B.A. in Dance

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 80% or above in their previous educational qualifications.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 is required.
• TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 80 is often required.
• PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 58 is often required.
• DET Requirement: A DET score of 105 is required.
• SAT Requirement: A SAT score of 500 is required.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

James Madison University (JMU) recognizes the importance of supporting international students in their pursuit of higher education and offers various scholarship opportunities to facilitate their academic journey.

International Undergraduate Merit Scholarships: JMU provides merit-based scholarships for outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. Eligible students are automatically considered during the admission process.

International Diversity Scholarships: To promote cultural diversity on campus, JMU offers International Diversity Scholarships. These scholarships aim to attract students from different backgrounds, fostering a global perspective within the university community. Eligibility criteria include a demonstrated diversity and inclusion.

College-Specific Scholarships: Various colleges within JMU may offer scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines. International students pursuing degrees in fields such as business, science, engineering, or the arts may have access to college-specific scholarship opportunities.

Global Engagement Scholarships: JMU encourages international students to actively engage with the global community. Global Engagement Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate a promoting cross-cultural understanding through activities such as international events, community service, and leadership roles.

Graduates of James Madison University's Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance program possess a unique blend of artistic expression, technical proficiency, and academic knowledge. The program prepares individuals for diverse career paths within the field of dance, offering opportunities for artistic performance, choreography, education, and advocacy.

Professional Dancer: Many graduates choose to pursue careers as Professional Dancers, joining dance companies or working as freelance performers. They may specialize in specific dance genres such as ballet, modern dance, or contemporary dance, performing in theaters, dance festivals, and other venues.

Choreographer: Choreographers create dance sequences and performances. Graduates with a B.A. in Dance often pursue careers in choreography, developing their own works or contributing to collaborative projects. They may work with dance companies, theaters, or as independent artists.

Dance Educator: Graduates may choose to become Dance Educators, teaching dance techniques, choreography, and dance history at schools, studios, or community centers. Some may pursue advanced degrees to teach at the collegiate level.

Dance Therapist: Dance Therapists use movement and dance to support individuals in achieving physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Graduates with a passion for using dance as a therapeutic tool may pursue careers in healthcare settings, rehabilitation centers, or special education programs.

Arts Administrator: Arts Administrators play a crucial role in managing dance organizations, festivals, and performance venues. Graduates with strong organizational and leadership skills may pursue careers in arts administration, overseeing the logistical and promotional aspects of dance productions.

Dance Company Manager: Dance Company Managers handle the day-to-day operations of dance companies, ensuring smooth rehearsals, coordinating performances, and managing budgets. Graduates may work with professional dance companies or smaller, independent ensembles.

Dance Critic/Reviewer: For those with a passion for writing and a deep understanding of dance, becoming a Dance Critic or Reviewer is a viable career option. They contribute reviews and analyses of dance performances for publications, websites, or media outlets.

Dance Photographer/Videographer: Photographers and videographers specializing in dance capture the essence of performances through visual media. Graduates may collaborate with dance companies or work independently, creating promotional materials and documenting dance productions.

Arts Marketing Specialist: Arts Marketing Specialists focus on promoting dance events, performances, and organizations. Graduates with a B.A. in Dance may pursue careers in marketing and public relations for dance companies, theaters, or arts agencies.

Dance Studio Owner/Operator: Entrepreneurial graduates may choose to establish their own dance studios, offering classes in various dance styles to the community. Studio owners manage operations, hire instructors, and create a welcoming environment for dancers of all ages.

Dance Researcher/Scholar: For those interested in academia, pursuing a path as a Dance Researcher or Scholar is an option. Graduates may contribute to the academic study of dance, publishing research papers, and teaching at the collegiate level.

Dance Outreach Coordinator: Dance Outreach Coordinators work to bring dance education and performances to underserved communities. Graduates may collaborate with schools, community centers, and organizations to promote dance accessibility.

Dance Festival Organizer: Organizing dance festivals allows graduates to create platforms for dancers and choreographers to showcase their work. They coordinate logistics, select performers, and promote the festival to the wider community.

Dance Advocate/Activist: Some graduates become Dance Advocates or Activists, working to promote the importance of dance in education, culture, and society. They may engage in community outreach, advocacy campaigns, and initiatives to raise awareness about dance.