Prospective students must apply through the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS (Centralized Application Service).
In addition to the university graduate admission requirements, the Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Dance program requires the following. We do not require GRE scores.
Statement of Purpose
Your 300-500 word statement of purpose should be a brief, autobiographical statement that details the development of your interest in the M.F.A. in Dance program at Texas A&M, including the area of focus you are interested in (choreography and performance, dance science and wellness, higher education). Statements of intent are used to gauge whether an applicant will be a good fit in the program based on interests and prior experiences.
Strong statements of purpose demonstrate an applicant’s motivation and communication skills. Aim to make a clear and compelling case for your interest in this program as well as how the course of study, faculty mentors and resources align with your trajectory and career goals. Any relevant work or volunteer experience, awards, performances or publications should be woven into this narrative.
Please upload your statement to the Texas A&M GraduateCAS.
Resume/Curricular Vitae
Your resume should outline your academic background and accomplishments, including (if applicable) awards, scholarships, conference presentations, performances and publications.
Video Sampling
You should provide two links to video samplings showcasing performance, choreography and/or instruction of a lecture about dance or movement class. One link/video sampling must be of choreography or performance. The second link can be an additional sampling of choreography or performance or a video of your instruction of a lecture on any dance topic or a movement class. Be sure the video instruction is clear and audible including corrections and instruction.
Please upload your links to the Texas A&M GraduateCAS.
Upon initial review, potential candidates will be invited to attend an in-person or digital audition.
Three Letters of Recommendation
You should provide contact information for three references from individuals who are familiar with your academic achievement and potential. If you have been out of school for a number of years and are unable to contact former professors, you may submit nonacademic references (e.g., employers).
Your referees will submit an evaluation and letter directly to the application system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that recommenders submit their letters by the application deadline. Applicants can access the electronic letter of recommendation system available via the Texas A&M GraduateCAS.
English Language Proficiency Verification
International applicants must verify their English language proficiency by submitting one of the following:
- A TOEFL score of at least 80 on TOEFL iBT (550 paper-based)
- An IELTS score of at least 6.0
- A GRE verbal reasoning score of at least 146 (400 on the old scale)
- A GMAT verbal score of at least 22
- A PTE academic score of at least 53
Unofficial scores can be uploaded to the GraduateCAS portal. Official scores should be sent by the testing service directly to the Office of Admissions.
Citizens of certain countries are exempt from the verification requirement.
An international graduate student holding a master’s degree, or completing all years of a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution located in the U.S., qualifies for alternative verification.
Admission for Current Texas A&M Undergraduate Students or Former Dance Students
Current undergraduate Texas A&M University students or former dance students at Texas A&M University may be selected for automatic admission into the M.F.A. in Dance program based on the following criteria:
- Undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: Dance Science track OR Bachelor of Science in Dance Science with a minor in Choreography.
- Minimum 3.25 GPA at Texas A&M University.
Contact
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the academic program and Associate Professor Carisa Armstrong at carisa-armstrong@tamu.edu.