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Dance MFA

Master of Fine Arts in Dance

The Master of Fine Arts in Dance in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Boyer College of Music and Dance is designed for dance students and artists who seek a deeper understanding of dance as a performing art and mode of inquiry. Through its interdisciplinary curriculum, you’ll advance your artistic practice while interacting with cultural, political and social perspectives of dance. Graduates pursue careers in artistic direction and choreography, as well as dance administration, advocacy, entrepreneurship, research, writing and teaching in higher education.  

You’ll acquire holistic knowledge of multiple perspectives in the field, engage with the evolving aesthetics and pedagogies of professional dance practices, and research your personal artistic qualities and style.Ìý

The curriculum is offered on a full-time or part-time basis, and it is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. Coursework enables you to 

  • challenge your artistic viewpoints and directions;
  • create, interpret, and present dance works;
  • participate fully in choreographic research and production; and
  • refine your critical thinking skills in relation to current discourses in dance.

All students create a final master’s presentation of choreographic research, as well as a written thesis that documents and reflects on their research process and final work. You’ll work closely with a primary concert advisor and committee, made up of internationally known artists and scholars. .Ìý

Choosing between the MFA and MA

The Master of Fine Arts in Dance emphasizes dance as a performing art. Experienced and emerging professionals hone their vision and skills as performing artists and teachers. Students create, interpret and present works, and they study aesthetics of contemporary practice in a pluralistic world.

The Master of Arts in Dance is uniquely designed for students who are interested in a one-year intensive graduate program that emphasizes creativity, research and teaching. The curriculum also serves as a pathway to doctoral programs for those students who seek to further their study of dance.

    Classes & Curriculum

    The Dance MFA curriculum emphasizes the skills needed to become a socially aware, technically proficient and versatile artist. Coursework prepares you for success in a variety of careers due to its rigorous investigation of modern dance techniques and choreography. Some of your courses will include

    • Concepts of Culture,  
    • Dancing Self in Community,
    • Dancing the City,
    • Educational Inquiry in Dance,
    • Embodied Craft,
    • Modal Practice, Structure & Performance, and
    • The Body Politic.

    Learn more about required courses for the Dance MFA.

    Related Graduate Degrees

    A dancer leaps on stage, with another standing behind her.

    Tuition & Fees

    In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Fine Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

    are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

    Pennsylvania resident: $1,282.00 per credit
    Out-of-state: $1,711.00 per credit

    You can view the full .

    Our Advisors

    Faculty advisors can help you navigate your program and discuss research opportunities, teaching assistantships and more. .Ìý

    Program Contact

    Sherril Dodds is the coordinator of graduate studies in the Dance Department.
    Phone: 215-204-4959
    Email:Ìý

    Student Clubs & Organizations

    Participating in student groups provides peer support and future professional contacts.ÌýThere are more than 200 student organizations at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

    • is a dance company that strives to spread a love of the arts through dance, performance and workshops. D2D competes in local competitions, such as Battle on Broad, and national competitions, like Prelude Urban Dance Competition and World of Dance.
    • provides students with the opportunity to explore, educate, and experience the Latino culture through the art form of dance and perform for the community and university.
    • is the only recognized, all-female, non-Greek step organization at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's Main Campus. The group promotes fitness, health and self-confidence among its members while cultivating the art of stepping. Ladies of Elegance Step represents 51³Ô¹ÏÍø at competitions along the East Coast.
    • , the first official break-dancing organization at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, provides practice spaces for dancers of all experience levels, as well as free workshops led by professional dancers working in the greater Philadelphia area.

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    Accreditation

    The Boyer College of Music and Dance is accredited by the

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    Additional Program Information