Admissions / Program Requirements
University Admission
In addition to Department of Dance admission, a student must also apply to and be accepted by the Office of Graduate Studies at Florida State University. It is crucial to proceed with university admission as quickly as possible. Please apply on-line at admissions.fsu.edu/gradapp/ or contact the University Admissions Office (850/644-3420) for more information. It is risky to wait to apply for FSU admission until after auditioning for the Dance Department. The university application deadline for fall admission has been as early as January.

FSU Office of Graduate Studies

Previous Degree Requirements
MFA dance applicants must have completed an undergraduate major in dance or have obtained an equivalent level of achievement. The department requires evidence of an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited/approved institution. The student’s ability to pursue graduate study will be assessed during the initial entrance audition and continuously throughout the program.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The GRE is not required for admission for those qualifying with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Any applicant without the GPA requirement must achieve a minimum score of 1,000 on the combined verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE.

Audition
A formal audition is required for admission into the MFA program. Students must register for one of the scheduled auditions held each year. Audition slots tend to fill quickly, so do not delay.
Audition Information

Writing Samples
The Department of Dance requires two writing samples of MFA candidates. These samples help faculty design the appropriate program of study and determine what remedial work, if any, is needed.

1. One sample of a previously written research paper should be mailed to the departmentby the application deadline on the MFA audition information sheet. This sample does not have to relate to dance.
2. The second sample will be written during the first day of the audition.

1. The MFA student is expected to achieve the high intermediate level (level II) in both ballet and contemporary dance by the end of two full semesters of work. (An abbreviated summer session is not applicable to this requirement.)
2. To graduate, the student must achieve the following proficiency by one semester prior to graduation:
   • Ballet III level and Contemporary Dance II level, or
   • Contemporary Dance III level and Ballet II level.
3. Certain options in the technique component may be appropriate when the student achieves the proficiency levels for graduation. These options are determined by faculty in consultation with the candidate; must be requested by the candidate in writing; and must be approved by the Assessment Committee. Returning professionals have flexibility in technique requirements, to be determined with faculty.

• Submit application for admission to Florida State University, which requires:
  - Graduate Record Exam scores (for those applicants lacking a 3.0 GPA)
  - All college transcripts 
• Submit Dance Major Audition Form by deadline given
  Needed materials:
  - Writing sample submitted with audition form (previously written re search paper)
  - 2-minute original solo prepared for audition (may bring CD for music)
• Receive confirmation letter for audition registration from Department of Dance before attending audition. Bring the letter to the audition. (If you have not received a letter one week before an audition date, contact us by calling us at 850.644.1023)
• Obtain appropriate dancewear for audition.
• Financial Aid (optional): Submit application for Graduate Apprenticeship-Assistantship Program. Arrange for the following to be sent to the Department of Dance:
  - Three letters of recommendation

1. Teaching Assistantships: To be eligible for an assistantship in technique (ballet or contemporary dance), the student must first successfully complete the apprenticeship program (see below).
2. Research Assistantships: These involve work in specialized areas such as costumes, publicity, production, etc. Applicants must demonstrate ability in their chosen area.