Curriculum

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Entertaiment Design is the terminal degree offering the professional training deemed necessary by the major theatre arts schools in the United States for university and college teaching positions as well as professional positions in design for the theatre, television, film, dance, and opera.

The M.F.A. curriculum emphasizes a full-time professionally oriented study of specific theatre practice. It requires three years of full-time graduate study and the completion of 66 semester credit hours. In addition to academic and professional studies, internships under professional conditions with the Dallas Theater Center (LORT) are an integral part of the program.

The curriculum consists of 66 units in the area of specialization, comprising both practical and theoretical work.

  • Scenic Design
  • Costume Design
  • Lighting Design
  • Drawing
  • CADD
  • Draping
  • Advanced Programming
  • Design with Automation
  • Projection Design
  • Collaboration
  • Projects in Design
  • History of Design
  • Scenic Painting
  • Cinematography
  • Production Basics in Television
  • Skills in Design
  • Photoshop/Stage Photography
  • Portfolio Development
  • Business Aspects for Designers
  • Internship

Southern Methodist University offers a design faculty of 8 full-time and adjunct professors as well as a professional staff of 12.