Theatre (Directing) MFA
The Master of Fine Arts is the terminal degree for actors. It represents a combination of a conservatory-style focus on the craft and artistry needed for a professional career in the arts, along with the breadth and depth of scholarship necessary to sustain an academic career at the university level.
The MFA acting program at Southern Miss is designed to assist you diagnostically, to strengthen your foundations, and to build tools and skills that lead to artistry at the terminal degree level. Rather than a “cookie-cutter” approach, the MFA experience at USM seeks to guide you toward individual growth within the craft of acting; cultivating strengths, while gleaning away the cumbersome and unnecessary.
The MFA program at USM focuses on the importance of integration between breath, body, voice, and acting. All classes “cross-pollinate” from each other – seeking to strengthen and build connections between all facets of a student’s process. We extend this focus to include the two facets of the actor – the Artist and the Professional - and train you with the foundations that can and must be developed.
The specific requirements for artistic achievement are based on the standards of the National Association of Schools of Theatre and on observable professional standards. Here, you will enter with a wide range of skills and challenges!
The University of Southern Mississippi is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
Intakes
- Jan
- May
- Aug
Application Processing Time in Days: 20
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
As a Southern Miss employee, you will be eligible for a range of benefits, including health insurance, state retirement and educational benefits. Employees can also purchase athletic and arts tickets at discounted rates, gain access to fitness centers at a low rate, and have many opportunities for professional growth through on-campus programs, as well as participate in university-wide advocacy groups such as Faculty Senate and Staff Council.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.
PSW Opportunity
3 Years PSW
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Graduate application materials for international applicants are collected by the International Admissions office. Admission to a graduate program must first be approved by the chair of the department in which the student plans to study. After approval by the department, admission decisions are approved by the college dean and The Graduate School.
Prospective international students must provide proof of English proficiency through a TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or iTEP exam. Some departments may require GRE, GMAT, or MAT. You should check your particular department to find out which exam is required for admission to your proposed program.
Applications will be forwarded to the academic department for review when all required application materials have been submitted. These items should be received before the deadline date of the semester for which the student is applying.
Admission is competitive and based on a holistic review of the applicant’s credentials by departments. The University sets minimum requirements for regular admission into graduate school, including:
Online Application
$60 non-refundable application fee
Minimum GPA of 2.75/4.00 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
Good standing at last university attended
Official transcripts and degree certificates or diplomas from all previous colleges or universities attended
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, or iTEP scores (The ETS code used for test reporting to The University of Southern Mississippi is 1479)
Official copy of GRE, GMAT, or MAT score from testing service (not required for all programs, Graduate School also maintains a list under the Test Requirements dropdown. It is best to check with your academic department for the most up to date information.)
Three letters of recommendation (upload to application file)
Statement of Purpose or writing sample (according to departmental requirements)
Immunization records (required prior to enrolling in classes if admitted)
Minimum score requirements:
TOEFL score of 71 (IBT), 525 (PBT)
IELTS (Academic) Overall 6.0
iTEP (Academic) Overall 4.0
PTE (Academic) Overall 54
Official scores are accepted directly from the testing agency. TOEFL ETS code: 1479, IELTS scores should be sent to the address below, iTEP will be sent directly to us upon request.
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Masters/PG Degree
- Duration: 01 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
26803 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 60 USD
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