Master of Arts in Dance

Integrate the cultural, creative and educational studies of dance with the Master of Arts in Dance in Temple’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. This research-centered, 30-credit graduate degree prepares students for an array of professional dance opportunities. Graduates choreograph and perform in diverse settings, publish research, teach dance in all levels of education, and serve as arts administrators and policymakers.

Through experiential and theory-based coursework, as well as an in-depth thesis project, Dance MA students receive master’s-level professional development in dance creation, pedagogy, research and writing, and teaching. You’ll extend your practice and understanding of dance, both as a performing art and as a mode of inquiry and knowing. The Dance Department's mission places high value on the role of dance in a pluralistic, multicultural society.

All Dance MA courses are offered on Main Campus and students complete the degree program through morning and afternoon classes. You can complete the degree program on a full- or part-time basis.

Choosing between the MA and MFA

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. 

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.

Classes & Curriculum

The Master of Arts in Dance is a research-centered program. It encourages interdisciplinary coursework and enables students to blend experiential and theoretical study.

Required courses you must take during your program include

  • Concepts of Culture,
  • Dancing in the City,
  • Dancing Self in Community,
  • Educating Dance,
  • Embodied Craft and
  • Research Methods in Dance.

Learn more about Dance MA courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

A dancer performs on stage, swirling in sand, creating a unique visual effect.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Arts 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 (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,187.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,583.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

BC-DANC-MA

Additional Program Information