COURSE CURRICULUM

The Dance BFA curriculum is an intensive professional training program built mainly around performance, choreography, dance technique, production, and stage experience. Out of the 124 total credit hours, around 80–85 credits are directly related to dance training, making it one of the most specialized and practice-heavy majors at The University of Southern Mississippi. Students study modern dance, ballet, jazz, choreography, dance composition, performance foundations, dance history, anatomy for dancers, injury rehabilitation, dance production, and career development. The program strongly emphasizes practical studio work and physical training rather than traditional classroom theory. Students must complete large amounts of technique training including 24 hours in modern dance and 20 hours in ballet and/or jazz dance, with advanced-level technique courses required. The curriculum also includes repertory dance company participation, dance performance projects, choreography projects, and a senior capstone experience that prepares students for professional careers. Unlike majors such as Computer Science or Construction Management, this program has very little mathematics or technical science difficulty, but it is extremely demanding physically, creatively, and emotionally because students train almost daily, rehearse for performances, and maintain strong physical conditioning. The degree also develops communication and teaching skills through courses like Foundations and Methods in Dance Education, which satisfies both writing-intensive and speaking-intensive university requirements. Career opportunities include professional dancer, choreographer, dance instructor, studio owner, performance artist, cruise or entertainment performer, arts administrator, or graduate studies in fine arts and dance education. However, the industry is competitive and income can vary greatly depending on performance opportunities and networking. This degree is best for students who are highly passionate about dance and performance arts, enjoy physical movement and creativity, and are willing to dedicate years of disciplined practice, rehearsals, and stage performance toward building a professional artistic career.