Design & Technology Graduate Study

The MFA degree with an emphasis in design includes project work on stage, film and television scenery, lighting, properties, and costumes. The design student progresses through a series of increasingly difficult assignments as assistant and associate designer; followed by one or more realized designs for smaller scale stage or media productions; culminating in the design of costumes, scenery or lighting for a major stage or media a production. This is a three year program requiring 60 semester hours of coursework beyond the BA degree.

Admission:

1. An Application for Admission sent to the Graduate School. Official GRE scores (combined verbal and quantitative score of at least 800 is expected) and official transcripts of all previous academic work.
2. The Applicant Information Sheet which is to be sent directly to the Department of Drama and Theatre. To include:
1. Three letters of recommendation to be sent under separate cover.
2. A clear statement of objectives in pursuing this degree.
3. A resume and production portfolio.

Assessment:

1. A Proficiency Examination is administered at the end of the first year. This exam consists of a presentation to the Design Specialty Board of a portfolio illustrating the work accomplished during the first year of residence, accompanied by a professional resume.
2. A Comprehensive Examination is administered at the beginning of the second year. This is a three hour written exam designed to assess knowledge of the history, theory and criticism of design.
3. A Qualifying Project is completed in the second year. This project consists of the design and execution of costumes, scenery, and/or lighting for a season production.
4. A Thesis Project is completed in the third year. The creative project consists of the design and execution of costumes, scenery, and/or lighting for a mainstage production, accompanied by a written document detailing the analysis and research preparation for the design.

Contact:

Head of Design Area & Production Coordinator: Richard E. Dunham, Associate Professor, rdunham@uga.edu, 308C Fine Arts

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Freda Scott Giles, Associate Professor, fsgiles@uga.edu, 368 Fine Arts