Theatre M.F.A. Distance Program
Upcoming Info Sessions
Join us for an informative Zoom session to learn about the distance MFA program offered by University of Idaho Theatre Arts.
- Wednesday, Sept. 25, 3:30-4:30pm PST
- Wednesday, Oct. 16, 3:30-4:30pm PST
- Wednesday, Nov. 13, 3:30-4:30pm PST
All sessions will take place on Zoom. Join here.
About the Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts (M.F.A.)
The Master of Fine Arts degree at University of Idaho is a rigorous two to three year, 60-72 credit degree designed for students wishing to prepare themselves for a career in the professional theatre in the areas of Dramatic Writing, Directing, Pedagogy, Stage Management or Design and Technology. The MFA is also the terminal degree expected for individuals teaching at the university or college level. Degree tracks in areas of design, directing, performance, playwriting and technical production are built around specific curriculum categories and individual courses are selected by the candidate in consultation with his or her major professor. Student progress is monitored by portfolio review or performance jury each semester. Exit procedures for the program include a creative project and comprehensive exam.
About Distance Learning
The Distance-ed programs offers learners a great degree of flexibility in earning their MFA, however, it also requires students who are independent thinkers and learners. While the program offers a weekly schedule of classes in which the students participate in group discussions guided by an instructor, approximately two-thirds of the coursework is comprised of one-on-one tutorials with your major professor, and student-driven directed study on specialized topics selected in consultation with your graduate committee. Students enrolled in the program are responsible for their own learning. You will often be expected to spend time in private study, engaged in reading, research, problem-solving and project development. Your major professor provides structure, guidance and feedback, but much of the program’s inherent flexibility comes from its students’ ability to be active learners and autodidacts who can keep to a timetable and deliver assignments on time.
MA to MFA Conversion
We offer the curriculum of the MFA in both a two-year and three-year option. If you already have earned an approved Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, you may be eligible for our MA to MFA Conversion, which allows up to 20 credits from your previous Master’s program to be applied to your course of study for the MFA.
Study Plan
Each student, once accepted, is responsible for developing a study plan, which can be thought of as a roadmap toward graduation. The study plan is filed with the College of Graduate Studies during your first semester in the program and must be approved by your major professor. Each semester, students in the distance-ed program typically enroll in a suite of courses from the following areas:
- History, Literature, Theory and Criticism (Total of 12 – 18 credits required)
- Practical Real-World/Experiential Learning (Total of 12 – 18 required)
- Self-Directed Study and Tutorials (Total of 12 -18 credits required)
- Self and Faculty Assessment – Jury/Portfolio Review (4 or 5 credits required)
- Exit Procedures (3 credits required)
If you are interested in knowing more about our MFA Distance Program, please contact Jesse Dreikosen.