University degrees: Postgraduate
Course length: two years of full-time study and two summers
Course city: New York
Created as a partnership between NYU Steinhardt and NYU Tisch School of the Arts, this highly innovative graduate program combines intensive study in dance technique, theory, and composition in a renowned conservatory setting with performance and choreography opportunities and student teaching placements in New York City schools. You’ll be prepared to launch your career as a professional dancer, and also gain certification to teach dance to students in pre-K to grade 12, as well as the qualification to teach in colleges and universities.
Degrees that offer initial teaching certification, professional teaching certification, non-teaching certification, and a non-certification option with a certificate in American Ballet Theatre pedagogy are also available.
See the curriculum and requirements for this degree.
The MFA/MA program combines core coursework in research, pedagogy, and content with classes in ballet and contemporary technique, dance composition, and history and theory.
You’ll complete two semesters of student teaching at New York City schools, at the elementary and secondary grade levels, under the close supervision of experienced dance teachers. This is a valuable opportunity to develop and refine your teaching techniques.
The program consists of 76 points, or credits, of coursework, 29 of which are towards the MA degree and 47 towards the MFA. You can complete the program in two years of full-time study and two summers. See a sample course sequence.
Apply first to Tisch, then apply to Steinhardt. Each year, three to five students will be admitted the program.
Candidates must meet all the admissions criteria and audition requirements of the Tisch Dance Department and the Steinhardt Dance Education program. You must hold a baccalaureate degree in any discipline, and demonstrate expertise in your audition in ballet and modern dance and creative process. You must also meet the requirements for teacher certification in Dance Education, as regulated by the New York State Education Department.
See more information on admissions requirements.
Degree: Master of Fine Arts in Dance and Master of Arts in Teaching Dance, All Grades
Format: Full-time or part-time
Credits: 76
Start Date: Fall
Application Deadline: February 1
