Master of Arts
Mission Statement
The mission of the Master of Arts degree is to provide a broad-based curriculum in the fine arts that enhances skills and concepts in theatre, music, and visual art. The program is designed to help foster individual research and development through creative experiences and interconnectivity of fine arts areas.
Entrance Requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate students the following is required for students entering the Master of Arts program.
- Completion of an appropriate accredited undergraduate degree or the equivalent is required for graduate study in Fine Arts.
- Admission to graduate study shall be granted on critical examination of the academic record; the content of courses taken; and original compositions, papers, a performance audition, portfolio review, and/or professional experience as appropriate.
- All students admitted to graduate study in Fine Arts shall demonstrate at least baccalaureate level competence in those areas considered common to all undergraduate study.
- All students admitted to graduate study shall demonstrate sufficient knowledge and skill in English to pursue the required studies.
- Each candidate must write a supportive statement about the candidate’s specific goals for the M.A. program.
- Candidates must have a minimum average of 3.0 in fine arts areas on a 4.0 scale.
- All candidates must schedule a personal interview with the graduate fine arts committee.
Music Track
Enrollment in the Master of Arts-Music Track is suspended for the 2015-2016 academic year.
- Entrance auditions and examinations appropriate to the goals and objectives of the graduate program as a whole and each specific track are required. The following shall be required as applicable to the student area of interest for the degree program:
- Music Theory – Entrance Examination
- Music History – Entrance Examination
- Composition or Arranging – Portfolio required
- Music Technology – Basic computer proficiency
- Conducting – DVD/Video
- Performance – Personal audition (DVD by permission)
Deficiencies : Students admitted with deficiencies are required to remove them early in their programs. Deficiencies shall be removed by successfully passing the following courses as applicable: Theory Overview and/or History Overview; these courses shall not count towards the minimum credit hours required for the M.A. in Music graduate degree program.
Faculty Involvement : The competency levels examined, whether in general or for specific programs, will be determined by general agreement among the graduate music faculty. Faculty consensus concerning the policies and procedures in this regard is considered essential since such examinations may be used as placement and/or entrance criteria.
Studio Art Track
- The applicant for the Master of Arts must submit a CD/DVD, slides, or portfolio of 20 works of visual arts.
Theatre and the Dramatic Arts Track
Enrollment in the Master of Arts-Theatre and the Dramatic Arts Track is suspended for the 2015-2016 academic year.
- Admission to graduate study shall be based on critical examination of the academic record; the content of courses taken; and original plays, papers, a performance audition; design portfolio; or professional experience.