Master of Arts in Dance
Website: https://twu.edu/dance/graduate-dance-programs/master-of-arts-ma/
The Master of Arts in Dance program provides students the opportunity to develop a broad knowledge of the discipline while discovering new perspectives in theory and practice within artistic, cultural, and educational dance frameworks. Students, in consultation with their advisor, define their specific area of study, such as education and arts leadership, arts management, dance and film, dance and society, dance and women's studies, dance history, or dance pedagogy. Over the course of this highly-flexible two-year program, students are encouraged to design a course plan composed of online, hybrid, or face-to-face courses that fit their learning and work/life needs.
Marketable Skills
Defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's 60x30 Strategic Plan as, "Those skills valued by employers that can be applied in a variety of work settings, including interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skills areas. These skills can be either primary or complementary to a major and are acquired by students through education, including curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities."
- Develop communication skills by speaking, writing, and moving effectively in diverse forums relevant to the job title at different levels, conveying complex information to diverse audiences, and presenting in front of large or small groups using performance and dance improvisation process models.
- Enlarge critical thinking by engaging in inquiry, planning, problem creation, and problem-solving utilizing sophisticated movement theories, dance science concepts, and pedagogical models for use in community projects, fitness programs, studio, and public school settings.
- Develop professional leadership skills by initiating and creating projects that fall within a mission of an organization as a professional including conference panels, dance curriculums, performances, workshops, festivals, and outreach activities for diverse populations.
Admissions
All students must meet the University requirements as outlined in the Admission to the TWU Graduate School section of the catalog.
The academic program may have additional admission criteria that must also be completed as outlined on the program's website.
Degree Requirements
Total Semester Credit Hours Required
33 semester credit hours (SCH), including hours for thesis or professional project/paper.
| Code | Title | SCHs |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Work | ||
| Graduate Level Technique (Level III or IV, or approved substitution.) | ||
| Select 6 SCH from the following | 6 | |
| Advanced Ballet Technique I | ||
| Advanced Ballet Technique II | ||
| Techniques in Contemporary Dance I | ||
| Techniques in Contemporary Dance II | ||
| Workshop in Dance | ||
| Theory | ||
| DNCE 5023 | Methods of Research in Dance | 3 |
| DNCE 5223 | Historical and Cultural Study of Dance | 3 |
| DNCE 5243 | Pedagogical Foundations for Dance | 3 |
| DNCE 5433 | Contemporary Contexts of Dance | 3 |
| Professional Project/Paper or Thesis | ||
| Select 6 SCH from the following options | 6 | |
| Independent Study (Professional Project) | ||
| Professional Paper | ||
| Thesis (I) | ||
| Thesis (II) | ||
| Electives in Consultation with Advisor | 9 | |
| Total SCHs | 33 | |
Concentration in Education
For those seeking a concentration in education, the elective coursework to support their research must be selected in consultation with and approved by the advisor.
Minor
Optional
Comprehensive Final Examination
An oral defense of the thesis or professional project/paper is required.
Special Requirements for all Master’s Degrees
Students are required to maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in all courses applied to the degree. A grade of C or below in any course will not count toward the Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts degree.
Residence Requirement for Students Seeking a Concentration in Education
The M.A. with a concentration in education is a two-year cohort program of students beginning in even number academic years. The program requires two summer intensives and two weekend residencies in the Fall and Spring semesters during the two-years of coursework. Students must be continually enrolled, follow the prescribed sequence of courses, and attend all on-campus residencies and meetings. Contact the Department of Dance for the dates of summer intensives and residencies.
Final Examination
It is recommended that students complete a Professional Project/Paper.
