Additionally, students will be able to work in collaboration with theater technicians and design professionals.
3. Articulate effectively in oral and written form their artistic and pedagogical goals/vision/philosophy, positioning them to work in higher education and/or the professional creative field.
4. Identify and characterize trends in the contemporary dance canon and articulate and advocate for the role of their work within the field.
5. Organize and communicate both practical and theoretical dance concepts in diverse pedagogical contexts, using knowledge gained via teaching practicum, internships, and the study of dance science.