Dance Studies, M.A.
The M.A. in Dance Studies is a 36 semester-credit hour program designed for working professionals that consists of online coursework mixed with brief summer residencies. Accelerated coursework can lead to degree completion in six semesters, including two summers of study. Students do not need to possess an undergraduate degree in dance, but they must demonstrate substantial educational and/or professional experience to avoid completing additional coursework outside of the requirements for the M.A.
The Master of Arts in Dance Studies provides a broad-based curriculum that prepares students for future graduate study and creative and academic leadership in the profession. Coursework enables students to enhance and extend their pedagogical and artistic practice while simultaneously developing comprehensive knowledge of the discipline. By prioritizing the intersections of theory and practice throughout the program of study, students develop an educational foundation that aligns with general, and focused, artistic, scholarly, and/or pedagogical goals relevant to a variety of specializations within the field.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to critically analyze current research in the field and successfully apply it to their pedagogical and artistic practice.
- Students will be able to generate original scholarly, pedagogical, and/or creative research that has the potential to contribute new knowledge to the field.
- Students will be able to apply concepts, theories, and perspectives learned across the curriculum to their own professional interests.
- Students will be able to use coursework to develop a research agenda, culminating project, and professional goals relevant to the field.
- Students will develop a specialized area of interest/practice based on scholarship within and outside of dance.
- Students will be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the field of dance.
In addition to the graduate school’s admissions requirements, prospective students must submit the following materials.
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A 400-500-word statement of interest and goals for graduate study
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A resumé of education and experience in dance (teaching and/or professional performance/choreography)
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A writing sample (a research paper, artistic, or pedagogical philosophy)
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Two letters of recommendation
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A Vimeo or private You Tube link of solo performance, choreography, and/or teaching
Degree Requirements (36 hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Summer | 6 | |
| Functional Anatomy Foundations | ||
| Functional Anatomy Applied Practice | ||
| Choreography: Creative Practice and Pedagogy | ||
| Year 1 Fall | 6 | |
| Analysis of Scholarly Literature in Dance | ||
| Arts Policy, Advocacy, and Funding | ||
| Year 1 Spring | 6 | |
| Neuroscience for Dance Teaching and Performance | ||
| Histories of Dance | ||
| Year 2 Summer | 6 | |
| Global Dance Forms | ||
| Dance Literacy Foundations | ||
| Production Design for Dance | ||
| Year 2 Fall | 6 | |
| Research Methods in Dance | ||
| Curriculum Design for Dance | ||
| Year 2 Spring | 6 | |
| Critical Issues in Dance Pedagogy | ||
| Thesis Project in Dance | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |