Bachelor's in Dance Education Degree for Secondary Education

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Degree Level

Bachelor's

Class Setting

Campus

Area of Study

Teaching

Program

BA in Dance for Secondary Education

Current Education Level

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High School Graduation Year

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High School Name

Country

United States

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Overview

Dance Education Degree: Opening Doors to Teaching Possibilities

Teach the next generation the art of dance with your Bachelor of Arts in Dance for Secondary Education.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Offered by the College of Arts and Media in conjunction with the College of Education, this program can prepare you to design, maintain and grow a dance program in middle and high schools. It includes extensive coursework in different dance forms, as well as educational training, such as classroom management.

From dance history to choreography, you will be immersed in all aspects of dance. You will have the opportunity to study competencies in teaching various forms of dance effectively and designing a curriculum that is historically grounded, developmentally appropriate, inquiry-oriented, culturally responsive and based upon state and national standards.

Bachelor of Arts in Dance for Secondary Education

Initial Program – Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure

Offered By

College of Arts and Media

Class Settings

Campus

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 126

Campus: 15 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Why GCU

From Classroom to Stage at GCU

It requires student teaching experience in preparation for a career in dance education. In addition to classroom studies, you will be required to participate in the Ethington Dance Ensemble, which includes four main concerts throughout the year. This allows you to experience the entire creative process, from planning and rehearsals to the live performance, from both onstage and offstage perspectives. This bachelor’s degree in dance education also requires you to participate in the Elementary Dance Tour, which brings exciting multi-media productions to local schools.

This dance education major leads to initial teacher licensure

Coursework

Dance Education Course Topics

Our bachelor’s in dance for secondary education curriculum combines observational and practice-based dance experiences. It can prepare you to position yourself to be both a dance practitioner and a dance educator.

Courses covered in this dance education degree examine a range of topics, including:

Somatic practices in dance, including body awareness, alignment, injury prevention and movement observation
Skills, movement techniques and artistic expression specific to a range of dance styles, including ballet, jazz and modern dance
Dance improvisation skills in solos, duets and groups
Traditional and contemporary approaches of dance education, with a look at effective teaching practices
The use of technology in dance education to facilitate inquiry, collaboration and interaction in the classroom

Careers

Learn Skills To Become a Middle or High School Dance Teacher

Our holistic approach to teaching dance balances theory with practice, with the aim of producing graduates who are prepared to work toward their future career. After completing the full-time practicum/field experience of this program, you may be prepared to teach in a range of middle or high school settings – public or private, rural or urban, large or small. Students may also work toward seeking educational dance opportunities available in community organizations and performing arts institutions.

The BA in dance education degree can prepare you to pursue endorsements in additional subject areas. Make the most of your passion for dance and shape your future as a dance education major.

Accreditation

Take Dance Education From an Accredited University

When contemplating a bachelor's degree in dance education, your choice of university should prioritize proper institutional accreditation. GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, underscoring the university's dedication to providing quality education. GCU takes pride in its mission to empower students through dedicated instruction and guidance.

This dance education degree will teach you to connect with your future students and tackle challenges in the classroom. It was designed using National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) standards and all courses within this degree program are directly aligned with the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) principles.

FAQ

Bachelor’s Degree in Dance Education FAQs

Before you decide whether to pursue a dance education degree, it can be helpful to learn more about the profession and your potential career path. The following frequently asked questions and answers can provide a starting point for your career-related research.

What skills are needed to be a dance teacher?

An aspiring dance teacher needs a diverse skillset comprised of both teaching skills and dance skills. The dance skills you need may include:^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Athleticism
Creativity and artistic expression
Physical stamina
Teamwork
Leadership skills
Critical thinking skills
Persistence and perseverance

As an educator, you’ll also need to be an excellent communicator who is able to explain concepts to students in language they can easily understand and put into practice. Dance educators should be resourceful, as they must adapt lessons to meet the needs of each class and student. It’s also helpful to possess patience and the ability to remain calm under challenging circumstances.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Can you become a dance teacher without a degree?

It’s possible to become a dance educator without a degree if you wish to work in a community center or a performing arts company, or if you would like to open your own dance studio. You might also be able to secure employment as a private school dance teacher without a degree. However, if you would like to teach at a public school, you’ll need a degree and a teacher’s license.^{(See disclaimer 1)} It should be noted that private schools, community organizations and performing arts companies establish their own hiring criteria, and some of them may require or prefer a dance education degree even if they do not require licensure.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major86 credits

Open Elective Credits0-6 credits

Degree Requirements126 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University’s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Competency

13-16 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

3-4 Total Credits

Competency

10-12 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Required General Education Courses

DAN-315

4 Total Credits

DAN-340

4 Total Credits

Core Courses

DAN-100

1 Total Credits

DAN-101

1 Total Credits

DAN-215

0 Total Credits

Course Description

Required every semester for dance majors except student teaching, this course is designed to prepare the student for a dance concert production in a theatrical setting. Through the rehearsal process and culminating performances, students gain dance proficiency by working in a range of styles and choreographic approaches. Students audition choreography and may be cast as dancers, understudies, stage managers, and production assistants. This course is open to non-majors. Prerequisite: Audition.

DAN-180A

0 Total Credits

DAN-200

2 Total Credits

DAN-250

1 Total Credits

DAN-260

1 Total Credits

DAN-120

1 Total Credits

DAN-180B

0 Total Credits

SEC-202

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is designed to assist teacher candidates in understanding theories and principles of psychology that describe the growth and development of early adolescents and adolescents, including cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas. Candidates build foundational knowledge for constructing learning opportunities and environments that support individual students’ development, acquisition of knowledge and skills, and motivation. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.

