Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling MA

Degree Awarded: Master of Arts (MA)
Minimum Required Credits: 60.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.2302
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 29-1129

About the Program

The Master of Arts program in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling prepares students to become creative, responsive and effective mental health practitioners where dance and movement are the essential modes of transformation. Through experiential and reflective learning, theory and skill-based education and supervised practicum and internship experiences, students develop a strong base for effective clinical practice as dance/movement therapists and counselors.

The curriculum includes anti-oppressive and trauma-informed clinical mental health counseling coursework in addictions and recovery; human psychological development; differential diagnosis and processes; crisis and trauma; social and cultural foundations; clinical appraisal and assessment; and group dynamics and processes. Specialty coursework also centers around dance movement as (1) a tool for communication, creativity and expression; (2) essential for growth and development; and (3) situated within cultures. In-class experientials and didactic learning inform each student's simultaneous on-site, community educational experiences with individuals and groups.

Program graduates are eligible for the Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) credential with the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) as well as professional counseling licensure in Pennsylvania (upon completion of post-graduation requirements). Because licensure requirements vary from state to state, students interested in attaining post-graduation counseling licensure are encouraged to check the requirements for any state(s) where they plan to work and practice. In addition, the students must begin to know and understand the requirements for any future licensure they may seek.

The profession of Dance/Movement Therapy is positioned to meet an increasing interest in mind-body approaches to mental and physical health that have emerged in health profession circles and in the general public. Upon graduation, students utilize their skills to work in a variety of settings such as schools, early intervention programs, community mental health, inpatient psychiatry, medical, social service and wellness settings. Students also engage in innovative therapeutic applications through clinical work and research.

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please contact the College of Nursing and Health Professions 

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all previous coursework.

Standardized Tests:

N/A

Transcripts:

Official transcripts must be sent directly to Drexel from all the colleges/universities that you have attended. Transcripts must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the college/university seal over the flap to Drexel University, Application Processing, PO Box 34789, Philadelphia, PA 19101 or submitted through a secure electronic delivery service to enroll@drexel.edu. Please note that transcripts are required regardless of number of credits taken or if the credits were transferred to another school. An admission decision may be delayed if you do not send transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

Transcripts must show course-by-course grades and degree conferrals. If your school does not notate degree conferrals on the official transcripts, you must provide copies of any graduate or degree certificates.

If your school issues only one transcript for life, you are required to have a course-by-course evaluation completed by an approved transcript evaluation agency.

Use our Transcript Lookup Tool to assist you in contacting your previous institutions.

Prerequisites:

Familiarity with at least two dance or movement forms, with a minimum of five years dedicated study to at least one form in a studio or academic setting.
Creative dance or movement improvisation experience.

Teaching, performing and/or choreography experience preferred.

Liberal Arts coursework, including coursework in Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Human Development or Anthropology).
Volunteer or paid experience in a helping relationship.

References:

Three letters of recommendation required. At least two recommendations should be from current or former academic instructors. Letters of recommendation should be requested and submitted electronically through your online application.

Personal Statement/ Essay:

Submit an essay (1–3 typed pages) addressing interest in and aptitude for dance/movement therapy and counseling, with reference to personal, service, and arts experience. Submit your essay with your application or through the Discover Drexel portal after you submit your application.

Résumé:

Upload your résumé as part of your admission application or through the Discover Drexel Portal after you submit your application.

Select candidates will be invited to participate in an on-campus audition and interview. International applicants will be invited to submit a recorded audition and participate in a video interview.

Audition:

The movement audition involves a group improvisational experience. We are primarily interested in how you communicate, express yourself and interact through movement. Applicants need not prepare anything. Those living overseas have the option to participate in a virtual group movement audition or may submit a recorded video in lieu of the movement audition. International candidates should request instructions about these requirements with admission materials and are advised to begin admission process early.

Interview:

Faculty will conduct an in-person or virtual individual interview with applicant consisting of review of personal, academic, interpersonal, and creative aptitudes.

Clinical/Work/Volunteer Experience:

A social service work or volunteer history and cross cultural experience is highly valued.

Dance Experience:

Familiarity with at least two dance or movement forms, with five years of dedicated study to at least one form in a studio or academic setting. Improvisation, teaching, performing, and/or choreography experience preferred.

Degree Requirements

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Students who select the Thesis option are required to take CATX 7997, a one- credit Thesis Preparation course.

Program Learning Outcomes