Drama Therapy (MA)
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Drama Therapy is an immersive program designed for theatre professionals, educators, therapists, and healthcare and special education specialists who want to use the intentional power of theatre to facilitate personal growth and promote mental, cognitive, and developmental health. Students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds come together in small, highly individualized classes to study alongside leading professionals in the creative arts therapies. A core component of the experience is hands-on learning, where students complete fieldwork and internships to bridge the gap between theatrical expression and clinical practice.
At the heart of this offering is a streamlined 50-credit program designed for students who intend to practice specifically within New York State, as well as international students who do not require a U.S. license to practice abroad. This program directly meets all educational requirements for licensure in New York State as a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT).
Special Opportunities
The Program is home to an internationally recognized Theatre & Health Lab which undertakes drama therapy research and plays a coordinating role for the World Alliance of Drama Therapy. The Program hosts an award-winning therapeutic theater series which produces three productions annually in collaboration with community partners across New York City. The program also hosts the NYU Playback Theatre Company and the Collideoscope Repertory Theatre Ensemble which involves students and alumni throughout the year.
Career Opportunities
Graduates work in diverse therapeutic settings worldwide, including hospitals, mental health clinics, community centers serving people with developmental disabilities, nursing homes, and substance use treatment programs. Drama therapists practice across healthcare, arts, social services, and private settings. They support a wide range of individuals of all ages, including military and justice involved communities, people living with post-traumatic stress and anxiety related conditions, people who use substances, individuals experiencing mental health challenges, as well as youth, older adults, and families seeking support in navigating significant life experiences.
Licensure and Accreditation
The program is approved by the New York State Department of Education and qualifies students for licensure in Creative Arts Therapy (LCAT) after graduation and 1,500 hours of postgraduate supervised practice.
Graduates of the program also meet the educational requirements for credentialing as a drama therapist with the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA).
The MA program in Drama Therapy has been continuously accredited by the North American Drama Therapy Association since 1989.
Admissions
Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:
- Résumé/CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts
- Proficiency in English
See NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.
See How to Apply for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.
All students should have a solid, practical background in the art form of drama and theatre, including experience in improvisational drama and theatre performance. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong academic background in psychology or a related social science, including coursework in developmental and/or abnormal psychology. In certain exceptional cases, alternative experience relevant to drama therapy will be considered.
Program Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Drama Therapy | ||
| MPADT-GE 2109 | Drama Therapy for Clinical Populations | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2114 | Intro to Drama Therapy | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2115 | Psychodrama & Sociometry | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2117 | Proj Techn Drama Therapy | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2119 | Adv Theory & Research in Drama Therapy | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2121 | Advanced Practices: Theater Aesthetics and Therapeutic Theater | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2303 | Internship and Seminar in Drama Therapy 1 | 4 |
| MPADT-GE 2130 | Ethics in Drama Therapy | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2105 | Cross-Cultural Awarness for Creative Arts Therapy/Arts Educ | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2131 | Group Dynamics: Theory and Practice in Drama Therapy | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2135 | Assessment in Drama Therapy and Psychodrama | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2216 | Individual Counseling: Theory and Process | 3 |
| Counseling and Psychology | ||
| APSY-GE 2038 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| APSY-GE 2138 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| APSY-GE 2658 | Lab in Individual Counseling Skills | 3 |
| Culminating Experience | ||
| MPADT-GE 2136 | Thesis Seminar in Drama Therapy | 1 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 3 elective credits, by advisement. | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 50 | |
- 1
Students can take this 1-2 credit course 3-4 times for a maximum of 4 credits.
Sample Plan of Study
| 1st Semester/Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MPADT-GE 2114 | Intro to Drama Therapy | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2115 | Psychodrama & Sociometry | 3 |
| APSY-GE 2038 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2131 | Group Dynamics: Theory and Practice in Drama Therapy | 3 |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| 2nd Semester/Term | ||
| MPADT-GE 2130 | Ethics in Drama Therapy | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| 3rd Semester/Term | ||
| MPADT-GE 2109 | Drama Therapy for Clinical Populations | 3 |
| APSY-GE 2658 | Lab in Individual Counseling Skills | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2105 | Cross-Cultural Awarness for Creative Arts Therapy/Arts Educ | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2216 | Individual Counseling: Theory and Process | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| 4th Semester/Term | ||
| MPADT-GE 2303 | Internship and Seminar in Drama Therapy | 1-4 |
| MPADT-GE 2135 | Assessment in Drama Therapy and Psychodrama | 3 |
| Credits | 4 | |
| 5th Semester/Term | ||
| MPADT-GE 2117 | Proj Techn Drama Therapy | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2303 | Internship and Seminar in Drama Therapy | 1-4 |
| MPADT-GE 2119 | Adv Theory & Research in Drama Therapy | 3 |
| APSY-GE 2138 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| MPADT-GE 2136 | Thesis Seminar in Drama Therapy | 1 |
| Credits | 11 | |
| 6th Semester/Term | ||
| MPADT-GE 2303 | Internship and Seminar in Drama Therapy | 1-4 |
| MPADT-GE 2121 | Advanced Practices: Theater Aesthetics and Therapeutic Theater | 3 |
| Credits | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 50 | |
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:
- Identify and apply theories and methods of drama therapy, psychology, and counseling in assessment, treatment, and health promotion.
