CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY CHANNEL ISLANDS · UNITED STATES
Dance Studies, B.A.
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 120Total Units
- Diverse Career PathsPrepare for careers in performance, education, therapy, administration, and more.
- Experienced FacultyLearn from professionals with extensive experience in major productions and award-winning choreography.
- Embodied UnderstandingFocus on dance and movement as integral to human experience and social connection.
- Equity and Social JusticeExplore dance's role in cultural knowledge, social justice, and creating an equitable world.
The Dance Studies program at CSU Channel Islands views dance and movement as fundamental to understanding the human experience. This program connects individual and communal bodies with broader communities, social ideas, global contexts, and human subjectivity. Students explore the links between dance, heritage, history, and social structures, preparing them to become engaged citizens and creative dance artists who contribute to a more equitable world. The curriculum fosters individual creative identities by integrating knowledge of bodies, cultures, and global awareness, preparing graduates for diverse careers. Graduates can pursue opportunities in areas such as Hollywood, Broadway, concert dance, digital platforms, education, community organizing, arts activism, choreography, somatic practices, dance therapy, social work, and arts administration, or simply embrace the art of dance. The faculty comprises experienced professionals with backgrounds in major tours, television, and award-winning choreography, ensuring students receive high-impact training relevant to a career in dance.
Curriculum
The Dance Studies major requires 120 units, including foundational, lower division, and upper division requirements, alongside general education and graduation requirements. The program integrates theoretical study with practical application, covering a range of dance techniques and critical analysis.
- First Year
- Introduction to Dance Studies at Channel IslandsDANCE 101
- Conditioning, Flexibility, and Somatics for DancersDANCE 151
- Introduction to Jazz Dance PracticeDANCE 153
- Introduction to Modern/Contemporary Dance PracticeDANCE 154
- Introduction to Hip Hop Dance PracticeDANCE 156
- Reading and Writing for Critical Dance StudiesDANCE 232
- Dance MakingDANCE 243
- Second Year
- Dance in History and CultureDANCE 332
- Teaching DanceDANCE 343
- Immersion into Jazz danceDANCE 353
- Immersion into Modern/Contemporary DanceDANCE 354
- Immersion into Hip Hop DanceDANCE 356
- Themes in Dance StudiesDANCE 359
- Third Year
- Preparation for Careers in DanceDANCE 401
- Research Methods in Dance Studies, Making, and PracticeDANCE 432
- Advanced ProductionPA 391
- Community Projects in Dance OR Performance Projects in DanceDANCE 443 / DANCE 490
- Advanced Practice of Jazz Dance OR Advanced Practice of Modern/Contemporary Dance OR Advanced Practice of Hip Hop DanceDANCE 453 / DANCE 454 / DANCE 456
- Capstone in Dance StudiesDANCE 499
Careers
The Dance Studies major equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a wide array of career opportunities in the dynamic fields of dance and arts-related industries. Graduates are prepared for roles that leverage their creative, analytical, and embodied capabilities.
- Professional Dancer/Artist
- Choreographer
- Dance Educator
- Arts Administrator
- Talent Agent
- Social Worker (using dance)
- Dance Therapist
- Community Organizer
- Arts Activist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the career opportunities after graduating with a B.A. in Dance Studies?
- Graduates can pursue diverse roles such as Professional Dancer/Artist, Choreographer, Dance Educator, Arts Administrator, Talent Agent, Dance Therapist, and Community Organizer. The program prepares students for careers in performance, education, and arts-related industries.
- What are the entry requirements for international students?
- Applicants need a High School Diploma or equivalent and must meet general CSU admission requirements. International students will also need to submit official transcripts, standardized test scores (if required), and English proficiency test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS), along with financial documentation.
- How long does the Dance Studies program take to complete?
- The Dance Studies major requires 120 units, typically completed over four years for full-time students. This includes foundational, lower division, upper division, general education, and graduation requirements.
- How do international students apply to the Dance Studies program?
- International students should apply through the CSU Apply portal, submitting official transcripts, test scores, and financial documentation. It is essential to confirm specific deadlines and procedures with the CSU Channel Islands Admissions Office.
- What is the tuition and fee information for international students?
- Specific tuition and fee information for international students is not provided on the program page. Please refer to the university's admissions and financial aid pages for current costs.
Entry requirements
High School Diploma or equivalentRequired for admission to the university.
Transfer StudentsMust meet CSU transfer requirements and complete DANCE 301 in their first semester.
Specific course requirements and recommendations are outlined for new and transfer students to ensure a smooth transition into the program.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the university's admissions and financial aid pages for current tuition and fee information for international students.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the university's admissions and financial aid pages for current tuition and fee information for domestic students.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided on the program page. Please consult the university's housing and student services for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. International students should verify all costs with the university's international student office.
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsReview the general admission requirements for the California State University system and CSU Channel Islands, paying close attention to any international student specific criteria.
2. Complete the CSU ApplicationSubmit the online application through the CSU Apply portal during the designated application filing period.
3. Submit Transcripts and Test ScoresProvide official high school and any prior college transcripts. International students may need to submit standardized test scores (e.g., SAT/ACT) and English proficiency test scores (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS).
4. Program-Specific RequirementsWhile this program does not list specific application requirements beyond general university admission, be prepared for potential portfolio reviews or auditions if required by the department.
5. Financial DocumentationInternational applicants typically need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses.
6. Visa ApplicationUpon admission, follow the university's guidance on obtaining the necessary student visa (F-1 or J-1).
Frequently asked questions
What are the career opportunities after graduating with a B.A. in Dance Studies?
+
Graduates can pursue diverse roles such as Professional Dancer/Artist, Choreographer, Dance Educator, Arts Administrator, Talent Agent, Dance Therapist, and Community Organizer. The program prepares students for careers in performance, education, and arts-related industries.
What are the entry requirements for international students?
+
Applicants need a High School Diploma or equivalent and must meet general CSU admission requirements. International students will also need to submit official transcripts, standardized test scores (if required), and English proficiency test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS), along with financial documentation.
How long does the Dance Studies program take to complete?
+
The Dance Studies major requires 120 units, typically completed over four years for full-time students. This includes foundational, lower division, upper division, general education, and graduation requirements.
How do international students apply to the Dance Studies program?
+
International students should apply through the CSU Apply portal, submitting official transcripts, test scores, and financial documentation. It is essential to confirm specific deadlines and procedures with the CSU Channel Islands Admissions Office.
What is the tuition and fee information for international students?
+
Specific tuition and fee information for international students is not provided on the program page. Please refer to the university's admissions and financial aid pages for current costs.