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Performing Arts Degree

Associate of Arts
Actors on stage in a performance of Hair

If you plan to pursue a career or four-year degree in theatre, dance, or other performing arts, start with MC's performing arts degree. 

This degree provides a fundamental course of study and training for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree, expect to enter a professional training program in theatre or dance, or wish to seek professional employment in theatre, dance, or related areas. 

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:

  • Discuss the importance of dance, theatre, or music as performing arts situated in cultural, historical, and aesthetic contexts.
  • Employ the specialized vocabulary of dance, theatre, or music as it applies to history and current professional practice.
  • Analyze components of dance, theatre, or music in order to make informed aesthetic choices.
  • Demonstrate mastery of skills and techniques required to produce or perform a work of dance, theatre, or music according to standards of professional and safe practice.

Program Advising

Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer.  

Transfer Opportunities

MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all transfer agreements.

Careers

For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.

Some careers in this field include actors, producers, and directors, among others. 

  • MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
  • Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.

Curriculum 

Suggest Course Sequence: Performing Arts

A suggested course sequence for students follows.

  • All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
  • Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
  • Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
  • All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.


Suggested Course Sequence


Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.

First Semester


Second Semester


Third Semester


Fourth Semester


ENGL 101/ENGL 101A if needed for ENGL 102/ENGL 103, or any program elective.

** Behavioral and Social Sciences Distribution courses (BSSD) must come from different disciplines.

† May substitute other 200-level Humanities Distribution course.

‡ Course must be taken for a minimum of 2 credits.

‡‡  Select 18 credits from the following based on your advising pathway (Performance, Production, Dance, or Musical Theatre): COMM 109; DANC 101, DANC 102, DANC 103, DANC 104, DANC 105, DANC 106, DANC 107, DANC 201, DANC 203, DANC 204, DANC 205, MUSC 147, MUSC 148, MUSC 194THET 118, THET 122, THET 125, THET 201, THET 208, THET 216, THET 225, THET 230, THET 237. At least 6 program elective credits must be in 200-level courses.

AA and AS programs require one global and cultural perspectives (GCP) General Education course.

 

How To Apply and Register

 


Related Programs and Courses

General Studies Degree

Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.

Workforce Development and Continuing Education

Find out about performing arts classes in Workforce Development and Continuing Education's Community Arts Program.