Master in Choreography (MFA)

California Institute of the Arts, located near Valencia in Southern California, is a leading institution for creative education founded with a legacy of innovation in the arts. CalArts encourages experimental practice across disciplines including art, film, music, theater, dance, and animation, and offers a compact, studio-focused learning environment where students develop original work under the mentorship of practicing artists and industry professionals.

The institute promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning, supporting individual artistic development with cutting-edge studios, performance spaces, and digital labs. Small class sizes and intensive critique-based courses help students refine their voices and build professional portfolios, while visiting artists, festivals, and partnerships provide exposure to the wider creative industry. Academic advising, portfolio coaching, and career development services support transitions to festivals, galleries, studios, and commercial roles.

International students find a welcoming community and opportunities to participate in collaborative projects, residencies, and public exhibitions that elevate their practice. CalArts fosters a culture of experimentation, critical inquiry, and professional networking, making it a strong choice for creative learners who seek rigorous mentorship, cross-disciplinary exploration, and direct engagement with the contemporary arts scene in the United States.

The Master in Choreography program at California Institute of the Arts is a 2-year Master's degree that helps students develop and refine their personal aesthetic. This program is for students who want to create original works and refine their choreography skills. Students learn from experienced faculty and receive feedback on their work.

The curriculum includes seminars on professional dance, technique composition, dance theory, costume design, dance production, and digital media. Students create and present original works, including three works in the first year, and a Thesis Concert in the second year. They also receive a stipend for their thesis project and can collaborate with artists and designers from other schools within the Institute.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Choreographers, Dance Company Directors, Arts Administrators, Dance Critics, or College Professors. They can work with dance companies, theaters, or as freelance choreographers. With their advanced skills and knowledge, they can also teach dance at colleges or universities, or work in dance production and management.