We admit students into our MFA programs 2 out of every 3 years. Currently, we are in our off year. Our next admission deadline is January 15, 2014, for the class to enter Fall of 2014.
Theater MFA Program Policies
Degree and Residency Requirements
Upon admission to the degree program in theater, a graduate student
usually trains for six full-time semesters in residence and accumulates
a minimum of 60 credits in graduate courses applicable to the degree of
Master of Fine Arts in Theater in one of the areas of specialization offered
by the department. To be considered in full-time residence, a graduate
student in theater must carry, during any given period of enrollment at
the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a minimum of nine graduate
credits applicable to the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Theater. Credits
for courses audited or from which a student withdraws do not pertain.
Non-Degree Status
Regulations governing the admission of students with non-degree status
are the same as those described in the Graduate School Bulletin. Participation
by non-degree students in the Department’s graduate program is on a
space-available basis. Non-degree applicants, therefore, should inquire
of the graduate program director at the earliest possible date to learn
whether enrollment is possible in graduate-level courses in any given
semester.
Transfer Credits
Upon admission to the degree program in theater, students may petition
the graduate program director in writing to recommend to the graduate
dean the transfer of a maximum of 12 graduate credits earned at other
institutions. The credits requested for transfer must be in graduate
courses applicable to the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Theater
at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst as determined by the
student’s
committee.
Students permitted to transfer credits from other institutions will have the statute of limitations reduced, but by no more than one semester.
Leaves of Absence
Normally, residency in the degree program in theater is continuous.
A student may petition the graduate program director in writing for
a leave of absence, with a detailed justification and a specific date of
anticipated return. Leaves of absence must be personally unavoidable and
academically defensible. A given leave may not exceed one calendar year
and requires the approval of the graduate dean. The program fee must be
paid each semester the student is on leave.
Statute of Limitations
Students may not register for course work applicable to the degree
of Master of Fine Arts in Theater for more than four consecutive calendar
years. The statute of limitations is reduced proportionally for students
permitted to apply degree credits transferred for other institutions.
The statute of limitations for students on approved leaves of absence is
extended for a period of time equal to the leave. Students who require more
time than permitted by the status of limitations may petition the graduate
program director in writing for a specific period of extension, with detailed
justification and a timetable for completion. This petition will require
the approval of the graduate dean.
Dismissal Policy
Dismissal from the program may be made only by the graduate dean, upon
the recommendation of the chair of the department. Failure to meet
the requirements, regulations, and deadlines established by the Department
of Theater and the Graduate School is considered sufficient grounds for dismissal.
In particular, the following pertain:
1. Failure to remain in good academic standing for two consecutive periods of enrollment.
2. Failure to make satisfactory or reasonable progress toward the degree as indicated by the program reviews.
3. Failure to obtain approval for a leave of absence from the program.
4. Failure to obtain approval to complete the requirements of the degree in absentia.
5. Failure to complete the degree requirements within the approved statute of limitations.
6. Plagiarism, fraudulence, or other illegal or unethical practices.
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