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Texas Tech University
TTU Dance students performing on stage with dark blue lights in the background

School of Theatre & Dance
Master of Arts
Dance Studies

M.A. in Dance Studies

The online Master of Arts in Dance Studies at Texas Tech University is to prepare the dance educator, scholar, and artist. This program offers investigation into a range of disciplinary practices and includes in-depth study of dance histories, arts advocacy, pedagogies, and critical reading and writing. Students also investigate movement practices in the contexts of choreography, collaboration, and anatomy and kinesiology.

The MA in Dance Studies is distinguished by its practical two-year, online format and its comprehensive, innovative approach to expanding knowledge and collaboration in a supportive cohort model. Our graduate students come to study with us from every corner of the country, and represent a diverse representation of career path, dance expertise, and interest, making your educational experience a simultaneous-and invaluable-networking opportunity. During your time in the MA in Dance Studies program, Texas Tech University offers competitive graduate fellowship funding for incoming students as well as paid research assistantship opportunities to work individually with faculty members on a project basis. Graduate students in the Dance Studies MA program are eligible for annual travel funding for conference presentations or other research and learning purposes. In 2024, the School of Theatre and Dance began supporting Dance students to travel to the National Dance Education Organization conference. Our faculty boast award-winning publications, presentations, teaching, and choreography, and maintain international and national reputations for their scholarly and creative research.

What Sets Us Apart

The M.A. in Dance Studies degree is only one of three of its kind in the US, known for its emphasis into interdisciplinary research mentorship and activity. Faculty from all artistic disciplines (with significant scholarly and artistic areas of specialty) work to expand professional networks across multiple cohorts; and the program, with a curriculum geared towards people working full-time in dance and arts education, is easily accessible through mostly summer and online courses.

ACCREDITATION

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)

Program Highlights

The objective of the online Master of Arts in Dance Studies at Texas Tech University is to prepare the dance educator and scholar. This program offers investigation into a range of disciplinary practices and includes in-depth study of dance histories, arts advocacy, pedagogies, and critical reading and writing. Students also investigate movement practices in the contexts of choreography, anatomy and kinesiology, somatic practices, and community engagement and collaboration.

  • Small cohort to accommodate individual mentorship from faculty
  • Online program geared specifically to meet the needs of working professionals in dance and arts education
  • Opportunities for paid research experiences for graduate students
  • Opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research and publication
  • Opportunities to present work at international and national academic dance conferences, such as the National Dance Education Organization, World Dance Alliance, and the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science

STUDENT/FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS

PAID RESEARCH EXPERIENCES

Every year, faculty members teaching in the M.A. in Dance Studies program offer students paid research experiences, opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research and publication, and opportunities to present their work at international and national academic dance conferences such as the National Dance Education Organization, World Dance Alliance, and the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science. Students in the M.A. in Dance Studies program also have opportunities to gain postsecondary teaching experience through mentorship experiences.

Facilities & Technology

Theatre & Dance classroom & studio space

Creative Movement Studio

Creative Movement Studio Information

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Theatre & Dance Complex

Part of Phase I renovation of the Charles E. Maedgen Jr. Theatre

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The CH Foundation/The Legacy of Christine DeVitt Black Box Theatre

Black Box Theatre Information

Admissions

Curriculum

Alumni Success & Careers

Abbie Bugh

Questions?

Contact your Advisor

With questions concerning graduate admissions and portfolio reviews.

Abigail Wright
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
abigail.wright@ttu.edu
806.834.5573

M.A. in Dance Studies Faculty

Duffy, Ali,

Duffy, Ali, Ph.D. Professor | Dance Theatre & Dance

Beaty, Allison,

Beaty, Allison, M.F.A. Instructor | Dance Theatre & Dance