Program structure

The B.A. in Dance program at UMBC offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates dance technique, choreography, performance, and academic studies. Students are required to complete 58 credits to earn the degree.

Program Requirements

1. Dance Techniques (23 Credits Minimum)

• Modern Dance: Courses include DANC 310, 320, 410, 420.
• Umfundalai African Dance Technique: DANC 275.
• Ballet Technique: DANC 216, 316, and optional DANC 416 for advanced study.

2. Choreographic Process (9 Credits)

• Courses in improvisation and composition include:
  • DANC 230 (Improvisation)
  • DANC 330, 331, 335 (Dance Composition)

3. Performance (3 Credits)

• Participation in DANC 450 (Repertory).

4. Dance History (6 Credits)

• DANC 201 (Dance History I)
• DANC 202 (Dance History II)

5. Dance and Related Disciplines (11 Credits)

• Courses include:
  • DANC 240 (Music for Dance)
  • DANC 315 (Body Movement Awareness)
  • DANC 325 (Contemporary Arts Perspectives)
  • DANC 340 (Dance Technology)

6. Technical Theater (3 Credits)

• DANC 399 (Dance Practicum)

7. Capstone Experience (3 Credits)

• DANC 475 (Senior Projects in Dance)

Additional Information

• Students must achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all courses applied to the major. For DANC 320: Intermediate Contemporary Dance Technique II, a minimum grade of “B” is required.
• Preparation Courses: Students with limited dance training may need to complete additional preparatory courses before advancing to major requirements.
• Advanced Pathway: Students with extensive training may qualify for accelerated progression.

Performance and Enrichment Opportunities

• Students can perform each semester in faculty and guest artist works.
• The Artist-in-Residence Program brings renowned professionals to campus for immersive learning.
• A K-12 Dance Education Certification is available for students pursuing teaching careers.

For more details, visit the UMBC Dance Program Structure page.

Fees and Funding

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) provides detailed information on tuition, fees, and financial aid options for prospective and current students.

Tuition and Fees:

Based on the 2023-2024 academic year, the estimated annual costs for full-time undergraduate students are:

• Maryland Residents:

  • Tuition and Fees: $12,952
  • Housing and Food: $14,204
  • Total: $27,156

• Out-of-State Students:

  • Tuition and Fees: $30,308
  • Housing and Food: $14,204
  • Total: $44,512

These figures are based on full-time enrollment (12 or more credits) and on-campus living. Additional expenses may include books, transportation, and personal costs.

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

UMBC offers various financial aid options, including:

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Incoming first-year and transfer students are automatically considered for merit scholarships if they apply by the specified deadlines.

• Need-Based Aid: Determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). UMBC's FAFSA school code is 002105.

• Scholarship Retriever: An online tool listing institutional, merit, departmental, and external scholarships. Students are encouraged to regularly check for new opportunities.

Dance Program Scholarships:

The Department of Dance offers specific scholarships and awards:

• Fine Arts Awards: Offered to incoming freshmen and transfer students who demonstrate exceptional talent in dance. Prospective students audition each February for the upcoming academic year.

• Linehan Artist Scholars Program: A four-year scholarship and mentorship program for students entering UMBC as freshmen with a major in the arts, including dance.

For the most current information on tuition, fees, and financial aid, please visit UMBC's Financial Aid and Scholarships website.

Scholarship Guidance

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) offers several scholarship opportunities for students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. These scholarships recognize exceptional talent and support students in their academic and artistic endeavors.

1. Fine Arts Awards

• Eligibility: Incoming freshmen and transfer students demonstrating outstanding talent and accomplishment in dance.

• Award Amount: Up to $2,500 per year; renewable for up to four years for freshmen and two years for transfer students.

• Application Process: Prospective students must audition, typically held each February for the upcoming academic year.

2. Linehan Artist Scholars Program

• Eligibility: Incoming freshmen majoring in the arts, including dance, who exhibit exceptional artistic talent and academic achievement.

• Benefits: This prestigious program offers financial support, specialized courses, mentoring, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Application Process: Applicants must apply separately to the Linehan Artist Scholars Program and participate in an audition.

3. Summer Study Awards

• Purpose: To support dance majors in attending established dance workshops or designing personalized summer study programs.

