Career Opportunities for Majors in Dance

Rutgers offers two distinct programs of study in dance. Both programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD). Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) in dance through one of the liberal arts colleges. This is a generalist program that combines a broad experience in the liberal arts with a specialization in dance. It prepares students to advance beyond the bachelor's degree in performance, teaching, dance criticism, or history.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts program (BFA) in dance is offered through the Mason Gross School of the Arts. It is more specialized for students who want to be professional dancers. Two primary goals of this program are excellence in modern dance technique and performance and outstanding creative achievement. The curriculum includes three main areas of focus: technique and performance; choreography; and theoretical studies.

Some graduates choose to pursue careers closely related to dance, such as performance, education, and choreography. Others choose careers behind the scenes, or in the business area of dance in careers such as production, management, publishing and sales. A bachelor's degree is sufficient for many entry-level positions, but for entry into an area of specialization, an advanced degree may be required. Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Thus, some graduates pursue careers in fields quite unrelated to dance. Regardless of your career choices, increase your marketability to employers through responsible work experience, good grades and involvement in college activities.