Overview

The Visual and Performing Arts programme at George Mason University is a comprehensive terminal degree that fosters advanced creative inquiry and professional development. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum designed to promote deep analysis, synthesis, and technical mastery within their chosen artistic specialty. This programme is specifically tailored for talented individuals aiming to establish themselves as professional artists or academic educators.

Why Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University?

George Mason University provides an inclusive and unique environment that encourages students to push the boundaries of traditional artistic modes. The programme offers a diverse range of concentrations, including Arts Management, Dance, Graphic Design, Theater, and Visual Art, allowing for highly specialised or interdisciplinary study. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances studio practice with theoretical research, supported by a faculty of experienced professionals and scholars. The university's location and facilities provide a vibrant backdrop for creative experimentation and professional networking.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 41124 per year
National fee: USD 41124 per year
Local fee: USD 18060 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of core requirements combined with concentration-specific modules. Modules may include:

Artistic Identities
Research Methodologies
Communication in the Arts
Questions and Frameworks in the Arts
Artistic Aesthetics
Art Writing
Graduate Studio
Teaching Practicum
Directed Reading

Careers with Visual and Performing Arts

Graduates of this programme are equipped to pursue diverse career paths within the global arts and culture sectors. Many alumni secure positions as professional artists, designers, or performers, while others transition into leadership roles within arts organisations and initiatives. The terminal nature of the degree specifically credentials graduates for academic careers, enabling them to teach at the university level. Potential career destinations include:

University Professor or Lecturer
Professional Fine Artist or Designer
Arts Organisation Director or Manager
Creative Director in Technology or Media
Professional Choreographer or Theater Director
Arts Consultant and Researcher

Programme Structure

Concentrations:

Dance - The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Dance, is a highly selective 60-credit program of study grounded in the modern dance genre that emphasizes mastery in performance, choreography, and teaching in higher education.

Graphic Design - The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Graphic Design offers students a comprehensive study and preparation for the graphic design profession.

Theater - The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Theater, is a terminal degree that prepares students to become professional artists, work in theater or arts-related fields, and teach at the university level.

Visual Art - The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Visual Arts, is a terminal degree that prepares students to become professional artists, work in technology or arts-related fields, and teach at the university level.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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IELTS

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Fairfax, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts View 432 other Masters in Visual Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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Other requirements

General requirements

Candidates are required to complete 60 credits, of which 30 are made up from core requirements. An additional 30 credits are based on concentration area and comprehensive experience.

MFA concentrations include:

Dance
Graphic Design
Theater
Visual Art

While the faculty anticipate that students will work through their coursework as described in this catalog, individuals with extensive professional accomplishment may craft an individualized program that meets curricular requirements. Individualized programs require the recommendation of the Graduate Committee within the student's respective school as well as the approval of the CVPA Associate Dean.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

41124 USD / year

≈ 41124 USD / year
Out-of-State

41124 USD / year

≈ 41124 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18060 USD / year

≈ 18060 USD / year

Living costs

Fairfax

United States

1330 - 2300 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Visual and Performing Arts.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Fairfax

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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