University of California - Berkeley
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•BA program focused on contemporary dance, choreography, and dance theater
•Conservatory-style classes with 20 students or fewer for most dance and technical training courses
•Minimum four semesters of dance technique courses plus choreography sequence
•Courses in performance studies covering dance theory, history, culture, and literature
•Faculty known nationally and internationally for scholarly research and creative work
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Annual spring concert featuring faculty and guest artist repertory pieces
•Student-led performances and blackbox workshop productions
•Professional workshops with Artists-in-Residence
•Access to 70+ student-run performing arts groups on campus
CAREER & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Internships with professional dance companies and Bay Area organizations including ODC Dance
•Graduates pursue careers in professional dance companies, graduate study, education, healthcare, and nonprofit arts
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Apply atapply.universityofcalifornia.edu
Deadline
Application DeadlineDec 1, 2025
Domestic Fee
$80Waiver
International Fee
$95Waiver
Good to Know
UC APPLICATION
•Apply through the University of California Application
•Applications open in August and are due in November for admission the following fall
•No supplemental application or materials required for TDPS
TRANSFER STUDENTS
•Transfer students who select TDPS as their major on the UC Application are automatically declared
•Incomplete prerequisite courses must be finished before graduation
NOTE
•Individual courses within the major may require auditions or interviews for enrollment, but these are separate from admission to the major
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•No audition, interview, or portfolio required to declare the major
•Students apply to UC Berkeley through the UC Application
•After admission, declare the major by completing two lower-division courses and meeting with an advisor
MAJOR DECLARATION
•Complete one practice course (e.g., Beginning Modern Dance Technique) and one performance studies course (e.g., Introduction to Performance Studies)
•Schedule an appointment with the undergraduate advisor to formally declare
CONTACT
•Undergraduate Advisor: Laxmi Kumaran — laxmik@berkeley.edu
•General inquiries: tdps@berkeley.edu
Scholarship Info
DEPARTMENTAL PRIZES & AWARDS
•Faculty-selected endowed awards presented at annual commencement ceremony
•The Departmental Citation — highest honor for academic and artistic excellence (3.5+ GPA required)
•Julia Payne Dance Scholarship for outstanding dance scholarship and performance (3.3+ GPA, female-identifying)
•Mark Goodson Prize for Distinguished Artistic Talent (3.3+ GPA required)
•Florence Schwimley Memorial Scholarship for excellence in theater and dance (3.3+ GPA, continuing students)
•Sara Huntsman Sturgess Memorial Prize for outstanding artistic accomplishment
•Roslyn Schneider Eisner Prize for continuing creative achievement
•Mansfield & Sweringen Social Justice Award for advancing equity through performance arts
Program info updated Mar 23, 12:44 AM
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•BA program focused on contemporary dance, choreography, and dance theater
•Conservatory-style classes with 20 students or fewer for most dance and technical training courses
•Minimum four semesters of dance technique courses plus choreography sequence
•Courses in performance studies covering dance theory, history, culture, and literature
•Faculty known nationally and internationally for scholarly research and creative work
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Annual spring concert featuring faculty and guest artist repertory pieces
•Student-led performances and blackbox workshop productions
•Professional workshops with Artists-in-Residence
•Access to 70+ student-run performing arts groups on campus
CAREER & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Internships with professional dance companies and Bay Area organizations including ODC Dance
•Graduates pursue careers in professional dance companies, graduate study, education, healthcare, and nonprofit arts
Updated Mar 23, 12:44 AM
Academic School Information
11%
Admit Rate
93%
Grad Rate
33,068
Enrollment
$92,446
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$16,347
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$50,547
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$13,481
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.
Family Income $0 - $30k$5,311
Family Income $30k - $48k$6,501
Family Income $48k - $75k$9,693
Family Income $75k - $110k$15,074
Family Income $110k+$34,529
