Dance
San Marcos, Texas, USA, United States
Bachelor of Arts in Dance
Texas State University
Dance
Program Overview: Bachelor of Arts in Dance at Texas State University
The Bachelor of Arts in Dance at Texas State University provides students with a broad perspective in the dance industry by offering classroom instruction in all genres of dance. Located in San Marcos, Texas — situated between Austin and San Antonio — the program is housed within the Division of Dance under the College of Fine Arts and Communication.
Students complete a minimum of 29 required hours in Dance, with 10 additional required elective hours in Dance and/or Theatre courses, alongside a comprehensive general education core curriculum. The B.A. degree also requires coursework in English literature, math or science, and modern language, plus completion of a minor, giving graduates a well-rounded academic foundation.
The Division of Dance at Texas State was founded by Dr. Joan Hays in 1973 and has grown into a vibrant program offering multiple performance opportunities each season, including 2-3 shows in the fall and 4-5 in the spring. Students benefit from participation in faculty-directed companies such as Merge Dance Company, which presents interdisciplinary performances weaving social, political, and communal dialogues with innovative approaches to artmaking.
Key Program Highlights
- Comprehensive training across ballet, modern/contemporary, jazz, and hip hop dance genres with faculty-evaluated placement
- No audition required for the B.A. in Dance — students need only be admitted to the university
- Multiple annual performance opportunities with 2-3 shows in fall and 4-5 in spring each season
- Flexible curriculum combining dance coursework with a minor and modern language study for a broad liberal arts education
Curriculum and Course Modules
The B.A. in Dance curriculum balances rigorous technical training with academic study across multiple dance genres and related disciplines. Students complete 120 total credit hours, including at least 29 required hours in Dance and 10 elective hours in Dance or Theatre, with a minimum of 12 upper-level Dance credit hours.
Modern/Contemporary Dance Technique
2 Credit Hours per levelA progressive sequence exploring modern and contemporary dance techniques from beginning through advanced levels. Topics include somatic approaches to movement, body alignment, technical development, creative expression, center combinations, progressions, and repertory.
Ballet Technique
2 Credit Hours per levelA multi-level course sequence covering introductory through advanced ballet technique. Content includes terminology, body conditioning, performance and choreographic approaches, and critical analysis skills applied to classical ballet training.
Jazz Dance Technique
2 Credit Hours per levelBeginning through advanced study of jazz dance technique, including application of jazz-specific terminology, performance of movement phrasework, and exploration and application of elements of dynamic performance.
Careers in Dance
2 Credit HoursThis course familiarizes students with careers in dance across numerous social, cultural, and professional contexts. It introduces the artistic, philosophical, and cognitive implications of dance while examining a variety of dance-related career paths.
Conditioning for Dancers
2 Credit HoursExplores body conditioning exercises and overall wellness, including practical application of physical conditioning methods based on functional fitness principles, Pilates, aerobics, HIIT, and yoga techniques with emphasis on anatomical terminology and safe exercise.
World Dance and Culture
3 Credit HoursExposes students to the varied and rich traditions of dance in a wide range of historical and cultural contexts. Students develop tools for cross-cultural comparison encompassing religious dance, folk dance, court dance, and social dance traditions.
Dance and Theatre Electives
Admission Requirements
The B.A. in Dance at Texas State University does not require an audition for admission. Prospective students must meet the general university admission requirements for international applicants. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on your application and to confirm your eligibility.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary School DiplomaCompletion of a foreign secondary school with an academic profile equivalent to a U.S. high school curriculum
- Academic AchievementDemonstrated above-average classroom achievement in secondary school coursework
- SAT/ACT ScoresOptional for students ranked in the top 75% of their high school class
- Application FeeUSD 90 nonrefundable application fee for international applicants
- AuditionNot required for the B.A. in Dance program
English Language Proficiency Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 78 overall
- IELTS (Academic)Minimum score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each module
- Duolingo English TestMinimum score of 110 overall
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Texas State University offers freshman scholarships to qualified residents and nonresidents, including international students. Merit-based and need-based funding opportunities are available to help make your dance education more affordable. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized scholarship guidance.
Texas State Merit Scholarship
Merit-based scholarships are available to first-time incoming freshmen who meet minimum scholarship qualifications. International students are eligible to apply based on academic achievement.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for Dance Graduates
A Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Texas State University prepares graduates for diverse careers in the performing arts and beyond. The program's broad liberal arts foundation, combined with intensive dance training, equips you with skills in performance, communication, creativity, and critical thinking that are valued across many industries.
Potential Career Paths
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Texas State University has earned recognition from major national ranking organizations for its academic quality, social mobility impact, and student outcomes. The university continues to climb in national rankings, reflecting its growing reputation as a comprehensive public research institution.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Dance | College Factual | #22 |
| Dance (Texas) | College Factual | #4 |
| Social Mobility | U.S. News & World Report | #144 |
| Undergraduate Nursing | U.S. News & World Report | #294 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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