Dance Bachelor of Fine Arts
San Marcos, Texas, USA, United States
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance
Texas State University
Dance
Program Overview: BFA in Dance at Texas State University
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at Texas State University offers multiple concentrations including Performance and Choreography, Dance Studies, and Teacher Certification. Students explore multiple genres of dance, learning to contextualize theory and practice in educational, professional, and community settings while developing technical proficiency across ballet, modern/contemporary, jazz, and hip hop styles.
The curriculum emphasizes the role of dance as a catalyst for artistic expression and a means for developing a global perspective. Respecting the body instrument is paramount to the technical dance training at Texas State, where students learn injury prevention techniques and efficient body mechanics while honing their skills in performing, teaching, and creating original dances.
Located on a beautiful 507-acre campus in San Marcos, Texas, the Division of Dance is housed within the Department of Theatre and Dance in the College of Fine Arts and Communication. Students benefit from multiple performance opportunities each season, including shows with the faculty-directed Merge Dance Company, which presents interdisciplinary performances weaving social and political dialogues with innovative artmaking.
Key Program Highlights
- Multiple BFA concentrations available: Performance and Choreography, Dance Studies, and Teacher Certification
- Training across ballet, modern/contemporary, jazz, and hip hop with faculty-evaluated course placement
- Performance opportunities through Merge Dance Company and multiple seasonal productions
- Comprehensive curriculum blending rigorous technique with choreography, critical thinking, and research
Curriculum and Modules
The BFA in Dance program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, combining general education core curriculum courses with intensive dance major coursework. Students are placed into technique classes based on faculty evaluation of their skill level in ballet, jazz, hip hop, and modern/contemporary dance. The curriculum balances rigorous technical training with theoretical knowledge, choreographic development, and professional preparation.
Ballet Technique
2 credits per semesterProgressive ballet training from foundational to advanced levels, with faculty-evaluated placement. Students develop classical technique, alignment, musicality, and performance quality through structured coursework across multiple semesters.
Modern/Contemporary Technique
2 credits per semesterStudy of modern and contemporary dance techniques at progressive levels focusing on technical development, performance quality, complex movement sequences, center combinations, progressions, and repertory.
Choreography and Composition
3 creditsStudents develop critical thinking and research strategies to create their own choreographic products. This coursework engages students in the creative process of dance-making from concept development through performance.
Dance Concert Production
3 creditsStudents develop skills required to plan and execute dance concerts in standard educational institutions as well as professional venues, covering technical, administrative, and promotional aspects of production.
BFA Senior Concert
4 creditsA capstone course in which students choreograph, perform, and produce a dance concert while applying feedback from faculty and peers throughout the process. Students engage in the creative, administrative, and promotional aspects of production.
Dance as a Profession
3 creditsThis course prepares students to work as professionals in the field of dance. Students learn the skills necessary to create a dance-specific resume and portfolio, seek and secure employment, and seek funding for dance projects.
Elective Options
Admission Requirements
Admission to the BFA in Dance at Texas State University varies by concentration. The Performance and Choreography and Teacher Certification tracks require a live audition, while the Dance Studies concentration does not require an audition. Prospective students should reach out to Uni4Edu for guidance on the application and audition process.
Academic Requirements
- High School DiplomaCompleted secondary education with official transcripts required
- Audition (Performance & Choreography / Teacher Certification)Live audition required in fall or spring semester prior to admittance; a limit of two audition attempts is enforced
- Audition (Dance Studies Concentration)No audition required; students need only be admitted to the university
- Academic StandardsStudents must maintain appropriate artistic and academic standards at the discretion of the Dance faculty
- Technique EvaluationSkill level evaluated by faculty to determine course placement in ballet, jazz, hip hop, and modern/contemporary technique classes
Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
- IELTSContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
- Duolingo English TestContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Texas State University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for both domestic and international students. International students are encouraged to apply for academic scholarships through the university's Bobcat Online Scholarship System (BOSS). Students receiving competitive scholarships of at least USD 1,000 may also qualify for in-state tuition rates, providing substantial additional savings.
Freshman Assured Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships available to incoming undergraduate students who meet established academic criteria. These awards are guaranteed for all qualified students who meet the requirements and are admitted to the university.
Good Neighbor Scholarship
Non-resident tuition adjustmentProvides tuition assistance to academically talented students from nations of the Western Hemisphere (other than Cuba and the United States), adjusting tuition to the difference between in-state and out-of-state rates.
Departmental and College Scholarships
Varies by awardThe College of Fine Arts and Communication and the Department of Theatre and Dance offer competitive departmental scholarships accessible through the BOSS scholarship system. Contact Uni4Edu for details on fine arts-specific funding opportunities.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the BFA in Dance program at Texas State University are prepared for diverse careers in the performing arts, education, and creative industries. The Performance and Choreography concentration prepares students for professional dance careers or graduate study, while the Teacher Certification track leads to Texas state certification for teaching dance in grades six through twelve. The Dance Studies concentration offers flexible career pathways across the broader dance and arts landscape.
Potential Career Paths
Types of Employers
Rankings & Recognition
Texas State University is a public research institution founded in 1899, consistently recognized for its academic quality and commitment to student success. The university has been climbing national rankings and is recognized by multiple prestigious ranking bodies for its comprehensive degree offerings and strong social mobility outcomes.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Social Mobility | U.S. News & World Report | #144 |
| Theatre and Dance Programs | Regional Recognition | Top in Texas |
| Online Education Programs | U.S. News & World Report | Top National Rankings |
| Teacher Education | Texas Education Agency | #1 in Texas for Graduating Public School Teachers |
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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