The MADE program is designed for dance educators and working dance professionals. At least one year of teaching experience is strongly recommended before beginning the program. Because many course assignments involve planning, teaching, assessing, and reflecting upon student learning, applicants should have access to an appropriate teaching population. Applicants with questions about whether their teaching context will support the program requirements are encouraged to contact the MADE Program Director.

Students who already hold a North Carolina Standard Professional I license in Dance may be eligible to earn the advanced M license upon completion of the degree. This option is not available to students who do not already hold the required initial license.

MADE is designed for experienced educators who are prepared to work as independent graduate learners within a supportive professional community. Courses include substantive reading, creative and scholarly inquiry, leadership, applied teaching assignments, and projects developed over time with feedback from faculty and peers.

Peer collaboration and professional dialogue are central to the MADE experience. Students use Canvas, Teams, and other collaborative technologies to complete assignments and remain connected with faculty and classmates. Faculty support students as teachers, mentors, and facilitators of graduate learning.

MADE is designed to be completed in two years. Students typically take two courses totaling six graduate credit hours during each fall, spring, and summer term. Students should follow the established course sequence and work closely with their advisor to remain on track for two-year completion.

MADE coursework is offered online during the fall and spring semesters. Summer study typically includes two intensive one-week courses on the UNC Greensboro campus. Some summer coursework may be offered or completed online, depending on program scheduling and degree requirements. The program admits a new cohort every other year, and required courses follow an established two-year rotation. Specific summer course formats and on-campus dates will be communicated to students in advance.

Students complete two approved elective courses totaling six graduate credit hours. Electives may be taken at UNC Greensboro or another university and must be approved in advance by the MADE Program Director.

Students who complete UNCG’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Dance Education may apply up to 12 eligible credits toward the MADE degree only when the programs are pursued concurrently or when the student transitions directly from the PBC into MADE without a break in enrollment. All credits remain subject to admission, program approval, applicable time limits, and Graduate School policies MADE is designed to accommodate working educators and dance professionals. Students should plan to spend approximately six hours per week completing the work for each three-credit course, or about 12 hours per week when enrolled in two courses. Coursework includes reading, writing, applied teaching, collaboration, and online learning activities. Time commitments may vary depending on the course, assignment, and individual student.

Applicants must submit official transcripts and other materials demonstrating preparation or experience in the following areas:

• Experience in improvisation and choreography
• Progressive dance technique training through at least the intermediate level in one or more dance forms
• Coursework in dance history, including the study of global and contemporary dance forms
• Dance production experience
• Coursework in applied anatomy, kinesiology, or injury prevention

The MADE program admits a new cohort every other year to support a strong professional learning community and an organized two-year course sequence. The next cohort will begin in Summer 2027. Applications are now being accepted.

Applications for Summer 2027 admission are now being accepted and must be submitted by March 15, 2027. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for application review, admission, advising, financial aid planning, and summer registration.

Admission to MADE is competitive, and enrollment is limited. Applicants must submit a personal statement, official academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, including at least one academic reference, and evidence of teaching experience. Evidence of teaching must include a detailed lesson plan, a corresponding instructional video of approximately 15 minutes, and additional curriculum materials or teaching artifacts. The GRE is not required.

All application materials and required supplementary materials must be submitted through the UNC Greensboro Graduate School application system.

In reviewing applications, faculty consider:

• The applicant’s ability to write, think critically, and communicate clearly, as demonstrated in the personal statement and other application materials
• The applicant’s instructional knowledge and ability to plan meaningful dance learning experiences, as demonstrated in the lesson plan and teaching sample
• The applicant’s undergraduate academic record
• The quality and relevance of the applicant’s letters of recommendation
• The applicant’s professional experience and readiness for graduate study

The MADE degree requires 36 graduate credit hours and may be completed in two years by following the established course sequence. The curriculum includes required Dance Education courses, two approved elective courses totaling six credit hours, an alternate dance technique requirement, and a six-credit capstone experience. Elective courses may be taken at UNC Greensboro or another university with prior approval from the MADE Program Director.

Students seeking the advanced M license complete the appropriate licensure-aligned curriculum and capstone requirements in consultation with their advisor. Because degree requirements may change, students should consult the current UNC Greensboro University Catalog and work with the MADE Program Director to develop an approved plan of study.

For additional information about MADE, contact Dr. Mila Parrish, Director of Dance Education, at mlparri4@uncg.edu.