There are a variety of career options if you are interested in studying dance. If you want to work in a hands-on capacity, you can become a professional dancer, a dance instructor or a choreographer. If you simply want to remain in the dance field, you can become a dance critic or journalist, a dance therapist or a costume designer. These areas will require study in other fields as well as dance.
There are two main areas of focus when you obtain a dance degree: dance or dance education. Although some of the courses may differ from to school to school, the foundational classes will be the same. You will study a variety of dance styles, including ethnic, modern, ballet, jazz and ballroom dance. Additionally, you will take courses about the history of dance and dance composition.
If you want to become a professional dancer or choreographer, you will need to study dance on a higher academic level. The Juilliard School in New York City, New York, has been one of the premier schools for dance education. Prospective students must first apply to the school, and, if requested, must audition to be accepted into the dance program. For other colleges across the U.S., "Dance Magazine" offers a college guide detailing the best programs across the country.
If your focus is dance education, several colleges offer graduate-level online degree opportunities in that arena. For example, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers a master's in dance education and allows the student to combine the degree program with teacher licensure training for the state. The degree program focuses on courses in dance curriculum and choreography. Right now, the university is only admitting students into the program on alternating years, with the next starting date program being in 2012.