Students develop a deeper understanding of dance and how it has emerged and evolved as an art form. They learn to recognize and distinguish the ways in which culture and society influence dance and, conversely, how dance embodies and expresses the human experience.

Students work toward proficiency in the major through a combined course of study, which includes intensive dance technique and movement training, dance history/criticism, improvisation and composition classes. The dance major leads to a Bachelor of Science degree, preparing students for a career in the fields of performance, choreography, dance education, arts administration, and dance criticism. Dance majors and minors are encouraged to investigate related areas of study, which might include art history, arts administration, music theory and performance, theater, museum studies, and exercise science.