Program Overview

MA in Dance Education Distance Education

The MA in Dance Education is designed for public school dance educators and working dance professionals with full-time jobs. The program offers rich experiences in artistry and scholarship that entwine practice, creative expression, and critical investigation. Students from North Carolina, as well as other states and countries, are welcomed.

Program Overview

The degree may be completed only through part-time study, combining online courses at UNCG, summer study on campus, and selected courses taken on campus or online from other institutions. We will be admitting the next class of students into the MA in Dance Education to start in Summer 2026.

Who is the Program For?

The program is designed for full-time dance educators teaching a diverse population of public school students. At least one year of full-time teaching experience with K-12 students is very strongly recommended before beginning the program. Many course assignments require teaching public school students (or similar populations). The program is not appropriate for those teaching only in typical commercial or professional studios.

Program Structure

• The program of study leading to the MA in Dance Education rests on an assumption that experienced teachers working at the graduate level already possess significant knowledge and skill.
• The program is designed for students who are able to function well as independent learners within a supportive community.
• Most of the courses involve substantive reading and challenging assignments on which students work over a period of time, receiving extensive feedback from instructors.
• Peer collaboration and dialogue are built into every course.

Duration and Time Commitment

• Most students in the MA in Dance Education are full-time dance educators in schools, taking one to two graduate course(s) each semester and one or two courses during the summer, over a three-year period.
• The minimum time required to complete the degree is three years.
• The Graduate School allows five years to complete a master's degree.
• During the normal school year, students should expect to spend approximately 12 hours per week in completing assignments for one 3-credit online graduate course.

Admission Requirements

• Official transcripts demonstrating coursework from an accredited institution demonstrating proficiency in the following:
  • Evidence of experience in improvisation and choreography
  • Evidence of progressive dance technique training to at least the intermediate level in any dance style
  • Evidence of coursework in at least one dance history class with an emphasis on global dance forms and/or contemporary dance
  • Evidence of dance production experience
  • Evidence of coursework in at least one class in applied anatomy, kinesiology, or injury prevention

Application Process

• Applications must include a personal statement, evidence of teaching: to include a lesson plan with a short 15-minute instructional video, curricula and video for young teaching, academic transcripts, and three letters of recommendation, including at least one academic reference.
• No GRE is required.
• All applications and supplementary materials are submitted to the UNCG Graduate school.

Admission Criteria

• Faculty consider the following for admission:
  • Your ability to write and think as evidenced by your application materials in your personal statement
  • Your ability to demonstrate instruction and skillful planning in dance as evidenced by your lesson plan and teaching sample video
  • Your undergraduate GPA
  • The quality of your letters of reference

Curriculum

• There are two different paths to earning this degree:
  • Option 1: MA in Dance Education without licensure: 36 graduate credits required.
    • DCE 614 New Media and Technology in Dance Education
    • DCE 646 Reflective Practice in P-12 Dance Education
    • DCE 651 Choreographic Practice
    • DCE 654 P-12 Dance Education: Technique and Performance
    • DCE 655 P-12 Dance Education: Choreography
    • DCE 656 P-12 Dance Education: Critical Thinking/Literacy
    • DCE 660 Issues in Planning the Dance Curriculum
    • DCE 662 Practicum in Teaching Dance
    • DCE 667 The Dancer's Body
    • DCE 676 Problems Seminar
    • DCE 698 Field Project in Dance
  • Option 2: MA in Dance Education with M (advanced) licensure (only for students who hold the North Carolina Standard Professional I license in Dance): 36 graduate credits required.
    • DCE 614 New Media and Technology in Dance Education
    • DCE 646 Reflective Practice in P-12 Dance Education
    • DCE 651 Choreographic Practice
    • DCE 654 P-12 Dance Education: Technique and Performance
    • DCE 655 P-12 Dance Education: Choreography
    • DCE 656 P-12 Dance Education: Critical Thinking/Literacy
    • DCE 660 Issues in Planning the Dance Curriculum
    • DCE 662 Practicum in Teaching Dance
    • DCE 667 The Dancer's Body
    • DCE 676 Problems Seminar
    • DCE 693 Portfolio in K-12 Dance Education

Additional Requirements

• Additional requirement in Technique: 4 credits undergraduate technique at an accredited University or equivalent documented study at a professional studio.
• Electives in Dance, Education, or related area (approved by advisor) are required for both options.

Tuition and Fees

• For detailed information on tuition and fees, please contact the UNCG Cashier's Office.