M.A.A. Specializations

Community Dance emphasizes the creative process as a form of collaboration, through which dance can be an adaptable, inclusive, socially relevant practice. Community Dance prepares professionals ready to create and lead community dance projects focused on wellness, health, education, activism, or other initiatives. Courses include studio practice in dance technique and composition; theoretical, practical, and historical investigations of dance as a community form; dance research; and project planning.

Community Dance (12 credit hours)

DANC 6460: Community Dance Theory and Practice (3)
DANC 6260:  Leading Community Dance (3)

Choose 1 of the following (3 credit hours)  

DANC 5710: Histories of Modern & Postmodern Choreography
DANC 5711: Dance, Sexuality and Gender
DANC 5550: Dance Ethnography: Intellectualizing the Body’s Motion
DANC 5750: Dance in Non-Western Expressive Cultures
DANC 6620: Seminar in Dance Studies Research

Choose 1 of the following (1 credit hour)

DANC 5210: Graduate Modern Dance Technique
DANC 5250: Graduate African Dance Technique

Choose 1 additional studio dance course (minimum of 2 credit hours)

DANC 5150: Laban Movement Analysis (3)
DANC 5230: Graduate Dance Composition (2)
DANC 5360: Dance/Movement Lab (1-2)

The field of Museum Studies continues to expand because of the ongoing process of collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting historically significant items. This specialization provides a foundation for students interested in working in museums, in educational and interpretive centers, or in similar organizations promoting public outreach and education. The specialization emphasizes the visitor experience throughout all aspects of museum decision-making and planning processes. Students learn about the inner operations of nonprofit and arts and cultural heritage organizations; have an opportunity to work directly with objects and artifacts; become immersed in current museum methods and cultural heritage literature; and learn about networking and resume-building opportunities.

Museum Studies (12 credit hours)

ART 5100: Museum Fundamentals I (3)
ART 5922: Museum Fundamentals II Practicum (3)

Choose 2 approved elective courses taken from a minimum of two areas (6)

Music Leadership teaches concepts associated with the administration of music programs both at the university level and in the private sector. Students will explore how to effectively manage music programs including symphony orchestras, professional and amateur performing ensembles, and music schools and departments. Courses also provide general knowledge in music as well as music performance opportunities.

Music Leadership (12 credit hours)

MUS 5271: Music Administration (3)

Choose a minimum of 7 credit hours (7)

Applied lessons (2)
Ensembles (2)
Music History elective (3)
Music Theory elective (3)
MUS 5860 Teaching Music in Higher Education (1)

Choose 1 from Music Literature (2 credit hours)

MUS 5210: Literature of Choral Music
MUS 5212: Literature of Chamber Music
MUS 5213: Literature of Orchestra Music
MUS 5214: Literature of Organ Music
MUS 5215: Literature of Opera
MUS 5216: Literature of Band Music

Theater and Production Management offers a holistic approach to management and enables students to develop a greater understanding of both the professional and artisan practices behind the management and production of theater. Through classroom learning and hands-on experiences, students hone their abilities in interpersonal communication, process, shop mechanics, and overall management of the theater.

Theater and Production Management (12 credit hours)

THAR 5410: Intro to Theater Management (3)
*THAR 5350: Technical Direction Shop Management (3) * permission required
THAR 5610: Stage Management Seminar (3)

Choose 1 of the following

THAR 5395: Digital Portfolio and Performance Photography (3)
THAR 5399: Design and Production Business (3)