Graduate Admissions

The deadlines are for full financial consideration. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis after these dates. All three programs admit students into the fall semester only.

MFA in Dance: November 15, 2025 (non-funded applications accepted on a rolling basis). The onsite auditions dates will available shortly.

PhD in Theatre and Performance: December 15, 2025.

MA in Theatre and Performance: February 1, 2026.

Applicants to the Master’s program must have a conferred undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants to the PhD program must have a conferred undergraduate with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and Master’s level degree.

Prospective students must complete and submit an online application for the MA or PhD in Theatre and Performance program. 

Applications must include:

• Personal Statement (1-2-page statement outlining your professional goals and research interests)
• Unofficial academic transcripts (official transcripts must be submitted upon acceptance)
• Academic Writing Sample 
• Portfolio of Creative Activities (please upload a personal website URL or a PDF of your portfolio materials. If the website does not provide information such as the date, title, medium etc. please upload a document that provides this information)
• Current CV or Resume
• Three Letters of Recommendation 
• Current GRE Scores (Optional for PhD, not required for MA)
• PhD applicants interested in being considered for a Schomburg Fellowship must submit a statement of intent upon completion of the application.     

Prospective students must complete and submit an online application for the MFA Dance program.  

Applications must include:

• Personal Statement (1-2-page statement outlining your professional goals and research interests) 
• Unofficial academic transcripts (official transcripts must be submitted upon acceptance) 
• Academic Writing Sample 
• Portfolio of original choreography samples (please provide a document with descriptions of the works and URL links with start and end points indicated. No more than 10 minutes will be reviewed).  
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your creative work as a performer, choreographer, or student.  
• Current CV or Resume 
• MFA applicants interested in being considered for a Schomburg Fellowship must submit a statement of intent upon completion of the application.  

MFA Dance Auditions

An audition is required in addition to the online application for acceptance into the program. Auditions are held IN PERSON at the Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo, North Campus. Applicants may also request a virtual audition.

• Online application and audition registration form must be received prior to audition.  

*GRE scores are optional for applicants to the PhD in Theatre and Performance.  

All programs require international students to submit TOEFL scores (or equivalent tests) that meet the university minimum for acceptance. 

The PhD in Theatre and Performance requires language proficiency that can be satisfied during study at UB. 

Teaching Assistantships (TAs) are available for applicants to the MFA and PhD Programs. 

PhD applicants are automatically considered for a Teaching Assistantship with the submission of a program application.  

MFA applicants must submit the following additional information with their program application by the published deadline for consideration of an assistantship:

• A list of teaching experience (ages, dates, styles, locations) 
• A list of arts administration or production experience (locations, duties) 
• An additional essay detailing your teaching philosophy and reasons for seeking a teaching assistantship. Please include your teaching influences and how an assistantship would fit with your career goals.  

Qualified applicants will be invited to audition for an available MFA Teaching Assistantship. All TA applicants are required to attend an on-campus audition, or submit a digital audition if permitted by the Director of Graduate Dance.

Departmental awards are available for graduate students through the Steig Olson Fund. Applicants will be considered for funding as part of the admission review process. No additional forms are necessary.