Frequently Asked Questions

Want to know more about studying dance at UCI? Here are answers to some questions commonly asked by prospective students. Please refer to the current UCI Catalogue for complete program details and admission requirements.

• What degree will I receive on graduation?

• What are the degree requirements?

• Can I double major?

• What is the cost of tuition?

• What scholarships and financial aid are available?

• How many students are in the dance department?

• What is the size of a typical dance class?

• What is the percentage of UCI students living on campus?

• What if I have additional questions?

Q: What degree will I receive on graduation?

A: In their first year at UCI, all dance students work toward the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. In their sophomore year, students who want more intensive preparation for careers as performers and choreographers can opt for the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with a specialization in Performance or Choreography. Admission to the B.F.A. program in Choreography is by department approval only. The B.F.A. program in Performance does not require additional department approval; students should declare their intention for this specialization during spring quarter of their sophomore year.
 

Q: What are the degree requirements?

A: The UCI breadth (general education) requirement includes the following course areas: Writing, Natural Sciences, Social/Behavioral Sciences, Humanistic Inquiry, Math/Symbolic Systems, Language Other Than English, Multicultural Studies and International/Global Issues.

The Dance degree curriculum includes a minimum of one year of study in Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Modern techniques, with additional technique requirements based on the student’s selected degree track. Students also engage in academic and creative coursework such as Dance Health and Injury Prevention, Kinesiology, Music for Dancers, Choreography, Dance History, Dance and Video Technology, Critical Issues in Dance, and performance-based experiences. For a complete overview of course offerings and degree requirements, please consult the UCI Dance Program catalogue.
 

Q: Can I double major?

A:Yes, approximately 36% of our Dance majors graduate with a double major, often combining Dance with fields such as Education, Biological Sciences, Criminology, Business, and more. Students are encouraged to explore academic pathways that reflect their diverse interests and career goals. Visit the UCI Undergraduate Majors and Minors page to learn more about available programs.
 

Q: What is the cost of tuition?

A: Visit the UCI University Registrar page for current tuition rates.
 

Q: What scholarships and financial aid are available?

A: Incoming undergraduate students are considered for campus-wide academic merit scholarships—such as the Regents Scholarship and the Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship—through a comprehensive review of their UC application. This review takes into account academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and, where applicable, standardized test scores and grades.

Additional scholarships designated for Dance majors are awarded after students have enrolled at UCI and demonstrated excellence in both academic coursework and performance. These awards recognize a range of strengths and contributions to the department and broader artistic community.

Visit the UCI Financial Aid and Scholarships page for more information.
 

Q: How many students are in the Dance department?

A: Currently there are 160 undergraduate students and 9 graduate students in the Dance Department.
  

Q: What is the size of a typical dance class?

A: Dance technique classes typically range from 15 to 45 students, allowing for individualized attention within a dynamic group setting. Lecture-based dance courses may enroll up to 60 students, depending on the topic and format.
 

Q: What is the percentage of UCI students living on campus?

A: Approximately 47% of UCI undergraduate students live on campus. Visit the UCI Housing page for more information about living on campus.
 

Q: What if I have more questions?

A: For additional information please contact:
Dance Department: (949) 824-7283, dance@uci.edu
School of the Arts Student Affairs: (949) 824-6646, artscounselor@uciartscounselor@uci.edu.edu
UCI Admissions Counselor: (949) 824-6703, Inquiry Contact

Pictured: Dance Escape, 2015. Photo by Skye Schmidt