Program Description

The master of arts in visual and performing arts degree program fosters integrated study and practice in the arts and is designed to allow graduates to pursue a career in the arts or arts-related fields or to continue on to doctoral study. Taught by internationally recognized faculty at The University of Texas at Dallas, the master’s program equips students with advanced knowledge of the theories and methodologies that are key to artistic production and analysis, providing students with an interdisciplinary context in which to pursue research and practice across a wide range of creative and academic traditions and critical and theoretical approaches related to such fields as film, visual art, performing arts, and art history. 

Visual and performing arts is an interdisciplinary master’s program, so students take the majority of their coursework in such courses but must also take two seminars each in both literature and the history of ideas concentrations. Students in the master’s program elect either a professional option (coursework only) or research option (coursework plus a foreign language proficiency and research portfolio). The latter is especially relevant for those who plan to pursue doctoral study, and students who choose the research options may submit a creative project as part of their portfolio. 

Benefits

The visual and performing arts master’s program ensures that students gain a broad understanding of their chosen field or discipline, apply their knowledge in new, creative ways and communicate and work effectively in collaborative environments. 

Other benefits include: 

• World-Class Faculty: The program is led by faculty of the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology who are widely cited experts in their respective fields. 
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses in the visual and performing arts master’s program will introduce students to new ideas, methodologies and competencies while preparing them to succeed in both public and private sectors. 
• Location: Situated in the greater Dallas region — recently rated by Forbes magazine as the #1 “Best City for Jobs” — UT Dallas provides students with easy access to employers and internship opportunities, not to mention a large and supportive alumni population.

Career Opportunities

In addition to PhD programs, graduates of the visual and performing arts master’s program are well-prepared for positions in both public and private sectors, such as: 

• Artists and performers 
• Educators and researchers 
• Arts administrators 
• Arts entrepreneurs 
• Arts writers/critics and editors 
• Museum staff 
• Consultants 
• Archivists 

Career settings may include higher education, nonprofits, cultural and historical organizations, publishing houses, government agencies, international development organizations, museums and archives, business/corporate entities and independent consulting. 

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Deadlines and Requirements

Please take note of all application deadlines and visit the Apply Now webpage to begin the application process. See the visual and performing arts program website for additional information. 

Applicants to the visual and performing arts master’s degree program should have: 

• A baccalaureate degree (BA or MA) or its equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education in an arts and humanities field. 
• A grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 out of a 4.0 scale, especially in upper-division undergraduate or graduate coursework. 
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation from individual able to judge the candidate’s potential for success in the master’s degree program. 
• Admissions Essay: Applicants must submit a 650-word narrative essay, which should be reflective rather than factual. The essay should address the applicant’s academic interests and goals and indicate how the master’s program would enable such pursuits. 
• International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the internet-based test.  Scores must be less than two years old. See the Graduate Catalog for additional information regarding English proficiency requirements for international applicants.