Dance FAQs
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
In their first year at UCI, all dance students work toward the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. In their sophomore year, students who want more intensive preparation for careers as performers and choreographers can opt for the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with a specialization in Performance or Choreography. Admission to the B.F.A. program in Choreography is by department approval only. The B.F.A. program in Performance does not require additional department approval; students should declare their intention for this specialization during spring quarter of their sophomore year.
Currently, there are 150 undergraduate students and 9 graduate students in the Dance Department.
The UCI breadth (general education) requirement includes the following course areas: Writing, Natural Sciences, Social/Behavioral Sciences, Humanistic Inquiry, Math/Symbolic Systems, Language Other Than English, Multicultural Studies and International/Global Issues.
The Dance degree curriculum includes a minimum of one year of study in Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Modern techniques, with additional technique requirements based on the student’s selected degree track. Students also engage in academic and creative coursework such as Dance Health and Injury Prevention, Kinesiology, Music for Dancers, Choreography, Dance History, Dance and Video Technology, Critical Issues in Dance, and performance-based experiences. For a complete overview of course offerings and degree requirements, please consult the UCI Dance Program catalogue.
Yes, approximately 36% of our Dance majors graduate with a double major, often combining Dance with fields such as Education, Biological Sciences, Criminology, Business, and more. Students are encouraged to explore academic pathways that reflect their diverse interests and career goals. Visit the UCI Undergraduate Majors and Minors page to learn more about available programs.
Visit the UCI University Registrar page for current tuition rates.
Incoming undergraduate students are considered for campus-wide academic merit scholarships—such as the Regents Scholarship and the Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship—through a comprehensive review of their UC application. This review takes into account academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and, where applicable, standardized test scores and grades.
Additional scholarships designated for Dance majors are awarded after students have enrolled at UCI and demonstrated excellence in both academic coursework and performance. These awards recognize a range of strengths and contributions to the department and broader artistic community.
Visit the UCI Financial Aid and Scholarships page for more information.
Dance technique classes typically range from 15 to 45 students, allowing for individualized attention within a dynamic group setting. Lecture-based dance courses may enroll up to 60 students, depending on the topic and format.
Approximately 47% of UCI undergraduate students live on campus. Visit the UCI Housing page for more information about living on campus.
For additional information please contact:
Dance Department: (949) 824-7283, dance@uci.edu
School of the Arts Student Affairs: (949) 824-6646, artscounselor@uciartscounselor@uci.edu.edu
UCI Admissions Counselor: (949) 824-6703, Inquiry Contact
The required courses for the M.F.A. program are: Six courses chosen from any graduate or upper-division dance technique course; Graduate Kinesiology for Dance (Dance 201); Musical Resources (Dance 222); Teaching of Dance Techniques (Dance 225); Dance and Video Technology (Dance 281); two courses in Graduate Choreography (Dance 261); Movement Analysis (Dance 282); Critical Issues in Dance (Dance 283); Bibliography and Research (Dance 284); Thesis (Dance 286); Proseminar in Dance History (Dance 296)
Currently, there are 150 undergraduate students and 9 graduate students in the Dance Department.
Generally it takes two years to complete the program.
Visit the UCI University Registrar page for current tuition rates.
The deadline for application is December 1, 2026. See Applying to the Graduate Program in Dance for complete information.
Students perform in a variety of venues, ranging from traditional theaters to innovative alternative spaces. These include a large, fully equipped dance studio featuring state-of-the-art projection, lighting, and sound systems, as well as the Experimental Media Performance Lab (xMPL) – a versatile black box theater with flexible seating and advanced technological and video capabilities. The Department of Dance produces several concerts annually, one of which showcase original choreography by graduate students. Additionally, students have the opportunity to present thesis concerts, video projects, and other creative works in both conventional and experimental settings, fostering a dynamic and multifaceted performance experience.
Students also have the opportunity to work across disciplines and collaborate with artists from a range of fields – including, but not limited to, musicians, lighting designers, costume designers, painters, and multimedia artists – enhancing their creative process and expanding the scope of their work.
For additional information please contact:
Dance Department: dancemfa@uci.edu
For questions about the M.F.A. in Dance program, contact the Graduate Advisor, Associate Professor Chad Michael Hall, chall1@uci.edu
For questions about the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, contact School of the Arts Student Affairs Office: (949) 824-6646, artscounselor@uci.edu
