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Dance Education Students Performing

Master of Arts / Master of Fine Arts
Teaching Dance / Dance
Grades K–12, Initial Certification

Not Accepting Applications

To best meet the needs of our students, we have decided to suspend enrollment in the Master of Fine Arts in Dance and Master of Arts in Teaching Dance, All Grades. We encourage you to explore Teaching Dance (Initial Certification).

Created as a partnership between NYU Steinhardt and NYU Tisch School of the Arts, this highly innovative graduate program combines intensive study in dance technique, theory, and composition in a renowned conservatory setting with performance and choreography opportunities and student teaching placements in New York City schools.

two dancers: one with her arms out and leg in the air and the other holding a baby

Degree Details

Official Degree Title

Master of Fine Arts in Dance and Master of Arts in Teaching Dance, All Grades

Licensure or Certification
Format
Full-time
Credits
76

The MFA/MA program combines core course work in research, pedagogy, and content with classes in ballet and contemporary techniques, dance composition, and history and theory. You can complete your degree in as few as three years

Throughout your curriculum, you’ll study:

  • Dance technique, theory, and composition
  • The history of dance
  • Kinesthetics of anatomy
  • Pedagogical methods, strategies, and materials for teaching dance and creative movement
  • Research in dance education

You'll also complete two semesters of student teaching at New York City schools, at the elementary and secondary grade levels, under the close supervision of experienced dance teachers. This is a valuable opportunity to develop and refine your teaching techniques.

Upon graduation, you'll be prepared to not only launch your career as a professional dancer, but also to gain New York State certification to teach dance to students in pre-K to grade 12, as well as the qualification to teach in colleges and universities.

Learn more about teacher certification and our degree's accreditation.