B.A. in Dance

The B.A. in Dance program at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) offers students a comprehensive education in dance technique, choreography, theory, and performance, preparing them for careers in dance performance, education, choreography, and related fields.

Curriculum: The curriculum encompasses a blend of practical dance training and theoretical coursework. Students explore various dance styles, including modern, ballet, jazz, contemporary, and cultural forms. Core courses cover dance history, choreography, dance composition, improvisation, and movement analysis. Elective options allow students to specialize in areas such as dance pedagogy, dance technology, dance therapy, or arts administration.

Research Focus: UMBC promotes research in dance through creative projects, choreographic exploration, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Students engage in dance research methodologies, exploring topics such as cultural influences on dance, dance as a form of social expression, and the intersection of dance with technology and multimedia arts. Research opportunities foster artistic innovation, critical inquiry, and scholarly contributions to the field of dance studies.

Industry Engagement: The program encourages industry engagement through performance opportunities, internships with dance companies, and partnerships with arts organizations. Students participate in dance productions, guest artist workshops, and residencies that enhance their professional skills and network within the dance community. Industry connections provide pathways to careers in professional dance companies, dance education, arts management, and community outreach programs.

Global Perspective: UMBC's B.A. in Dance program integrates a global perspective by exploring diverse cultural dance traditions, global dance trends, and cross-cultural exchanges in dance. Students study dance practices from around the world, examine the cultural contexts of dance performances, and engage in multicultural dance experiences through workshops, study abroad programs, and collaborations with international artists. Global perspectives enrich students' understanding of dance as a universal language and prepare them for careers in global arts environments.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.

Scholarships for International Students at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC).

International Student Scholarships: UMBC offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students to support their educational expenses. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both. They are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria. 

UMBC Merit Scholarships: UMBC offers merit-based scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate international students. These scholarships are awarded to students with exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, and community involvement. The selection process for these scholarships is competitive, and students are typically considered based on their application materials, including academic transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

Departmental Scholarships: Various departments and academic programs at UMBC may offer scholarships specifically for international students within their respective fields. These scholarships may be discipline-specific and target students who demonstrate exceptional abilities and potential in a particular area of study. International students are advised to inquire with their intended department or program about any available scholarships or funding opportunities.

External Scholarships: International students studying at UMBC may also be eligible for external scholarships provided by organizations, foundations, and government agencies. These scholarships can be based on various criteria such as academic excellence, leadership, community service, or specific fields of study. Students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities in their home countries or through international scholarship databases.

Fulbright Scholarships: UMBC participates in the Fulbright Program, which offers scholarships to international students from over 160 countries. The Fulbright scholarships support graduate study, research, and teaching assistantships at UMBC. Eligibility criteria and application processes for Fulbright scholarships may vary depending on the student's home country. Interested international students can contact the Fulbright Commission or Embassy in their home country for more information.

Global Ambassador Scholarships: UMBC's Global Ambassador Scholarships are designed for international students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding on campus. These scholarships provide financial support and an opportunity for international students to engage in outreach activities, cultural programs, and campus initiatives that promote global perspectives and intercultural exchange.

International Education Foundation (IEF) Scholarships: The International Education Foundation offers scholarships to international students studying at UMBC. These scholarships are aimed at supporting students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to community service. The IEF scholarships are awarded based on a competitive application process, and students are required to submit an essay and letters of recommendation.

It is important for international students to carefully review the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documents for each scholarship opportunity.

Graduates of UMBC's B.A. in Dance program develop a diverse skill set that prepares them for careers in dance performance, education, choreography, arts administration, and related fields.

Professional Dancer: One of the primary career paths for graduates is becoming a professional dancer. Professional dancers perform in dance companies, musical theater productions, opera houses, and commercial dance ventures. They specialize in various dance genres, such as ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, and cultural dance forms, showcasing their artistic expression and technical prowess on stage and in multimedia productions.

Dance Educator/Teacher: Graduates may pursue careers as dance educators or teachers, instructing students of all ages in dance studios, schools, community centers, and arts organizations. Dance educators teach technique classes, choreograph dance routines, and lead workshops in dance history, dance theory, and movement analysis. They foster artistic development, creativity, and dance appreciation among students while promoting physical fitness and overall well-being through dance education.

Choreographer: Some graduates specialize as choreographers, creating original dance compositions and choreographing performances for dance companies, theater productions, film, television, and multimedia projects. Choreographers collaborate with dancers, directors, and production teams to conceptualize movement sequences, interpret music, and convey narrative themes through dance. They may also work as freelance choreographers, contributing to commercial advertisements, music videos, and dance festivals.

Arts Administrator: Graduates interested in arts management may pursue careers as arts administrators or program coordinators in dance organizations, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and non-profit arts agencies. Arts administrators oversee budgeting, fundraising, marketing, and logistical operations for dance productions, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. They advocate for arts funding, promote cultural diversity, and ensure the sustainability of dance programs within local and global arts communities.

Dance Therapist: With a focus on therapeutic applications of dance and movement, graduates may specialize as dance/movement therapists. Dance therapists work in healthcare settings, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, and special education programs, using dance as a therapeutic tool to enhance physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. They design dance therapy sessions, facilitate movement exercises, and support clients in achieving personal growth, self-expression, and healing through dance interventions.

Further Education and Research: Graduates interested in advancing their careers may pursue further education through master's or doctoral programs in dance, dance education, arts management, or related fields. Advanced degrees offer opportunities for roles in academia, research institutions, and specialized industries. Graduates may conduct research, publish scholarly articles, and contribute to dance education, choreographic innovation, and community-based dance initiatives.