Program Overview
The Dance Studies M.A. program at the University of South Carolina is a hybrid graduate degree designed for working professionals in dance. This unique program offers a blend of online and in-person studio work, providing students with a comprehensive education in dance pedagogy, choreography, and artistic practice. Faculty with professional and academic credentials guide students through the curriculum, which prepares them for careers as dance educators, choreographers, professional dancers, arts administrators, and more.
Program Outline
| University of South Carolina
Degree Overview:
This program is a hybrid, advanced dance studies degree designed for working professionals. It aims to enhance and extend pedagogical and artistic practice for individuals involved in dance performance, choreography, or teaching. The six-semester program allows students to continue working while pursuing their education. The curriculum provides a broad base of study in dance educational theory and creative practice.
Teaching:
- Faculty: The program boasts faculty with professional and academic credentials in various dance specializations.
- In-person studio work: Includes global dance forms, functional anatomy, and choreography.
- Online coursework: Covers arts policy and advocacy, neuroscience for dance, dance pedagogy, and curriculum design.
- Thesis: A thesis is required for program completion.
Careers:
- Potential Careers:
- K-12 Dance Educator
- Dance Educator
- Choreographer
- Professional Dancer
- Arts Administrator
- Workplace Settings:
- Education
- Arts Organization
- Entertainment
- Fundraising and Development
Other:
- Program Highlights:
- Unique Program: The only graduate degree program in dance in South Carolina.
- Convenient Courses: The only graduate distance-learning program in dance studies for professionals in the Southeast.
- Experience Counts: A prior dance degree is not required, and professional experience in the dance field qualifies for admission.
- A Notable Faculty: Study with faculty who hold professional and academic credentials in a variety of specializations.
- Building Skills:
- Leadership: Inspiring and guiding others to achieve common goals and reach their full potential.
- Performance: Presenting oneself creatively through a specific medium to an audience.
- Advocacy: Promoting or defending a cause or issue often using awareness, education, and policy change.
- Cultural Awareness: Learning about and respecting diverse cultures and beliefs.
- Communication: Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing, or other means of expression.
- Teaching: Foster learning by conveying knowledge, skills, and concepts to students.
- Using your degree: Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.
