Graduate Degrees in Dance

2 dancing males

Master of Arts in Dance

The two-year Master of Arts in Dance degree is ideal for the student with a professional dance undergraduate degree who wishes to continue training and explore new options for choreography and performance. It is also an excellent choice for the practicing dance educator who wishes to refine skills while earning a master's degree. Students in this program work closely with the faculty in pedagogy and choreography courses and have numerous opportunities to perform and showcase their own choreography. Collaborative work with colleagues in the Conservatory's music programs is highly encouraged.

Master of Science in Dance with Initial Teacher Licensure

The two-year Master of Science in Dance degree is designed for those students who, having completed an undergraduate degree in dance performance (or performed professionally), aspire to teaching careers in the public school setting or in their own private studio. This program features pedagogical studies in ballet, modern dance and jazz technique, as well as a teaching seminar focusing on the creation of lesson plans, course syllabi and curriculum development. Students take courses with colleagues from the School of Education & Human Development in order to prepare for the administrative and assessment requirements outlined by the Commonwealth of Virginia's Department of Education. In their final semester, students are engaged in Directed Teaching assignments at both the elementary and the secondary/high school levels.