The MFA degree is a 2 year low-residency program emphasizing choreography and the creative process of generating new works that are grounded in both classical and contemporary dance genres. Each year the program starts with a 6-week Summer Intensive, which consists of an immersive 10 day residency at White Oak Plantation. This is followed by two non-resident semesters using a combination of distance study with JU Faculty and local mentors who work one-on-one with each student to expand their project-based work. Plus an additional one-week mini-residency on campus to work with undergraduate students setting their creative work and developing pedagogical approaches.