Dance (Dance Education), BFA

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Are you passionate about teaching dance and interested in furthering your skills as a dance artist? This degree will qualify you to work as a dance educator in K-12 settings, teach in private studio or community environments, or work independently as a dance artist and performer.

The BFA in dance with a concentration in dance education prepares students for certification to teach dance in K-12 schools in the state of Arizona as well as for certification in other states through a multistate reciprocity agreement.

The School of Music, Dance and Theatre provides a dynamic and culturally diverse learning environment in which students develop as creative artists, scholars and educators. Studies in dance cultures, music, digital media, dance history, philosophy and criticism, movement science, somatics, and stage and screen production enhance the rich educational setting. Creativity and research, the core program values, help to bridge knowledge and community and are embedded in a broad range of academic experiences emphasizing movement and creative practices, artistic process, leadership and pedagogy.

At A Glance

Dance (Dance Education), BFA

Required Courses

A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.

While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.

Application requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:

Affording college

Scholarships
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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact, more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of financial assistance every year.

Admission requirements

Admission to the BFA in dance is selective and based on an interview process. Students are admitted to ASU as dance interview students and must successfully complete an interview and audition before enrolling in the dance major. If a student passes the interview, the School of Music, Dance and Theatre changes the student's major to the BFA in dance. In the event that the student is admitted to ASU but not selected as a dance major or misses the interview application deadline, the student enters ASU as a dance interview student and must successfully pass the dance interview and audition milestone in the first semester in order to gain admission into the program.

Interview days take place in November and February of each year. To ensure a smooth curricular progression, all prospective dance students, including transfer students, are strongly encouraged to participate in the interview day during the semester prior to their intended date of enrollment. More information on the interview process and deadlines can be found at https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/degree-programs/dance/undergraduate.

Application Deadlines: Students should visit https://musicdancetheatre.asu.edu/admissions/dance/undergraduate-steps-to-apply for more details on Dance Interview Day requirements and deadlines.

Career outlook

The concentration in dance education lays the foundation for a career in teaching in public and private settings. Students earn an Arizona teaching certification while pursuing the dance education degree and they can expect to find employment in one of many thriving middle school and high school dance programs throughout the state, community settings or dance studios.

Example careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:


Career*growth*median salary
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 5.6%$69,690
Choreographers 14%$43,680
Dancers2.3%*
Education Teachers, Postsecondary 4.8%$65,440
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors 15.4%$40,510
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary2.6%$66,290
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education3.8%$62,870
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education3.6%$60,810
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare1%$49,160
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary3.9%$98,490

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

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