• Award Amount: Competitive grants of up to $2,500.

• Eligibility: Sophomore and junior dance majors in good standing who have demonstrated excellence in performance and/or choreography.

• Application Process: Candidates apply through the Department of Dance.

4. Undergraduate Research Award (URA)

• Purpose: To fund independent creative work, scholarship, and research.

• Award Amount: Up to $1,500.

• Eligibility: All UMBC undergraduates, including dance majors.

• Application Process: Applicants must find a faculty mentor and develop a proposal.

Application and Audition Information

• Auditions: The Department of Dance holds auditions for class placement and scholarship consideration. For Fall 2025 enrollment, the audition is scheduled for January 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Prospective students must apply to UMBC prior to the audition and register for it.

• Registration: No fees are associated with the audition. Applicants should prepare a solo in any dance genre, not exceeding two minutes.

For detailed information on scholarships, auditions, and application procedures, please visit the UMBC Department of Dance Scholarships and Financial Aid page.

By exploring these opportunities, dance students at UMBC can access financial support to enhance their educational and artistic experiences.

Admission Requirements

To pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), applicants must complete the university's general admission process and fulfill specific requirements set by the Department of Dance.

1. University Admission:

• Application: Submit the Common Application along with all required materials, including official transcripts, standardized test scores (optional), a personal statement, and the application fee.

• Deadlines:

  • Fall Enrollment:
    • Early Action: November 1
    • Regular Decision: February 1
  • Spring Enrollment:
    • Priority Admission: October 15
    • Regular Admission: December 1

2. Dance Program Admission:

• Declaration of Major: Indicate your intention to major in Dance on your UMBC application.

• Audition Requirement: All prospective Dance majors must participate in an audition for class placement and scholarship consideration.

  • Upcoming Audition:

    • Date: January 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM
    • Format: In-person audition, including a class session and a solo performance (maximum 2 minutes) in any dance genre.

  • Registration: Applicants must apply to UMBC prior to the audition and register for the audition through the Department of Dance website.

3. Post-Acceptance Requirements:

• Gateway Course: Admitted students must complete DANC 320: Intermediate Contemporary Dance Technique II with a minimum grade of "B" to progress in the major.

• Preparatory Courses: Students with limited dance training may need to enroll in additional preparatory courses before advancing to major-specific classes.

Additional Opportunities:

• Scholarships: The Department offers scholarships based on audition performance. Details are available on the Department of Dance website.

• K-12 Dance Education Certification: Students interested in teaching can pursue certification through a dual program with the Department of Education. Information is provided on the Department of Dance FAQ page.

For comprehensive details on the application and audition processes, please visit the UMBC Department of Dance Application Process page.

Application Procedure

To pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), applicants must complete both the university's general admission process and specific requirements set by the Department of Dance.

1. University Admission:

• Application: Submit the Common Application along with all required materials, including official transcripts, standardized test scores (optional), a personal statement, and the application fee.

• Deadlines:

  • Fall Enrollment:
    • Early Action: November 1
    • Regular Decision: February 1
  • Spring Enrollment:
    • Priority Admission: October 15
    • Regular Admission: December 1

2. Dance Program Admission:

• Declaration of Major: Indicate your intention to major in Dance on your UMBC application.

• Audition Requirement: All prospective Dance majors must participate in an audition for class placement and scholarship consideration.

  • Upcoming Audition:

    • Date: January 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM
    • Format: In-person audition, including a class session and a solo performance (maximum 2 minutes) in any dance genre.

  • Registration: Applicants must apply to UMBC prior to the audition and register for the audition through the Department of Dance website.

3. Post-Acceptance Requirements:

• Gateway Course: Admitted students must complete DANC 320: Intermediate Contemporary Dance Technique II with a minimum grade of "B" to progress in the major.

• Preparatory Courses: Students with limited dance training may need to enroll in additional preparatory courses before advancing to major-specific classes.

Additional Opportunities:

• Scholarships: The Department offers scholarships based on audition performance. Details are available on the Department of Dance website.

• K-12 Dance Education Certification: Students interested in teaching can pursue certification through a dual program with the Department of Education. Information is provided on the Department of Dance FAQ page.

For comprehensive details on the application and audition processes, please visit the UMBC Department of Dance Application Process page.