Program Overview

Introduction to the Dance Major

The Dance Major at Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance offers a comprehensive education in dance technique, performance, choreography, and theory. This 124-credit undergraduate degree program provides students with intensive training in various dance genres, including ballet, modern and postmodern, and African diasporic forms.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance is designed to develop a balanced set of skills in dance technique, performance, choreography, and theory. The curriculum integrates a range of dance techniques with investigation of composition, creative process, dance science, improvisation, and repertory. A sequence of theory courses explores analytical, cultural, and historical approaches to the study of dance, allowing students to form a deeper understanding of the discipline.

Faculty

The dance faculty at the Boyer College of Music and Dance are dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded education in dance. Students can expect to learn from experienced professionals in the field.

Classes and Curriculum

As a student of the Dance BFA, you will further develop your cognitive, analytic, intuitive, and creative skills while learning a variety of forms within a historical, social, and cultural framework. Some of the courses you can anticipate exploring include:

• Dance Science and Somatics
• Music for Dancers
• Ways of Knowing Dance

Related Graduate Degrees

The university also offers related graduate degrees, including:

• Dance MA
• Dance MFA
• Dance PhD

Tuition and Fees

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support. Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level, course load, in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. For the 2025-2026 academic year, tuition costs are:

• Pennsylvania resident: $22,248.00 per year
• Out-of-state: $39,072.00 per year

Academic Advising

The Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts has a centralized advising office with a team of advisors who help students navigate the undergraduate curriculum for each degree program.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Participating in student groups provides peer support and future professional contacts. Some of the student clubs and organizations related to dance include:

• D2D: Dare To Dance, a dance company that strives to spread a love of the arts through dance, performance, and workshops.
• Esencia Latina, which provides students with the opportunity to explore, educate, and experience the Latino culture through the art form of dance.
• Ladies of Elegance Step, the only recognized, all-female, non-Greek step organization at Temple's Main Campus.
• Temple Breakers, the first official break-dancing organization at Temple University.

Study Away

Temple's study away programs offer all full-time, degree-seeking students the opportunity to spend an academic year, semester, or summer abroad in countries such as Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain.

Accreditation

The Boyer College of Music and Dance is accredited by the:

• American Music Therapy Association
• National Association of Schools of Music
• National Association of Schools of Dance
• Pennsylvania Department of Education

Additional Program Information

The Dance Major at Temple University provides students with a comprehensive education in dance, preparing them for careers as artistic directors, choreographers, dance educators, and therapists, among others. Graduates of this program have gone on to pursue master's and doctoral studies, preparing them for futures in research and advocacy.