Lighting Design and Technology, MFA
Coupled with significant production experience, our MFA Lighting students get to work with ETC consoles running beta software, new LED fixtures, and moving lights. Production design opportunities include theatre, opera, dance, musical theatre, and special events.
Design training features an emphasis on the development of the production and lighting aesthetic and the ability to help tell a story in a collaborative and supportive team atmosphere.
You will gain training in:
- Design
- Vectorworks Spotlight
- Light Plots and Paperwork
- Programming Consoles
- Moving Lights
- ETC Beta Testing (Eos/Ion/Element)
- Wiring
- Hang/Focus
- Cueing
- Maintenance and Repair
- Management
- Teaching
Your Degree Plan
The MFA in Lighting Design and Technology requires 61 credit hours and can be completed in 6 semesters (3 years).
With an emphasis on hands-on learning in a rigorous production environment, our MFA programs provide you with significant experience to develop and hone your craft. You will graduate with a significant portfolio of realized work. Furthermore, you’ll receive real-world teaching experience at the university level under the guidance of our faculty. Upon completion of the program, you are prepared for entrance into the professional markets of entertainment and academia.
Assistantships, tuition waivers, and scholarships are available.
School of Theatre and Dance MFA programs are accredited by the National Association of the Schools of Theatre and are terminal degrees.
Learn by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
Production design opportunities include:
- Theatre
- Opera
- Dance
- Musical theatre
- Special events
Places and Spaces
See where you’ll study, research, and create.
Canady Creative Arts Center
Virtual Tour
It’s the next best thing to being here. Virtually tour our campus and residence halls.
Student Life
You'll experience epic traditions, quality academics, and a supportive community that feels like home.
Visit
See WVU in person and start imagining life as a Mountaineer.
Requirements
To be eligible for admission into a graduate program at WVU an applicant must submit official, bachelor's degree transcripts from a regionally accredited institution and hold a GPA of at least 2.75. WVU operates decentralized admissions. Decentralized admissions allows each graduate program to set its own application requirements in addition to the University requirements.
Admission Requirements
Additional application considerations:
- Portfolio (Physical)
- Interview (Please contact the Program Coordinator for more information regarding the additional application materials)
Applications that are incomplete or are submitted after the deadline may be reviewed if openings remain.
International applicants must also submit the materials required for international applicants.
Application Deadlines
Each graduate program sets their own terms for admission and application deadlines. Applicants can only apply for admission for the terms displayed below. Any questions regarding the application deadline should be directed to the graduate program representative.
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: January 1
Request Info
Want to know more about Lighting Design and Technology at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.
Visit
Experiencing campus is the best way to see if WVU is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.