POS-301

2 Total Credits

DAN-395

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the elements of technical theater specific to a dance production and to prepare students to organize a production in a variety of media. The course covers the fundamentals of lighting and costume design; sound/music/video recording and other multimedia devices; and basic elements of production management, such as contracts, labor issues, budgets, facility rentals, marketing and fundraising.

DAN-210

1 Total Credits

DAN-270

1 Total Credits

SPD-208

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates are introduced to the educational needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities and their families, including the definitions, characteristics, prevalence, causes and educational approaches to these disabilities and disorders. Teacher candidates will identify preventative and responsive practices related to cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional patterns of learning and development for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Emphasis is placed on identifying appropriate times to differentiate, modify, or accommodate to support student learning. Teacher candidates also survey the special education process involving the application of various laws and regulations. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

EDU-330

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this writing-intensive course, teacher candidates will explore multicultural education by engaging in research, communication, and ethical decision-making, focusing on developing educators' skills in creating equitable and inclusive learning environments. Through analysis of evidence and virtuous practice, the course will examine the critical role of educators as advocates for all students, empowering participants to address disparities and promote equitable opportunities for academic success. With a specific focus on the principles of multicultural education, teacher candidates will be encouraged to reflect on the influence of their own worldviews and perceptions. Emphasizing the concept of imago Dei, which sees every individual as made in the image of God, this course aims to foster culturally responsive classrooms that welcome diversity in all forms. Teacher candidates will explore strategies to effectively bridge the gaps between various diversities and academic achievement, to foster human flourishing within the educational sphere. The course blends content with practical application, highlighting the educator's role as an advocate for all students and promoting equitable academic opportunities.

DAN-350

1 Total Credits

DAN-360

1 Total Credits

DAN-375

2 Total Credits

Course Description

This course focuses on the elements of time, space, and energy as related to choreographic design. It is a study of these primary dance elements and their intrinsic role in developing diverse understandings of dance. The course considers design in the related fields of music and art as relevant to choreographic design and communication in dance. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Students needing field experience hours should take DAN-385N.

DAN-370

1 Total Credits

DAN-355

4 Total Credits

SEC-356

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates differentiate instruction based on knowledge of students, learning theory, and curricular goals. Major emphasis is given to planning standards-based instructional objectives and lessons, sequencing, and assessing learning, utilizing formal and informal assessment strategies that address individual students' needs. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: SEC-202.

DAN-390

2 Total Credits

DAN-322

2 Total Credits

Course Description

This course explores the innovative intersection of dance and technology using a variety of digital tools and media. Students will learn ways to integrate technology to enhance dance creation, performance, and promotion. Key topics include copyright law, audio editing and design, videography in dance, applying technology to project design, technology for personal branding, and social media.

DAN-300

2 Total Credits

SEC-351

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates explore research-based instructional strategies for delivering differentiated instruction to promote reading and writing proficiency during content area instruction. Language and literacy development is examined to inform instruction, assessment, intervention, and remediation practices to support readers of varying ages and ability levels, including students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. Using this foundational knowledge, candidates will select, adapt, and use research-based instructional strategies and interventions with attention focused on literacy in academic curricula to advance learning for adolescent students. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: SEC-202.

ESL-445N

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI) and other instructional programs and approaches for teaching English learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement as they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards-based instruction for English learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.

BUS-302

4 Total Credits

DAN-455N

2 Total Credits

DAN-470

2 Total Credits

SEC-451

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates study methods and materials related to teaching secondary-grade 6-12 students. Emphasis is placed on analyzing data to evaluate and modify instruction. Candidates look at methodologies that encourage problem-solving, active participation, meeting diverse students’ needs, and professional collaboration. Focus is also placed on the practical applications of using all available data, including behavioral data, to drive instructional decisions. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: SEC-356.

DAN-325N

4 Total Credits

DAN-400

4 Total Credits

SEC-456

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course prepares teacher candidates to create and manage positive, productive secondary-grade 6-12 classroom environments with diverse students. Candidates develop a comprehensive understanding of the learning and behavior principles that underlie effective classroom management and student engagement in order to design and promote an effective classroom management program. Focus is placed on building a trusting relationship and creating a safe and equitable learning environment. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: SEC-356.

DAN-305

1 Total Credits

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the style, technique, and foundation of Hip Hop movement and culture. Students will explore Hip Hop styles with emphasis on Freestyle development, cultural understanding, and the Five Elements of Hip Hop. Development of proficiency includes fundamental concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, artistic expression, theory and practice specific to Hip Hop culture. Students will explore Hip Hop dance through historical and social views as well as exposure to some Street Style dances. This course is available for non-majors.

SEC-490

8 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates are engaged in the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to develop a Student Teaching Evaluation of Performance (STEP). The teacher candidate will have a GCU course instructor, a GCU faculty supervisor, and be placed in an approved school with a certified cooperating teacher/mentor. Fingerprint clearance required.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Start Your Journey Today

Pursue your passion for dance and work toward your dream of becoming a middle or high school dance educator by pursuing a dance education major at GCU.

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If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the "Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures” link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Aug. 10). How To Become a High School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 14, 2023.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, Sept. 8). How To Become a Dancer or Choreographer. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 14, 2023.

Bachelor's in Dance Education Degree for Secondary Education

Dance Education Degree: Opening Doors to Teaching Possibilities

From Classroom to Stage at GCU

This dance education major leads to initial teacher licensure

Dance Education Course Topics

Learn Skills To Become a Middle or High School Dance Teacher

Take Dance Education From an Accredited University

Student-Led Event: A Night of Worship, Music and Dance

Bachelor’s Degree in Dance Education FAQs

Program Curriculum

General Education Requirements

Required General Education Courses

Core Courses