Dance
Our Dance Program is a dynamic and growing field of study that provides students with a rich program of study, five degree options, diverse performance opportunities and off-campus events. Students receive a comprehensive education grounded in a liberal arts education that prepares them for a lifetime in dance such as: teaching, performing, private studio ownership, choreographing, dance therapy, arts administration, dance writing and related fields.
Careers in Dance
The Dance program balances artistic experiences with practical applications, preparing students for careers as dancers, dance instructors, choreographers, and artistic directors.- Actor
- Performer
- Dance Instructor
- Stage Manager
- Choreographer
- Artistic Director
Potential Salary
Median Salary $51,660
Dance Degrees at MSU
Dance, Bachelor of Arts
Learn the depth and breadth of dance as you practice this art form in multiple ways. Balance your artistic experiences with practical applications to enter the dance world after graduation. Be ready for a lifetime in dance to teach, perform, choreograph, write, and produce. Whatever your chosen path, emerge from the program with skills and abilities to think critically and act globally as high-quality dance artists.
Dance, Bachelor of Fine Arts
A rigorous degree intended for students looking for a highly focused pursuit of dance. The degree includes intense exploration of a student’s choreographic voice and performance skills combined with high-level execution in multiple dance forms.
Dance, Bachelor of Science
Learn the depth and breadth of dance as you practice this art form in multiple ways. Balance your artistic experiences with practical applications to enter the dance world after graduation. Be ready for a lifetime in dance to teach, perform, choreograph, write, and produce. Whatever your chosen path, emerge from the program with skills and abilities to think critically and act globally as high-quality dance artists.
Dance Private Studio Teaching, Bachelor of Science
Private Studio Teaching prepares students to teach, own, and manage their own studios. Students study dance education history, dance methods, and build an age-appropriate curricula. Students also develop practical knowledge of website building, advertising, and other business-related skills.
Dance Therapy Pre-Professional, Bachelor of Science
Dance/Movement Therapy (D/MT) prepares students to pursue advanced study at the graduate level. D/MTs work in a variety of public and private settings, and with a variety of populations, including persons with post-trauma brain injuries, eating disorders, children with autism, and the treatment and prevention of behavioral disorders.
Dance, Minor
Learn the depth and breadth of dance as you practice this art form in multiple ways.
Theatre and Dance, Master of Fine Arts
Minnesota’s first MFA in dance, offered within the Theatre and Dance MFA program, prepares students for professional careers in performance, choreography, and education, including post-secondary teaching. This terminal degree balances practical training with historical and socio-political context, fostering creative and scholarly practitioners with critical thinking and global awareness.
Dance, Bachelor of Arts
Learn the depth and breadth of dance as you practice this art form in multiple ways. Balance your artistic experiences with practical applications to enter the dance world after graduation. Be ready for a lifetime in dance to teach, perform, choreograph, write, and produce. Whatever your chosen path, emerge from the program with skills and abilities to think critically and act globally as high-quality dance artists.
Dance, Bachelor of Fine Arts
A rigorous degree intended for students looking for a highly focused pursuit of dance. The degree includes intense exploration of a student’s choreographic voice and performance skills combined with high-level execution in multiple dance forms.
Dance, Bachelor of Science
Learn the depth and breadth of dance as you practice this art form in multiple ways. Balance your artistic experiences with practical applications to enter the dance world after graduation. Be ready for a lifetime in dance to teach, perform, choreograph, write, and produce. Whatever your chosen path, emerge from the program with skills and abilities to think critically and act globally as high-quality dance artists.
Dance Private Studio Teaching, Bachelor of Science
Private Studio Teaching prepares students to teach, own, and manage their own studios. Students study dance education history, dance methods, and build an age-appropriate curricula. Students also develop practical knowledge of website building, advertising, and other business-related skills.
Dance Therapy Pre-Professional, Bachelor of Science
Dance/Movement Therapy (D/MT) prepares students to pursue advanced study at the graduate level. D/MTs work in a variety of public and private settings, and with a variety of populations, including persons with post-trauma brain injuries, eating disorders, children with autism, and the treatment and prevention of behavioral disorders.
Dance, Minor
Learn the depth and breadth of dance as you practice this art form in multiple ways.
Theatre and Dance, Master of Fine Arts
Minnesota’s first MFA in dance, offered within the Theatre and Dance MFA program, prepares students for professional careers in performance, choreography, and education, including post-secondary teaching. This terminal degree balances practical training with historical and socio-political context, fostering creative and scholarly practitioners with critical thinking and global awareness.
Theatre & Dance Performances & Tickets
Our program offers an array of opportunities exploring a range of dramatic literature and movement possibilities in three performance venues. We provide students with the highest caliber of training in theatre and the Southern Minnesota region with a multifaceted, high-quality theatrical experience.
Applications & Auditions
Students accepted into the Dance Program are required to audition in order to be placed in the appropriate levels of technique. The BFA program requires candidates to audition as part of the admittance process.
Learn More
About Theater and Dance
Learn more about the Theatre & Dance program at Minnesota State Mankato, including history, mission and production schedule.
New and Current Student Opportunities
Find information on new and current student auditions and how to apply to be dance major. We also offer several dance activities and events beyond campus to be involved in.
Andreas Guest Dance Artists
On an annual basis as part of the Worlds of Dance Course, the Dance Program invites world dance artists to campus for master classes. These classes are open to anyone to observe or participate in. There is no registration or fee to attend. All master classes are made possible by the Nadine B. Andreas Endowment Program.
Theatre Arts Venues & Dance Studios
Our program provides numerous opportunities to explore a diverse range of dramatic literature and movement possibilities in three performance venues and dance studios.
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Department of Theatre & Dance
College of
Humanities and Social Sciences
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is an inclusive community of diverse learners seeking to examine, engage with and transform the social world while nurturing creativity and innovation. Our programs build a foundation of knowledge that adapts to a constantly changing society.
Learn More About the College of Humanities and Social Sciences