Master of Arts - MA

students in a classroom

Master of Arts in Dance with Concentration in Education (MADE Program)

  • Two-year, low-residency program (new cohorts begin in the fall of every even-numbered year)
  • Geared toward working and aspiring dance education professionals
  • Emphasizes the study and research of teaching and learning practices

Why a low residency MA in Dance with a Concentration in Education? 

Keep your current job while earning an advanced degree.

Increased earning potential: an advanced degree can often lead to higher salaries for teachers.

Professional development: further knowledge and skills, and stay current with the latest developments in dance education, while expanding your professional networks.

Career advancement: open new career opportunities - fine arts director, department chair, administrator, etc.

Increased job security: become more competitive in the job market with an MA in Dance from TWU, a nationally recognized, accredited dance program.

Degree plan and course rotation

We also offer an MA in Dance. Learn more about other options for an MA in Dance >>

Program objectives

In the MADE Program you will:

  • Expand your teaching strategies
  • Advance theoretical knowledge in the field of dance education
  • Further develop movement skills and approaches to dance education

Program overview

What is low residency?

In-person learning on the TWU Denton campus two weekends each Fall and Spring semester and two weeks each summer semester.

When not in residency, high-quality, online asynchronous learning accommodates dance educators’ demanding teaching schedules.

Who should apply?

Dance educators in:

  • K-12 settings
  • Community colleges and universities
  • Community centers/organizations
  • Dance outreach programs
  • Dance studios
  • Other educational contexts and environments

Admission requirements

Admission to the MA in Dance

Program contact

Robin Conrad, PhD
rconrad@twu.edu

Charmian Wells, PhD
cwells14@twu.edu

Application deadlines

February 1

This MA in Dance with a Concentration in Education is a cohort program in which students are only admitted every other year. Students who choose this concentration will begin their studies in the fall of even years (e.g. 2026 or 2028). 

This program is open to Texas residents and non-Texas residents, and scholarships with in-state tuition are available for qualified applicants.

It is recommended that international students complete the graduate school application and submit required materials for review and processing at least six to eight months before the deadline.

Application requirements

  1. Resume of dance, educational, and artistic experience.
  2. Statement of interests and objectives 300-500 words which includes:
    • an indication of your professional goals;
    • previous artistic, academic, and career experience related to these goals; and
    • the importance of graduate study in the pursuit of your professional goals.
  3. Writing sample (such as a research paper): 
    • Students applying for the two-year MA Cohort with emphasis in education should submit a research paper about their pedagogy or educational philosophy in the classroom.
    • Students applying for the two-year MA Cohort with an emphasis in education must submit a YouTube or Vimeo link to a class or series of classes taught by the applicant. Include the password if password protected.
  4. Email addresses for three individuals familiar with your teaching, academic, and/or artistic work who can provide letters of recommendation to be requested through and submitted into the application.  
  5. Participate in an interview, either in person or over the phone. Qualified applicants will be contacted by the Department of Dance recruitment coordinator to schedule an interview.
  6. Only MA students considering the MFA need to participate in a Dance Audition.

Applicants who choose to apply for a graduate assistantship in dance should review the Graduate Assistantships Dance webpage and complete the Application for Graduate Assistantship and Teaching Expertise in Dance forms found on that page.

Graduate Admission

Begin by reviewing your program's website to see if there are additional admission requirements and application deadlines prior to applying.  

  1. Apply online.
    Apply to Graduate Programs  via the TWU Online Graduate Application Portal following instructions below.  
  2. Submit transcripts to TWU.
    • Domestic Applicants must submit official transcripts for each college or university attended, both undergraduate and graduate. See the Information on Transcripts website for more details. Original transcripts for each college/university attended must be submitted, even if referred to on another schools transcripts.
    • International Applicants are now required to provide an evaluation prepared by a NACES or AICE member evaluation service. International transcripts should not be sent directly to TWU. See the International Admissions website for more details.
  3. Submit Recommendation Requests
    If your program requires you to submit names for recommendations you will need to do it in the application. List of programs-majors.  
  4. Pay the application fee.
    The $50 fee ($75 fee for International applicants), which applies to all new and returning applicants, can be paid by:
    1. Credit card - Pay Online through the application as the last step before submitting the application. The second portion of the application will not be available until the application fee has been received.
    2. Fee Waivers - Graduate applicants who are certified McNair Scholars are eligible for a McNair Scholar Application Fee Waiver. TWU Alumni may be eligible for the Alumni Advantage Fee Waiver. Check your eligibility here: https://twu.edu/alumni-advantage/. If eligible submit the request using the Application Fee Waiver Submission
    3. Following fee payment return to the application dashboard where supplemental application documents can be uploaded. The online application will list which documents are needed to fulfill the program admission requirements. You can also check the program's website.
  5. Submit Program supplemental documents
    1. Review the specific requirements for your intended program to identify any supplemental materials needed for your application.

Watch for emails from your new program/department that may come to your TWU email address.

For more information or assistance with the application or graduate admissions, visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Students who wish to apply for a Graduate Assistantship must meet the General Criteria for Appointment of Graduate Assistants.

Need more information?

To inquire about the MA degree program, please contact our program coordinators, Robin Conrad, PhD, or Charmian Wells, PhD, or fill out the following form:

Request more information Apply now

Additional resources

Scholarship information for new graduate students

Graduate catalog scholarship information
Scholarships

TWU tuition calculator

Tuition estimator

Page last updated 4:14 PM, October 15, 2025