- Identify, locate, evaluate, synthesize, and apply peer-reviewed research to inform practice.
- Demonstrate one's professional identity as a drama therapist and a future licensed professional in the mental health field.
- Exercise cultural and ethical responsibilities in clinical and community practice.
Policies
Program Policies
Students in this program must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a term GPA of 3.0.
Students must obtain a B or better in all classes taken towards the program to count towards their degree progress. These courses can be attempted a maximum of two times. Attempts include B- or lower final grades as well as course withdrawals; term withdrawals/leaves of absence do not factor into the number of attempts.
Students who obtain a B- or lower in any classes taken towards their degree program will be reviewed by the Committee on Student Progress for Notice of Academic Alert or Notice of Academic Concern. Students who are not able to complete and pass degree-counting courses with a B or better after two attempts will be reviewed by the Committee on Student Progress for Notice of Academic Concern or dismissal.
Internship and thesis are graduation milestones for students in this program.
Department Policies
Academic Advisement
Academic advisement is a shared responsibility. As a student, you will be responsible for making decisions about your academic, professional, and personal path. You will work in partnership with your assigned advisor(s) to develop an academic plan and a course of study in alignment with your career goals. In particular, you will:
- Understand the philosophy that guides the discipline/major
- Learn about degree requirements, including prerequisites, electives, and course sequencing
- Develop and maintain an academic plan that meets the requirements for the successful completion of the degree and maintenance of good academic standing
- Plan a program of study that integrates other academic options and opportunities (e.g. study abroad, honors courses, co-curricular and professional activities, minors, etc.)
- Be aware of and adhere to the policies, procedures, and deadlines that guide academic study (e.g. drop/add, registration, pass/fail option, etc.)
- Initiate advising meetings and actively prepare for them by bringing a planned schedule and concerns and/or questions for discussion
- Be familiar with school/university student services and resources and actively seek assistance when needed
- Pursue professional development opportunities by engaging with faculty, alumni/alumnae, professional organizations, and career resources on campus
Engaging with the above responsibilities requires checking your NYU email on a regular (i.e. daily) basis and responding to emails from your advisor in a timely manner. Students who have questions about their academic plan or how courses are falling in their Degree Progress Report should contact their advisors as soon as these questions arise to seek clarification and updates, if needed.
Add/Drop
Registration changes, including credit changes, must be completed before the end of the add/drop period. These dates may be found on the academic calendar. After the add/drop period is over, students may not change the number of credits for which they are registered in a variable credit course. After the end of add/drop, students may not drop a course but must withdraw. Withdrawing from a course is indicated by a “W” on a student’s transcript.
In exceptional circumstances beyond the student’s control (such as those resulting from administrative or advising errors), advisors may request that a late schedule change be reviewed by the Academic Operations team.
Students should consult with their advisor regarding the number of credits that they register for in a variable credit course. When necessary, advisors will confer with the instructor of the course or program faculty to confirm the requested number of credits. Once confirmed, the student’s advisor must request approval and grant it to the student directly before the student may move forward with registration.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory for Departmental courses. All students are expected to attend class regularly and to actively participate in class activities. Students who enroll in the course within the drop/add period are excused for the class sessions they miss. Students who must miss class for reasons other than late enrollment are required to notify the instructor in advance via email. All students who miss a class for any reason are responsible for all material covered during the missed class meeting(s).
Our Department does not permit students to “zoom” into in-person courses if they are ill. If a student is unwell and unable to attend class, they will be marked as absent and are responsible for missed course material.
Religious observance, illness, and family emergencies are grounds for excused absences. If a student cannot attend class for any of the above reasons, they must email the instructor in advance, and all assignments must still be submitted within 24 hours of the due date. If the nature of the absence prevents a student from sending advance notice, they must communicate via email with the instructor as soon as possible for the absence to be excused.
If a student misses more than one week of class or has repeated absences during the term, the instructor will use NYU Connect to notify the student’s advisor about attendance concerns so that the advisor can provide appropriate support to the student. Repeated absences may have an impact on the student’s participation grade.
Auditing
The Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions does not permit students to audit courses. Students must be registered for the course in order to be able to attend the course. See Auditing Classes for more information.
Change of Major
- Any students who are interested in applying for a change of major, before following the below process, must contact the program advisor for the program to which they plan to apply. They should also be in contact with their current advisor, to indicate their intentions to apply for change of major. See Academic Advising for more information. Please note that changing concentrations (i.e from a Vocal Performance Music Theatre concentration to Classical Voice concentration, or Screen Scoring to Songwriting) would also necessitate a change of major application.
- Students interested in transferring into Vocal Performance must also meet with program faculty.
- Interested students may apply for Fall or Spring change of major.
- Students may not apply for a change of major before their second semester of study.
- At latest, students may begin study in a new NYU school/program as a first-semester junior.
