Overview

The Dance programme at Columbia University provides an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines rigorous physical training with deep intellectual investigation. Students benefit from a unique partnership with Barnard College, where the department is housed, offering access to world-class faculty and professional performance venues across New York City. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are prepared for diverse careers in the arts and beyond.

Why Dance at Columbia University?

Studying in New York City, a global hub for the performing arts, allows students to connect directly with the professional world. The department partners with major cultural institutions and hosts productions at venues such as the Miller Theatre and New York Live Arts. Students work alongside accomplished artists and research scholars, developing their creative voice through dialogue with history, theory, and diverse cultural forms. The programme emphasises the essential role of art-making and critical writing within a liberal arts framework, fostering skills in collaboration, research, and expressive communication.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum balances academic coursework with intensive studio practice. Students must complete core requirements in history, composition, and movement science alongside a minimum of eight technique courses. Modules may include:

World Dance History
History of Theatrical Dancing
Movement Analysis
Human Anatomy and Movement
Dance Composition
Screendance: Composition
Dance in New York City
Senior Seminar
Digital Performance

Careers with Dance

Graduates of the programme are equipped with versatile skills in research, analytical writing, and creative problem-solving that are applicable to numerous professional fields. While many pursue careers as performers, choreographers, and dance educators, others find success in arts administration, cultural journalism, and digital media. The capstone senior thesis project prepares students for advanced graduate study or professional roles requiring high-level conceptualisation and project management. The department's focus on interdisciplinary methods ensures that alumni can navigate the evolving landscape of contemporary performance and global arts industries.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Ballet

Jazz

Modern
Modern Dance

Pointe
Pointe Work for Ballet

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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Credits

124 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Dance View 406 other Bachelors in Dance in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Dance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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