Dance Programs in North Carolina

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Frequently asked questions

How many college dance programs are in North Carolina?

We track 13 college and university dance programs in North Carolina — 4 offer BFA degrees, 2 offer MFA, across 9 cities.

Which North Carolina dance programs are NASD-accredited?

3 North Carolina programs in our directory are NASD-accredited, including University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Appalachian State University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. NASD accreditation is the national standard for dance-degree programs.

Does North Carolina have any dance conservatories?

Yes — University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Conservatories offer intensive pre-professional training with a smaller ratio of academic coursework than a research university.

What's the difference between a BFA and a BA in dance?

A BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) is a professional degree with ~75% studio + 25% academic coursework — best for students headed into performance, choreography, or industry careers. A BA (Bachelor of Arts) is closer to 50/50, giving flexibility for double majors, teaching credentials, or dance-adjacent careers.

Can community college dance students transfer to a North Carolina BFA program?

Yes — most 4-year BFA and BA dance programs in North Carolina accept community college transfers with an AA in dance or a general-education AA plus dance coursework. Individual credit acceptance varies; contact the receiving institution's admissions office. See our AA (transfer path) page for community colleges with dance programs.