Dec 06, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Dance Medicine and Science Certificate


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TOTAL CERTIFICATE HOURS: 18

This certificate is designed for students who are degree seeking (any major) OR non-degree seeking and who possess a strong interest in exploring the field of dance medicine and science. This certificate program will give students a basic understanding of issues pertaining to the health and wellness of dancers such as: typical injury and misalignment patterns, injury prevention and treatment, injury risk factors, effective conditioning, muscular analysis of dance movement, and current topics in dance medicine and science research. Undergirding this specialized study are support courses which address the structure and function of the musculo-skeletal system as well as the mechanical principles related to motor performance, the physiological effects of exercise, nutrition, and principles of motor development and skill acquisition. The capstone experience will be undertaken in the Research in Dance I and II courses where students will review research literature in the field and design an individualized research project exploring a relevant topic. Students are mentored throughout the forthcoming completion of the research project, and completion of the project is required to earn the certificate.  The project should be fully completed within two (2) semesters after the Research in Dance II course. Students who are dance majors, health science majors, exercise science majors, or physical education majors interested in dance medicine and science, are encouraged to apply. Other majors are also welcome. Students are required to take 18 credit hours composed of the courses below. Intent to pursue the certificate should be discussed with the academic advisor for dance.

Course Notes


*Anatomy and Physiology I and II for Nursing and other Healthcare Professionals with lab are required as pre-requisites for these courses. Non-major and major sections (for Exercise Science majors) of these courses are offered in alternating semesters.

**This course is restricted to health professions majors but open to other USF students pending space availability. Anatomy and Physiology transfer courses will also be accepted to meet this requirement. Special consideration for registration access will be given to students in the dance medicine certificate program.

***Exercise Science majors only. Permission may be granted on a case-by-case basis, pending space availability and instructor approval.

GPA requirements


Students must maintain an overal GPA of 2.0.

Grading Requirement


A grade of C+ or higher in all courses is required.

Residency Requirement


A minimum of nine (9) credit hours of coursework taken at USF  is required to meet residency requirements.

Other Requirements


The Research in Dance courses should generally be taken last in the course sequence. Electives may be taken concurrently with the Research in Dance courses. Ideally, the student should take the Research in Dance II course last as it is part of the capstone research experience.

Other Information


Any degree-seeking student or any non-degree seeking student may pursue the Dance Medicine/Science certificate.

Advising Information


For questions, TheatreAndDance@usf.edu

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