Dancer in a stylized pose
Many options exist for those who are interested in a career in professional dance, theater or music, but wish to reap the benefits of a university degree.You can pursue a degree in performing arts whether you have extensive experience in your craft or are starting college as a beginner. Performing arts degrees are an excellent way to gain experience and technical proficiency in your chosen field while at the same time earning a traditional university education.
Undergraduate Degrees
Chinese Opera puppets
Undergraduate degrees can prepare you for a performing arts career directly after graduation. The degrees available for performing arts include the bachelor of arts (BA) degree and the bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree. A BA degree will provide a well-rounded education in your major while requiring more academic-based subjects. A bachelor of fine arts will focus more on technical skill and performing experience. Look for programs that offer year-round performing opportunities. Some schools, such as Juilliard, require auditions. An undergraduate degree usually takes four years to complete.
Master's Degrees
Musician increasing his skill level
Graduate degrees such as MFA (master of fine arts) or MA (master of arts) prepare graduates for college level teaching or help develop more knowledge or experience. Some professionals use their time in a graduate program to transition from working as performers in their field into teaching. Other students use an MFA program to gain more experience and technical skills before taking on professional performing arts careers. A master's degree takes about two or three years to complete.
Doctorate Degrees
Those interested in the history and theory of performing arts can pursue a doctorate. A doctorate will prepare you for a tenure track teaching position in a university. Many universities offer doctorate degrees in such subjects as Performing Arts, Theater Studies, or Dance History, though you can do performing arts research in related departments such as History, Philosophy, Education or Anthropology. In addition to advanced seminar courses, earning a doctorate requires extensive independent research and a dissertation on a specific topic. Doctoral candidates have the opportunity to work as teaching and research assistants. On average, a doctorate takes about seven years to complete, though program time frames may vary.
Teaching Credentials
If you wish to teach performing arts at the high school level, you will need to obtain teaching credentials after earning your undergraduate degree.Teaching credentials take about a year to earn, and studies include standard academic courses as well as student teaching hours in a high school classroom. Some performing arts high schools may require experience and education beyond teaching credentials.Teaching credentials vary from state to state, so make sure to go to study in the state in which you wish to teach.
