Dance Education, M.A.

The MA in Dance Education is designed for public school dance educators and working dance professionals with full-time jobs. MA in Dance Education program offers rich experiences in artistry and scholarship that entwine practice, creative expression, and critical investigation. Presently we are admitting students into this program only in alternate (even) summers. Application deadlines are in  March prior to the summer of program entry.  

Program Distinctions

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The Student Experience

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.

Students who already hold an initial North Carolina teaching license in Dance (Standard Professional I) may choose to earn the advanced M license along with the degree. This option is not available for those students who do not already hold the initial license.

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.
 Peer collaboration using interactive media platforms such as Canvas and Google Chat/Hangouts is essential for assignment completion and staying connected to faculty and peers. The instructors see themselves as facilitators of student learning rather than delivery persons for content information.

Most students in the MA in Dance Education  (MA DE) are full-time dance educators in schools, taking one graduate course 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.

All MA DE courses are taught either in the summer or online; most are currently available only in a three-year rotation. The elective courses may be taken at UNCG or another institution. (Students may transfer up to 12 credits from an accredited institution, with approval.) MA DE students complete courses on UNCG’s campus in the summer for approximately two weeks, beginning in mid-June.

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; this includes a substantial amount of time reading and in front of a computer. Those employed full-time who have other significant responsibilities should consider whether their schedules allow for such a commitment. A number of the courses involve developing lesson/unit plans and working with one’s own students in a dance education setting.

After Graduation

Graduates of the program are prepared for success in a variety of dance-related fields within the realm of dance education.