Dance Education with PreK-12 Teaching Certification (B.A.)

Program Overview

The Dance Education major at Messiah University leads to a B.A. degree with Direct Path Dance Certification and accreditation by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (P.D.E.). Dance Education majors receive the credentials and unique skill set required to serve in public schools (PK–12). This program is a unique blend of dance artistry, dance pedagogy, and educator core competencies. Direct Path Dance certified educators will graduate with the skill set to provide dance education of the highest quality which supports students' social-emotional needs, college and career readiness and quest for artistic excellence. Holistically, dance education graduates will be equipped to better serve parents, to engage stakeholders, and to enrich local dance communities at-large while developing in their unique calling as dance artists. 

In addition, Dance Education majors take the required education and dance education curriculum as required by the P.D.E. Students in the Dance Education major will complete the major with their Professional Semester of student teaching typically in the fall or spring of their senior year. Dance Education Majors are required to apply to the Teacher Education Program in their sophomore year prior to taking 300 level education course work and they must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Dance Education majors are also required to meet the Basic Skills Requirement and maintain appropriate security clearances. To be eligible for teaching certification, graduates must meet GPA requirements, demonstrate good moral character, and pass the respective certification exams. Specific information about teacher education requirements can be found on the Teacher Education Program website. All students are required to go through the sophomore review. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Dance Education with PreK-12 Teaching Certification program will:

1. Cultivate the stewardship of the intellect and imagination as well as articulate the intersections between Christian Faith and Dance. (Department Wide PLO)

2. Show foundational abilities in the four dance techniques of Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Tap and technical proficiency in at least one dance technique form. (PDE Outcome 1.A 1 & 1.A 2)

3. Develop and defend critical evaluation. (PDE Outcome 1.B 1, 2, 4, 7, 8)

4. Demonstrate an understanding of a wide selection of dance repertory, the principal eras, genres, and cultural sources. (PDE Outcome 1.C 1 - 5)

5. Demonstrate the ability to identify and work conceptually with the elements of dance. (PDE Outcome 1.D 1 - 4)

6. Demonstrate an understanding of choreographic processes, aesthetic properties of style, and the way these shape and are shaped by artistic and cultural ideas and contexts. (PDE Outcome 1.B 3, 5, 6, 9)

7. Apply fundamental knowledge of Kinesiology and its application to work in dance. (Department Specific Outcome – not tied to PDE)

8. Demonstrate an understanding of procedure for realizing a variety of dance styles. (PDE Outcome 1.F 2 - 4, 6)

9. Demonstrate professional application of their knowledge and / or skills in one or more areas of dance beyond basic course work and performance appropriate to the individual’s needs and interests. (PDE Outcome 1.G 1 - 2)

10. Demonstrate the application of multiple components of production including lighting, sound, technology, costuming, and management, multimedia applications, accessibility and sustainability, and emerging technology. (PDE Outcome 1.E 1 - 4 & 1.F 1, 5)

11. Demonstrate understanding and application of the PDE criteria and competencies via course work, field experience and student teaching. (PDE Outcome II. A - D)

12. Demonstrate knowledge and competencies which foster professionalism in school and community settings. (PDE Outcome III. A - F)

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Thirteen credits from the following technique courses: (two of the four techniques must be taken to the 400 level)

Take three credits of the following:

Professional Semester Requirements

General Education Requirements