Two-Year Engagement Program
starting Fall 2026
Starting Fall 2026, the Hollins University M.F.A. in Dance Program will be shifting to a two-year immersion program for all enrolled students. The Hollins MFA Dance degree in dance will continue to require a total of 60-credit hours offering students an opportunity to immerse themselves in graduate dance studies in the newly revised two-year learning program. Engagement will take place in a hybrid configuration comprised of both in-person learning for four weeks at Hollins University during summer sessions and online engagement during fall and spring terms.
The Hollins M.F.A. program offers the opportunity to engage with national and internationally recognized dance artists and scholars, providing students with a wide range of experiences, opportunities, mentorships, and opportunities for optional independent study in international settings. The M.F.A. students and faculty establish a unique community of committed artists and scholars who range in ages and experiences and are working to sustain their careers and deepen their relationship to dance.
The program offers a flexible yet rigorous course of study within two tracks of enrollment: Low Residency Emerging Two-Year Track and Low Residency Mid-Career Two-Year Track (with credit qualification).
Low Residency Emerging Two-Year Track
The Low Residency Emerging Two-Year Track is designed for emerging artists, teachers and dance professionals. This course of study is mapped over two summers to allow for an extended immersion in intellectual and creative experiences.
Low Residency Mid-Career Two-Year Track
The Low Residency Mid-Career Two-Year Track is designed for mid-career artists, teachers and dance professionals who must study in a limited time frame that accommodates their employment/performance schedule. (Enrollment with professional field credit qualifications).
Courses
All M.F.A. students gather for a total of four weeks during the summer months of June and July. The degree requires a total of 60 credit hours. During these summer sessions, students spend four weeks at Hollins and remaining courses will take place during fall and spring terms. Select courses via online study and other courses via independent study engagement.
Costs
Tuition
$975 per credit hour for 2024-25
Fees
- Nonrefundable application fee: $40
- Technology fee: $650 per year
- Health services: $395 per year
Our Faculty
We are a diverse artistic community that creates a learning atmosphere where students and faculty work alongside one another. We expand and deepen our relationship to dance and the world around us. Our teaching reflects a wide range of interests and experiences.
From professional dance instructors and mentors, to visiting artists and choreographers, the influences are endless. If you learn from the best, you’ll discover new ways to express yourself and refine your own style.
Residency Track Options
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The Low Residency Emerging Two-Year Track
The Low Residency Emerging Two-Year Track is designed for emerging artists, teachers and dance professionals. This course of study is mapped over two years to allow for an extended immersion in intellectual and creative experiences. This track is for highly motivated professionals seeking to expand their portfolio as they develop their professional careers. Acceptance into this track will be determined through a review of accredited professional experience and artistic maturity by a panel of Hollins faculty. Transfer credit is not accepted for students in the Low Residency Emerging Two-Year Track.
Application deadline: December 1
Two-Year Course Template
Fall I (September – December) @ 8 credits
- DIGITAL MEDIA TUTORIALS (2) – ONLINE
- GRADUATE SEMINAR (4) – ONLINE
- INDEPENDENT STUDY (2)
Spring I (February – May) @ 8 credits
- RESEARCH METHODS IN DANCE – RESEARCH PAPER (4) – ONLINE
- INTERMEDIA STUDIO (4) – ONLINE
Summer I (June/July – four weeks) @ 12 credits – Hollins Campus
- MENTORED STUDIO PRACTICE (2)
- DANCE HISTORY, THEORY, AND CRITICISM (4)
- CONTEMPORARY ART PRACTICES I: creative process/making (4)
- GRADUATE SEMINAR (2)
Fall II (September – December) @ 10 credits
- RESEARCH METHODS IN DANCE II – THESIS PROJECT (2) – ONLINE
- CONTEMPORARY ART PRACTICES II: imaginative thinking & crafting (2) – ONLINE
- INDEPENDENT STUDY (2)
- THESIS FORMS I (4)
Spring II (February – May) @ 10 credits
- RADICAL PRESENCE/PERFORMANCE-seen/scene (4) – ONLINE
- INDEPENDENT STUDY (2)
- THESIS FORMS II (4)
Summer II (June/July – four weeks) @ 12 credits – Hollins Campus
- MENTORED STUDIO PRACTICE (4)
- DANCE HISTORY, THEORY, AND CRITICISM (4)
- GRADUATE SEMINAR (2)
- GRADUATE PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP AND CRITIQUE (2)
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The Low Residency Mid-Career Two-Year Track
The Low Residency Mid-Career Two-Year Track is designed for mid-career artists, teachers and dance professionals who must study in a limited time frame that accommodates their employment/performance schedule. Acceptance into this track will be determined through a review of accredited professional experience and artistic maturity by a panel of Hollins faculty. Twelve credits toward the degree will be granted in recognition of appropriate professional work as evidenced by works presented to date (choreography and/or performance), grants and fellowships received, continued dance education, and/or teaching residencies, professional references and letters. A portfolio of the work will be compiled during the course of study. Two-summer track applicants must be mature working artists with at least 10–12 years of experience in national/international dance platforms.
Application deadline: December 1
Two-Year Course Template
Fall I (September – December) @ 6 credits
- DIGITAL MEDIA TUTORIALS (2) – ONLINE
- GRADUATE SEMINAR (4) – ONLINE
Spring I (February – May) @ 8 credits
- RESEARCH METHODS IN DANCE – RESEARCH PAPER (4) – ONLINE
- INTERMEDIA STUDIO (4) – ONLINE
Summer I (June/July – four weeks) @ 12 credits – Hollins Campus
- MENTORED STUDIO PRACTICE (2)
- DANCE HISTORY, THEORY, AND CRITICISM (4)
- CONTEMPORARY ART PRACTICES I: creative process/making (4)
- GRADUATE SEMINAR (2)
Fall II (September – December) @ 12 credits
- RESEARCH METHODS IN DANCE II – THESIS PROJECT (2) – ONLINE
- PORTFOLIO I (6)
- THESIS FORMS I (4)
Spring II (February – May) @ 10 credits
- PORTFOLIO I (6)
- THESIS FORMS II (4)
Summer II (June/July – four weeks) @ 12 credits – Hollins Campus
- MENTORED STUDIO PRACTICE (4)
- DANCE HISTORY, THEORY, AND CRITICISM (4)
- GRADUATE SEMINAR (2)
- GRADUATE PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP AND CRITIQUE (2)
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Dance M.F.A. International Independent Study Course (optional)
Beginning Summer 2027, Hollins MFA Dance will be introducing an optional International Independent Study course that will allow interested students to engage in a two-week international dance festival or program offered by the program. In addition and in consultation with the MFA Dance Program Director, there may be opportunities for students to design their own two-week international immersion study for independent study credit.
The international independent study course will take place immediately following the summer session.
What our Dance M.F.A. Graduates are Doing
Graduates of Hollins University’s Master of Fine Arts program in dance are making notable contributions to the dance world as choreographers, performers, and artistic directors.
