Master of Arts - M.A.

Photo by Jesse Scroggins.

Master of Arts in Dance Program

Our master of arts in dance degree program will allow you to develop a broad knowledge of the discipline, its intersection of theory and practice, and its application in artistic, cultural, and educational contexts. If you are a student interested in educational and arts leadership, you may elect to address issues related to the role and significance of dance in education, the place of dance in society or the development of your own personal philosophies. If you are interested in research and writing, you may instead choose to emphasize coursework designed to develop the knowledge and research skills necessary to undertake independent research in your specialized areas of interest.

We also offer a NEW education concentration. This two year low-residency program emphasizes study and the research of teaching and learning practices for established and aspiring dance educators. In this program, students will expand their teaching strategies, advance their dance and education theoretical knowledge, and further develop their movement skills. Learn more >>

Degree plan and course rotation

Program overview

Perspective of the professional in the field of Dance guiding the M.A. Program

The focus of this program is on qualitative research including ethnography, historical and cultural studies. Interdisciplinary work is encouraged and students have the option to include course work from other areas, including women's studies, rhetoric, visual arts, theater, marketing and music.

Program objectives

To further develop an understanding of the nature of dance as an expression of human experience in diverse artistic, cultural and educational contexts.
To develop an understanding of the relationship of action and reflection in dance choreography and performance, researching, writing, and pedagogy.
To facilitate the pursuit of individual areas of interest relative to the student's professional goals.

Admission requirements

Admission to the M.A. in Dance

Program Contact

Dr. Ilana Morgan
940-898-2003
imorgan@www.melvinmacias.com

Application Deadlines

December 15

It is recommended that International Students complete the graduate school application and submit required materials for review and processing at least six to eight months before the deadline.

How to Apply

Apply for admission to the TWU Graduate School.
Applicants must email the following materials in PDF format to dancerecruitment@www.melvinmacias.com with the subject heading "(Full Name) - M.A. Application Materials":
- Department of Dance Graduate Application form
- Resume of dance, educational, and artistic experience.
- 300-500 word statement of interests and objectives which includes:
  - an indication of your professional goals;
  - previous artistic, academic, and career experience related to these goals; and
  - the importance of graduate study in the pursuit of your professional goals.
- Writing sample such as a research paper. Students applying for the 2-year M.A. Cohort with emphasis in education should submit a research paper about their pedagogy or educational philosophy in the classroom.
- Students applying for the 2-year M.A. Cohort with an emphasis in education must submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to a class or series of classes taught by the applicant. Include the password if password protected.
Have three letters of recommendation sent from people familiar with your teaching, academic, and/or artistic work. Recommenders must submit letters of recommendation as PDFs directly to dancerecruitment@www.melvinmacias.com and should include the student name and "M.A. in Dance" in the subject line.
Participate in an interview, either in person or over the phone. Qualified applicants will be contacted by the Department of Dance Recruitment Coordinator to schedule an interview.
Only M.A. students considering the M.F.A. need to participate in a Dance Audition.

Applicants who choose to apply for a Graduate Assistantship position should review the Graduate Assistantships Dance webpage and complete the Application for Graduate Assistantship and Teaching Expertise in Dance forms found on that page.

Need more information?

To inquire about the M.A. degree program, please contact our Program Coordinator, Dr. Ilana Morgan, or fill out the following form:

Request more information

Page last updated 9:33 AM, October 24, 2022