What is dance? What and how do we know through dance? How does dance function in and contribute to societies? Interested in embodied experiences, including improvising, performing, choreographing, and teaching? The dance department supports student artists’ creative and scholarly research on multiple levels, encouraging them to develop critical thinking skills as a base to career pathways in the arts, business, education, sciences, and technology.
First Semester Planning
We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.
Your schedule will look something like this:
College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits) Major Exploration course (3-4 credits) Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits) Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits) Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) Total Credits: 15-16 |
Major Exploration Course(s) Recommended for Incoming First-Year Students
Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:
Course Title |
Course Number |
Credits |
Subject on University Schedule of Classes |
Modern Dance |
07:203:123 |
3 |
Dance (203) |
Course recommendations beyond this department
Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.
Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.
Course Title |
Course Number |
Credits |
Subject on University Schedule of Classes |
Theater Appreciation | 07:965:211 | 3 | Theater (965) |
Intro to Music Theory | 07:700:103 | 3 | Music (700) |
Chemistry of Art | 01:160:127 | 3 | Chemistry (160) |
Foundations of Kinesiology and Health | 01:377:140 | 1.5 | Exercise Science (377) |
Related Subjects/Departments
The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects.
To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:
1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.
2. In the Search By box, click the "search multple subjects" link. Select the following departments:
Exercise Science (377)
Music (700)
Theater (965)
3. In Section Status, deselect Closed
4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering.
Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
Additional Information Beyond the Classroom
For your first semester, we want you to focus on selecting appropriate courses, begin to understand the expectations and rigor of college, and identify resources to help you succeed at Rutgers. But, we also know that it is important to provide information for future planning.
In addition to the information below, students interested in exploring possible career options may find this resource from the Office of Career Exploration and Success helpful - you'll find that a degree in this subject prepares you for a wide variety of career options!
What opportunities exist in the department for beyond the classroom learning (internships, research, field work, etc.)?
- Study Abroad at the Accademia dell’Arte in Tuscany Italy (open to Dance Majors and Minors by audition)
- Perform in student dance pieces
- Choregraph and audition a student dance piece to be produced and performed in the Student Dance Concert
- Volunteer for Dance in Parkinson’s
Is there a departmental Honors track or program?
No
Please provide information on the careers obtained by recent graduates:
Careers obtained by recent graduates:
Professional Dancer, Professional Choreographer, Dance Educator in a K-12 Public School, Dance Educator in a Dance Studio, Owner of a Dance Company, Pilates Instructor, Yoga Instructor
With a BA in dance, students are able to pursue advanced degrees, such as a Masters in Dance through practical and theoretic graduate school dance programs.
Undergraduate students tend to integrate their major or minor in dance with another discipline to create an interdisciplinary academic experience at Rutgers.