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Dance (BA)

College of Fine & Applied Arts

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What is Dance (BA)?

The Bachelor of Arts in Dance is a flexible degree that empowers students to pursue dance as well as other academic interests. You’ll study three core areas of dance:

  • Physical practice
  • Creative process
  • Dance theory

In addition, you’ll select at least one other key area of interest. Examples include art and design, business, environment, film, and theatre. This area of interest can even be pursued as a minor or second major. 

You’ll be encouraged to dance and perform as much or as little as you want. During your final year, you’ll work with a dance faculty member to create a senior thesis project combining dance and your other area of interest. You must pass an audition for acceptance into this program.

Career Options

  • Arts administration
  • Choreography
  • Dance performance
  • Marketing
  • Teaching
  • Television

Post-Graduation Success1

76% employed or continuing education

38% employed after graduation

38% attending graduate school

$44,281 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: AmeriCorps (1), DeVry University (1), Jubilee School (1) View All

Sample grad school destinations: Naropa University, Rush University, College of Dupage View All

Program Resources

College of Fine & Applied Arts Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Strong talent review (audition or portfolio)

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention2

Years to degree: N/A

First-Year retention rate: N/A

61% four-year graduation rate

83% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $14,620
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $18,884
  • Total: $38,558

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $34,972
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses:$19,224
  • Total: $59,250

International

  • Tuition: $35,966
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $19,224
  • Total: $60,244

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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