University of Southern Mississippi
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM DISTINCTION
•First program in Mississippi to offer the professional BFA degree in dance
•Studio-based and performance-intensive curriculum
TRAINING
•Regular offerings at multiple levels in modern, ballet, and jazz technique
•No prior dance experience required — modern dance taught from the beginning
•Faculty are active performers and choreographers across the U.S.
SPECIALIZATIONS
•Dance Education (K-12 teaching licensure)
•Business of Dance
•Dance in Medicine
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Repertory Dance Company (RDC) — professional concert dance standards
•Dance ensembles with regular public performances
•Individualized Dance Career Development internship
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•Dance minor also available
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Deadline
PriorityMar 1, 2026
Auditions
USM Dance Day (Hattiesburg, MS)Nov 21, 2025
USM Dance Day (Hattiesburg, MS)Mar 13, 2026
Audition Requirements
Dance
IN-PERSON AUDITION
•Participate in master classes in ballet, modern, and jazz
•Perform a 1-minute solo in a style of your choice
•Complete a short creative task (no preparation needed)
•Small-group interview/Q&A
•Provide music via phone or device with aux cable
VIDEO AUDITION
•5–10 minutes total length (minimum 5 minutes of dancing)
•Combinations, choreographed pieces, or improvised movement in any style(s)
•Self or instructor choreography acceptable
•Include introduction: name, hometown, goals, and reason for choosing USM
•Address camera directly during introduction
VIDEO TECHNICAL SPECS
•Well-lit, in-focus recording in studio or theatre setting preferred
•Wear well-fitted dance attire with full body visibility
•Submit as MP4 file or YouTube link
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
RESUME (required)
•Dance training and performance experience
PERSONAL NARRATIVE (required)
•Answer three questions about dance experience, college goals, and how you discovered USM Dance
SCHOLARSHIP MATERIALS (if applying)
•One-page essay (choose from 2 provided prompts)
•Reference name and contact or letter of recommendation as PDF
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to the university first
•Submit dance audition application form separately (online)
•In-person or video audition required for admission
USM DANCE DAY
•Free event including master classes, choreographic showings, lunch, and performance ticket
•Registration closes the Monday prior to the event
•Live audition conducted during Dance Day
REAUDITION POLICY
•Students not admitted may reaudition after receiving feedback on areas for improvement
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person audition preferred (held at USM Dance Day events)
•Video audition accepted year-round
IN-PERSON AUDITION DAY
•10:00 AM–4:00 PM at USM Dance Day
•Master classes in ballet, modern, and jazz
•1-minute solo performance
•Creative task and small-group interview
DEADLINES
•Priority consideration: before March 1
•Scholarship consideration: before May 1
•Final deadline: one month prior to enrollment
CONTACT
•Theatre and Dance Building, Hattiesburg Campus
•601.266.4994
Scholarship Info
SCHOLARSHIP RANGE
•$150–$3,300 annually
•Students reapply each year
•One-page essay required for scholarship consideration (choose from 2 prompts)
•Professional reference or recommendation letter required for scholarship
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.46
Avg GPA (W)
99%
Admit Rate
51%
Grad Rate
9,899
Enrollment
$44,140
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$9,618
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,618
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$14,224
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$12,798
Family Income $30k - $48k$11,574
Family Income $48k - $75k$16,248
Family Income $75k - $110k$18,212
Family Income $110k+$19,561
