Dance Admissions

Dance faculty members encourage a rigorous physical, theoretical, and creative investigation of dance. They regularly advise dance majors and partner with students for independent studies, internships, and senior projects to facilitate personal research and performance interests. UO dancers are encouraged to collaborate with musicians, composers, and other visual and performing artists on campus to create new works. Click here for a full list of dance classes.  

How to Apply | Important Dates | Degree Requirements

How to Apply

INCOMING FRESHMEN AND TRANSFERS:

  1. Apply to UO: Complete the University of Oregon application for admission by January 15, 2025.
  2. Apply to SOMD: Complete the UO School of Music and Dance online application by January 15, 2025.
  3. Audition: Applicants to the BFA Dance degree will need to audition. Applicants to the BA or BS Dance degrees are encouraged to take a placement audition, but the audition is for placement and not for admission.

Incoming students are eligible for admission during Fall term only.

CURRENT UO STUDENTS:

  1. Apply to SOMD: Complete the UO School of Music and Dance online application by the deadlines listed below.
  2. Audition: Applicants to the BFA Dance degree will need to audition. Applicants to the BA or BS Dance degrees are encouraged to take a placement audition, but the audition is for placement and not for admission.

Current UO students are eligible for admission to the BA or BS Dance degree during any term. The BFA Dance degree admits students during the Fall term only.

Admission Audition

IMPORTANT DATES

DEADLINES FOR FALL 2025 ADMISSION:

  • January 15, 2025: Application deadline
  • Mid-March, 2025: School of Music and Dance issues acceptance decisions
  • May 1, 2025: Admitted students will be asked to verify their intent to enroll with UO by paying the enrollment deposit online. Students will also need to confirm their intent to pursue a dance major by completing the SOMD Admission Response form.

SPECIAL NOTE TO TRANSFER APPLICANTS: Although the University of Oregon posts an official application deadline of February 15 for transfer applicants, those applying to be dance majors must complete BOTH their UO application and School of Music and Dance application by January 15, 2025. Applications received after January 15 run the risk of not being admitted and are generally not considered for dance scholarships.

DEADLINES FOR WINTER OR SPRING 2025 ADMISSION:

  • November 18, 2024: Application deadline for Winter 2025
  • February 24, 2025: Application deadline for Spring 2025

Only Current UO students may be considered for admission to Winter or Spring terms, and only for the following degrees: BA or BS Dance

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS 

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate language proficiency through testing: 

  • TOEFL score 88 IBT (575 paper-based); or IELTS score 7.0; or Duolingo score 120.  

Applicants who do not meet these English language proficiencies must complete all required Academic English for International Students (AEIS) coursework. 

Degree Requirements 

For Undergraduates

Visit the undergraduate dance degree requirements webpage. 

Placement of Majors and Minors

Students are placed in levels of four idioms (African, ballet, contemporary and hip hop) according to skill. Each term students are reviewed to ensure that they are in the most advantageous level for their abilities. Dance majors are expected to take a technique every term. 

Placement classes are held the week before fall term classes begin, and during spring term. Faculty adjudicators observe and place students according to each student's knowledge and skill level. 

Incoming freshmen planning to attend IntroDUCKtion in July should attend the spring term placement class. Incoming students who register in the fall should attend the placement class during Week of Welcome. Students who want to enter professional level (DAN prefix) technique courses winter or spring terms should request a placement decision. More information is available from faculty members. E-mail the department office for dates of placement classes.

Dance Programs

If you have any questions or problems, please contact dance@uoregon.edu.