Point Park University

About the Program

Point Park University's School of Dance, part of its Conservatory of Performing Arts in downtown Pittsburgh, offers a B.F.A. in Dance with concentrations in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Hip Hop, plus a B.A. in Dance Education (PK-12 certification). The program (established 1968) is organized into departments of Concert Dance (ballet and modern) and Commercial Dance (jazz and hip hop), with the theme "Integrating Tradition, Innovation and Artistry to Move Beyond Labels," preparing students as professional dancers, choreographers, and educators.

Degrees Offered

Concentrations

Coursework

B.F.A. requires 124-128 credits including concentration credits, department requirements, core curriculum, and general electives. B.A. in Dance Education is 120 credits and leads to PK-12 dance education certification, covering classical ballet, modern, jazz, dance composition, and education methodology. Fast-track combined degrees available (B.F.A.+M.Ed., B.F.A.+M.A. in PR/Advertising/Social Media, B.F.A.+MBA). Minors offered in Musical Theatre for Dancers and Choreography.

Facilities

Facilities include the George Rowland White Performance Center, a 44,000-square-foot LEED Gold-certified building whose dance studios range from 40' x 50' to approximately 60' x 60'; and the Hilda Willis Tap Dance Studio (40' x 50'). Collaboration with UPMC Sports Medicine provides athletic training support.

Performance Opportunities

Point Park hosts the biennial National High School Dance Festival (most recently the fifth biennial in 2025; next in 2027).

Rankings & Alumni