Overview

The Dance programme at Western Michigan University provides students with a rigorous artistic environment designed to foster technical excellence and creative growth. This curriculum balances practical performance training with theoretical studies to prepare graduates for the diverse demands of the global performing arts industry.

Students can choose between two distinct pathways tailored to their professional ambitions. The Bachelor of Fine Arts track focuses heavily on performance and choreography for those seeking professional stage careers. Alternatively, the Bachelor of Arts track offers a liberal arts approach, allowing students to combine dance studies with electives in music, theatre, and art.

Why Dance at Western Michigan University?

Western Michigan University is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, ensuring that the curriculum meets the highest national standards for arts education. The department provides extensive performance opportunities through two annual major concerts featuring student work.

Beyond traditional coursework, students can join the Western Dance Project to gain valuable teaching and touring experience. Collaboration is a hallmark of the experience, with frequent opportunities to work alongside peers from the music and theatre departments on multidisciplinary productions and student-led organisations like Orchesis.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20525 per year
National fee: USD 20525 per year
Local fee: USD 16449 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to build versatile skills across multiple disciplines. Modules may include:

Ballet
Jazz
Modern Dance
Choreography
Dance History
Dance Instruction
Dance Production
Music
Theatre

Careers with Dance

Graduates from Western Michigan University have successfully secured roles across the creative sector and beyond. Alumni often find employment as professional performers, choreographers, and independent artists. The programme also prepares students for leadership roles such as studio directors, founders of dance companies, and board members for arts organisations.

Many former students have performed with prestigious companies, including the Chicago Moving Company, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and the Dayton Contemporary Dance Theatre. Others transition into roles as fitness instructors, teachers, or actors, leveraging the discipline and physical expertise gained during their studies.

A significant number of graduates choose to continue their education, with nearly half enrolling in postgraduate programmes. Alumni have pursued advanced degrees at institutions such as New York University and the University of Michigan, or moved into complementary fields including law, business, and education.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Ballet Technique

Jazz Technique

Modern Technique

The Choreographer in the Community

Dance Management

Conditioning for Dancers

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Dance View 406 other Bachelors in Dance in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

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

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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

Copy of passport identification page

Proof of English language proficiency

Complete high school or post-secondary education transcripts

$100 non-refundable application fee

Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance

ACT or SAT Scores

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

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Out-of-State

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16449 USD / year

≈ 16449 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer Tuition: $4,112; International Summer Tuition: $5,140

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

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

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners