Returning Professional Program

There are many exciting and rewarding employment opportunities for those individuals who are educationally prepared. The Mercyhurst College Returning Professional Program Program is a strong program because of its experienced faculty, its national reputation for excellence and the dedication, commitment and hard work of its students.

Based on a Professional Experience Portfolio presented at the onset of admission, Mercyhurst College provides the Returning Professional Program with the option of petitioning the Dance Department to accept up to 24 elective transfer or life experience credits towards a non-dance major or up to 37 transfer or life experience credits within the dance major. Credits could be a combination of the following:

• 24 Ballet Technique (2 credits per term)
• 3 Pointe/Men's Technique (1 credit per term)
• 3-6 Modern, Tap or Jazz Technique (1 credit per term)
• 3 Dance History
• 3-9 Choreography I-III
• 3 Pedagogy
• 3 Kinesiology
• 6 Company Ensemble (1 credit per term)

If pursuing a B.A. degree in dance, you would be required to enter and complete the program in one of the following areas.

• Applied Theory Concentration
  • Pedagogy Track
  • Choreography Track
• Arts Administration

Admissions Requirements

• A minimum of three years professional experience
• The ability to reside in Erie, PA.
• A completed application form and an application fee of $35.
• Leadership potential as evidenced by three recent letters of recommendation from directors, instructors, choreographers and/or colleagues.
• A personal biography outlining in narrative form the candidates career path and aspirations along with professional interests.
• Your resume.
• Video documentations of performances, choreography and/or teaching
• Support, documentation: photos, programs, reviews, interviews, etc.
• An on-campus audition and/or interview with the faculty

Transfer credits from other accredited colleges and universities are considered for acceptance.

Financial Assistance

A limited number of scholarships, stipends, financial aid and work-study opportunities are available.

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