Mar 28, 2024  
2022-23 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-23 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Recording Arts and Technologies, M.F.A.


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Bill Crabtree, Program Director
(615) 494-7908
Bill.Crabtree@mtsu.edu

The Department of Recording Industry  offers the Master of Fine Arts in Recording Arts and Technologies (MRAT) program.

The Master of Fine Arts program offers preparation for advanced work in audio production, recording, and integrated electronic media. Students develop a strong foundation in audio production and an understanding of the theoretical concepts of closely related disciplines. The program fosters creativity and offers a strong technical component, utilizing the latest advancements in software and hardware. A diverse range of technical and artistic projects are produced, culminating in a final project of professional caliber. The degree plan also offers preparation for select graduates to teach at the postsecondary level in the field of audio recording and production.

Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.

Admission Requirements


Admission to the Master of Fine Arts program in Recording Arts and Technologies requires

  1. an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college;
  2. undergraduate preparation or significant professional experience appropriate to the graduate curriculum and a minimum overall grade point average of 3.00 in all courses attempted, excluding repeated courses;
  3. a satisfactory score on the general portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) that is not more than five years old. Successful applicants typically have scores of 146 verbal and 140 quantitative or better on the verbal and quantitative measures of the GRE, and an analytical writing score of 4 or better.

Application Procedures


All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies except the creative portfolio. The portfolio should be mailed directly to the M.F.A. director (see below).

Applicant must

  1. submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
  2. submit official scores on the GRE;
  3. submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
  4. submit a formal statement of purpose addressing career goals, related work experience, and how the M.F.A. will help attain the stated career goals;
  5. submit two letters of recommendation for graduate study; one letter from the undergraduate major advisor if the student is a recent graduate;
  6. submit a portfolio of works representative of the candidate’s creative achievements in the areas of audio recording, music, composition, video, film, or multimedia or areas strongly related to the degree curriculum. See creative portfolio format .

Curriculum: Recording Arts and Technologies


The Master of Fine Arts in Recording Arts and Technologies requires completion of 60 semester hours.

Electives (12 hours)


  • In addition to the required courses above students must complete 12 hours of electives. Electives can be taken in any semester including summer terms.
  • Guided electives are normally selected from recording arts and technologies courses; however, up to 6 hours of guided electives may be from other departments upon permission of the student’s advisor. A maximum of 12 hours of 5000-level courses may be counted toward the degree.

Comprehensive Examinations (if necessary)


Sample Course and Examination Schedule


The following sample schedule outlines the sequence of course requirements:

Year 1


Year 2


Year 3


Fall Semester


  • 1 to 9 credit hours (3 credit hours required)
  • Guided elective 3 credit hours
  • Comprehensive examinations

Spring Semester


Guided Electives (taken any term)


  • Guided electives 6 credit hours

Program Notes


Candidate must

  1. attend full time, taking 9-12 hours per semester.
  2. successfully pass the comprehensive examination before graduation.

 

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