Master of Arts - M.A.

3 women in arabesque pose
Photo by Jesse Scroggins.

Master of Arts in Dance Program

Our master of arts in dance degree program will allow you to develop a broad knowledge of the discipline, its intersection of theory and practice, and its application in artistic, cultural, and educational contexts. If you are a student interested in educational and arts leadership, you may elect to address issues related to the role and significance of dance in education, the place of dance in society or the development of your own personal philosophies. If you are interested in research and writing, you may instead choose to emphasize coursework designed to develop the knowledge and research skills necessary to undertake independent research in your specialized areas of interest.

We also offer a NEW education concentration. This two year low-residency program emphasizes study and the research of teaching and learning practices for established and aspiring dance educators. In this program, students will expand their teaching strategies, advance their dance and education theoretical knowledge, and further develop their movement skills. Learn more >>

Degree plan and course rotation

Program overview

Perspective of the professional in the field of Dance guiding the M.A. Program

The focus of this program is on qualitative research including ethnography, historical and cultural studies. Interdisciplinary work is encouraged and students have the option to include course work from other areas, including women's studies, rhetoric, visual arts, theater, marketing and music.

Program objectives

  • To further develop an understanding of the nature of dance as an expression of human experience in diverse artistic, cultural and educational contexts.
  • To develop an understanding of the relationship of action and reflection in dance choreography and performance, researching, writing, and pedagogy.
  • To facilitate the pursuit of individual areas of interest relative to the student's professional goals.

Admission requirements

Admission to the M.A. in Dance

Program Contact 

Dr. Ilana Morgan
940-898-2003
imorgan@twu.edu

Application Deadlines

December 15

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 2-year M.A. Cohort with emphasis in education should submit a research paper about their pedagogy or educational philosophy in the classroom.
    • Students applying for the 2-year M.A. 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 M.A. students considering the M.F.A. 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.

How to Apply

Begin by finding your program in TWU's Program, Majors & Degrees listings to see if your program has additional admission requirements and application deadlines prior to applying.  (This information is for all programs. The application deadline for your specific program will be listed in the Program Requirements.  Use that deadline as it applies below.  (Example: if a program only admits once a year and has a Fall deadline for 2023 of March 1, you would need to be looking to apply to the next deadline for Fall 2024.)

  1. Apply online.
    Apply to Graduate Programs according to the start semester and application portals below:
    • Spring 2024 - All programs apply via ApplyTexas EXCEPT applicants to the College of Business, Child Life, or Child Development master's programs or the Child Development and Early Education PhD program who should apply via the TWU Online Graduate Application Portal.
      • Note: When applying through ApplyTexas, you will need to submit any required Documents directly to the program website.
    • Summer & Fall 2024 - All graduate programs apply via the TWU Online Graduate Application Portal. Required documents will be asked for and uploaded into the application.

  2. Pay the application fee.
    The $50 fee, ($75 fee for International applicants), which applies to all new and returning applicants can be paid by:
    • Credit card - Online through the portal you applied on (either ApplyTexas or TWU's Online Graduate Application).
    • Certified check or money order by mail or electronically - payable to TWU, sent by mail to:
      TWU Admissions Processing, 301 Research Circle, Room 220; Denton, Texas 76204
      (include your full name and ID number).
    • Cash (no personal checks) - Pay at the Bursar's Office. After paying, bring the receipt to Admissions Processing (2nd floor of GRB).
    • Fee Waivers - Graduate applicants who are certified McNair Scholars are eligible for a McNair Scholar application Fee waiver. Submit the request using the Application Fee Waiver Submission Form.

  3. 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.
    • 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 Admission website for more details.

For more information on graduate admissions or to contact an admissions official, 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 M.A. degree program, please contact our Program Coordinator, Dr. Ilana Morgan, or fill out the following form:

Request more information

Page last updated 10:23 AM, September 6, 2023