Theatre Arts - MFA

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Caine College of the Arts

Department of Theatre Arts

Total Required Graduate Credits: 60

Committee Requirements

Total Required Graduate Credits: 60

Degree Verification

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or a similarly recognized international university is required for admission to and completion of a graduate program.

Overall Graduate GPA at least 3.0 and no grades of B- or lower;

Graduate students are required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA for degree-program courses. Grades of B- or lower will not be accepted for a graduate degree.

Matriculation Start Semester

A master’s of fine arts degree must be completed within six years of entering the degree program. Additional time may be requested by the student’s committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review.

Coursework Validity

Coursework over eight years old at the time of degree completion may not be used for a graduate degree unless it is revalidated.

USU Residency Requirement

Master’s of Fine Arts

At least 30 semester credits for a Master’s of Fine Arts degree must be taken from Utah State University and be part of an approved Program of Study. At least three semesters, two of which must be consecutive, of full-time registration in residence at Utah State University, is required.

Committee Requirements

During (or upon the completion of) the first semester of this degree, the student will:

Nominate an MFA Supervisory Committee of at least three members (one from outside of the Theatre Design area) and submit the list of members to the Department Head for approval.
Submit the Department Head approved Committee to the Graduate School for approval.
Schedule a Supervisory Committee meeting.
Develop a 3-year Program of Study with the approval of the Supervisory Committee.
Thesis/Project Approval

Prior to graduation, the student will:

Complete all courses and requirements as determined by the Supervisory Committee.
Earn successful MFA Continuance Evaluation ratings.
Successfully complete an MFA Plan-B Defense process with the Supervisory Committee.
Successfully complete Appointment for Examination.
Submit successful Record of Examination.
Successful SGS and Library review and approval.

Thesis/Dissertation Research Credits 6970

Plan B students:

A Plan B option requires the production and defense of a paper or project, depending on the department and program. A minimum of two credits of thesis research (6970) are required, but no more than three thesis research credits can be included in an approved Program of Study. Some degree programs require creative project credits in addition to or in place of research.

Required Courses

Introductory Course - Taken during the first semester

THEA 6010 - Introduction to Graduate Study in Theatre 1 credit(s)

Advanced Literature Courses (6 credits)

THEA 6710 - Contemporary Theatre Studies 2 credit(s)
THEA 6720 - Specialized Theatre History and Literature Topics 2 credit(s)

Advanced Design Courses (in areas of specialization) (select 20 credits)

THEA 6500 - Drafting for Theatre 2 credit(s)
THEA 6520 - Advanced Costume Design for Theatre 2 credit(s)
THEA 6530 - Specialized Theatre Props and Crafts 2 credit(s)
THEA 6540 - Advanced Lighting for Theatre Design 2 credit(s)
THEA 6550 - Rendering in Theatre Design 2 credit(s)
THEA 6555 - Scene Painting 2 credit(s)
THEA 6560 - Advanced Scene Design for Theatre 2 credit(s)
THEA 6565 - Historic Styles: Interiors & Architecture 2 credit(s)
THEA 6570 - Historic Clothing 2 credit(s)
THEA 6580 - Computer Design in Theatre 2 credit(s)
THEA 6900 - Research Studies 1-4 credit(s)
THEA 6910 - Graduate Studies in Theatre 1-6 credit(s)
THEA 6960 - Special Topics in Theatre Production 2 credit(s)

Cognate Skill Coursework (6 credits)

A minimum of two courses (6 credits) is required to develop skills or increase knowledge in a field related to the area of specialization. Courses are subject to approval by the Graduate Study Committee. Students in any of the Design or Advanced Technical Practice specializations will take courses in: art, engineering and technology education, welding, furniture construction or cabinetry, or landscape architecture. Students may petition to take coursework in other disciplines, upon justification of relevance to the course of study.

Design Studies (complete 2 credits each semester) (8 credits)

THEA 6590 - Design Studies for Theatre 2 credit(s)

Graduate Projects (8-10 credits)

THEA 6920 - Graduate Projects in Theatre 2-3 credit(s)

Theatre Internship (6 credits)

THEA 6980 - Theatre Internship 2-8 credit(s)
Two internships are required, taken during summers at recognized professional theatre companies. All internships must be approved by the Supervisory Committee. Application for the internship must be approved and submitted to the Theatre Department prior to accepting the internship. A letter of satisfactory performance from the appropriate company supervisor and other required documentation should be submitted to the department at the end of the internship.

Culminating Courses taken during the final semester (1-3 credits)

THEA 6970 - Thesis 1-3 credit(s) (3 credits required)

Note:

The option to cancel a student project, or to allow work to proceed but disqualify it as an MFA project based upon insufficient preparation or validity, rests with the department’s Graduate Study Committee, the student’s Supervisory Committee chairperson (advisor), and the Artistic Director of Utah State Theatre. This rule is designed to protect the priorities of the department and the integrity of its productions.