Program Description

Dance is the art of movement and a fundamental expression of human experience.  Through dance, as in all the arts, students develop the capacity to transform themselves, to become artistic leaders in their communities, to educate, to heal, and to advocate for positive social change. In the past few decades, the study and application of dance knowledge have blended with theories from sciences and the health professions that focus on the embodiment and application of improving human movement.  Students in this program are imbued with both a strong arts and science foundation that directly supports and leads to studies in physical therapy. 

This program taps into two of our already existing programs to provide a unique experience for students who want to focus their academic studies in two related disciplines, dance and movement studies and physical therapy.  The program will admit students to an undergraduate dual-degree program in both dance and health science on the pre-physical therapy track (HSPT) with direct entry to the DPT program for graduate studies (contingent on meeting the HSPT to DPT academic standards).  
 
Admissions Process:
Candidates applying for admission must submit application materials for physical therapy as well as audition for the dance major. Dance major auditions take place in November and February. The physical therapy program candidates are required to have a strong background in the sciences and mathematics along with exposure to physical therapy practice in a healthcare setting. December 1 is the admissions deadline for all admissions materials for physical therapy applicants. Further details about the application procedure are available from the Admissions Office. 

Undergraduate Curriculum Overview

The Academic Advising Center provides the following repositories of sequencing and curriculum guides for all undergraduate majors and minors to assist with course planning:  

• Sequencing Guides - Majors (Traditional Population)  
• Sequencing Guides - Minors (Traditional Population) 
• Curriculum Guides (Regional and Online Population)

Additional Notes:

• There may be circumstances where credit totals do not reflect coursework that is eligible to count towards Core Curriculum and Major Requirement sections of a major simultaneously.
• Degree requirements are subject to change. 

I. Core Curriculum (40 credits)

This Core Curriculum is faithful to the Springfield College mission and further strengthens the Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body. It is a cornerstone of a Springfield College education. Regardless of one’s major, it provides a strong, developmental, and holistic foundation for leaders in service to humanity. Upon completion, all graduates will be prepared to learn, lead, and serve in diverse, multicultural, and global contexts as well as in any career path they may choose. They will have the knowledge, habits of the mind, skills, and abilities to face unexpected situations and challenges, the values and attitudes for self-motivation and a vision of service that stems from hope, optimism and making a difference, as well as the self-determination to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

View the Core Curriculum Requirements (40 credits)  section for a complete list of the domains and courses therein.

II. Major Requirements (87 credits)

*Coursework within the Dance/Health Science - - Pre-Physical Therapy section also satisfies the Aesthetic Expression, Scientific Reasoning, and Wellness and Physical Literacy 100-level domains of the Core Curriculum.  There are 80 unique credits of Required Courses in the Dance/Health Science - Pre-Physical Therapy major.