Dance PhD

The Dance PhD degree in Temple’s Boyer College of Music and Dance offers a rigorous curriculum of coursework and research, culminating in an in-depth dissertation project. Critical theory seminars in culture, history, pedagogy and philosophy are interwoven with experiential methodology studies.

PhD graduates pursue careers in artistic direction, choreography and performance, as well as advocacy, dance administration, entrepreneurship, teaching in higher education, research and writing.

Boyer’s Dance PhD degree program is one of four in the country, and its curriculum is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance.

Over four to six years, you’ll study dance as aesthetic behavior, a mode of inquiry and social communication, and a performing art. The curriculum emphasizes

  • cultural, historical, and philosophical perspectives of dance and the body;
  • dance learning and teaching across the life span; and
  • performance theory and practice.

Boyer’s Dance faculty represent an array of research areas and specialties, including aesthetic, artistic, educational, ethnographic, historical, phenomenological and sociological modes of inquiry in dance. Faculty have performed at nationally known institutions such as Kariamu & Company: Traditions, the Martha Graham Dance Company, Metropolitan Opera Ballet and Pearl Lang Dance Company. Learn more about Dance PhD faculty members and their areas of study.

Classes & Curriculum 

Some of the core courses during the term of this degree will have a centralized focus in

  • Black Performance;
  • Bodies Texts, History;
  • Dancing the Popular;
  • Educational Inquiry in Dance;
  • Experience, Engagement, Multi-Sensory Inquiry; and
  • Neoclassicism and the Baroque Revival in 20th Century Dance & Culture.

Learn more about the required courses for the Dance PhD.

Related Graduate Degrees

Two dancers perform on stage.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy 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.

Additional Information

BC-DANC-PHD

Additional Program Information