- For Music Programs: Students must have completed, or placed out of, MPATC-UE 1300 Music Fundamentals. If students have completed Theory and Practice 1 and Aural Skills 1, they must have received a passing grade. (Educational Theatre students do not require Music Core courses.)
- Students wishing to transfer into Music Technology must take MPATE-UE 1801 Fundamentals of Music Technology and MPATE-UE 1037 Elect Music Synthesis: Fundamental Techn / MPATE-UE 1047 Comp Music Synthesis: Fundamental Techniques before applying.
- Students wishing to transfer to Music Business must take MPAMB-UE 100 Business Structure of The Music Industry before applying.
- Students wishing to transfer to Screen Scoring must take MPATC-UE 1049 Contemporary Scoring: Creative & Technological Practices, MPATE-UE 1801 Fundamentals of Music Technology, MPATC-UE 1311 Theory & Practice II: Tonal Harmony & Voice Leading, MPATC-UE 1321 Aural Skills II: Tonal Harmony & Voice Leading, and either MPATC-UE 1021 Composition (Private Lessons) or MPATC-UE 1032 Group Composition (Non-Majors): Beginner Screen Scoring before they can apply.
- Students wishing to transfer to Concert Composition must take MPATE-UE 1801 Fundamentals of Music Technology, MPATC-UE 1311 Theory & Practice II: Tonal Harmony & Voice Leading, MPATC-UE 1321 Aural Skills II: Tonal Harmony & Voice Leading, and either MPATC-UE 1021 Composition (Private Lessons) or MPATC-UE 1033 Group Composition (Non-Majors): Beginner Concert Music before they can apply.
- Students must complete an online application and submit a statement of purpose (a rationale for their request no more than 350 words).
- Applications must be received by March 1 for Fall changes of major and November 1 for Spring changes of major. Programs will review applications and hold auditions, if applicable, in March and November. Programs that require auditions are: Instrumental Performance, Music Education, Vocal Performance. Programs that require portfolio review are Music Technology and Music Composition. Decisions will be made by April 15 for Fall changes of major, and December 15 for Spring changes of major.
- For Music Technology applicants, please email your portfolio as a Google drive folder link directly to Paul Geluso (pg17@nyu.edu), with Allison Brobst copied (amb22@nyu.edu).
- For Music Composition - Songwriting applicants, please email your portfolio as a Google drive folder link directly to nyusongwriting@nyu.edu.
Steinhardt Non-Primary Majors
Students pursuing a second major must follow the Steinhardt Non-Primary Major Policy. Non-primary majors are required to take the liberal arts courses in this list when pursuing a second major in MPAP.
- For Screen Scoring applicants, please email your portfolio using a Google Drive folder link to screen.scoring@nyu.edu. In the email, please include your N number, current major, and your intention to transfer.
- For Concert Composition applicants, please email your portfolio using a Google Drive folder link to Robert Honstein (rsh7@nyu.edu).
Double Major
- Students requesting a Double Major in Steinhardt must complete the Non-Primary (Double) Major Declaration form. Detailed instructions are listed on the form.
- Students who wish to declare a Double Major in an MPAP program must meet with the advisor of that program and also the advisor for their primary major to discuss possible course schedule options. The student must then meet with a program representative of the MPAP program of their non-primary major.
- You must declare a non-primary major during or prior to the spring term of your junior year before you complete 96 points towards your degree.
- You must declare a non-primary major in a field of study different from your primary major.
- If you are pursuing a non-primary major you may need to earn units in excess of your degree requirements.
- Please note that adding a non-primary major does not mean that you will receive two degrees. You will receive only one diploma printed with the school name and the academic department name of the primary major, not the name of the major itself.
- Both primary majors, non-primary majors and minors appear on the transcript.
Incomplete Grades
Students can request an incomplete grade only:
- If a student is matriculated under exceptional circumstances
- At the discretion of the instructor
- If the student has already completed 50% or more of the coursework required
Instructors should not assign Incompletes to students without first discussing it with them. Students are responsible for initiating Incomplete grade requests.
Visiting and/or non-degree students (special students) may not apply for an incomplete.
The instructor will determine the timeframe the student will have to complete the work, but it cannot be later than the last day of classes in the following term. If the student does not complete the outstanding work by the agreed date, the incomplete grade (I) automatically turns to an F. Failing grades cannot be changed. Instructors should be mindful of deadlines when assigning Incompletes to graduating students, as students cannot get their degrees conferred with INCs on their record. The student’s advisor should be looped in on these conversations.
Incomplete grades may result in failure to meet satisfactory academic progress by the Office of Financial Aid.
Independent Study
An Independent Study is designed by the student and sponsoring faculty to investigate an area or field of specialization not normally offered in scheduled course offerings. It is an opportunity to work one-on-one with a faculty member to complete directed reading, a creative project and/or supervised research. Students must consult with their advisors before undertaking an Independent Study to understand program-specific requirements and policies.
- Only full-time faculty may sponsor an Independent Study.
- Only matriculated students are eligible to complete an Independent Study. Independent Study carries 1 to 6 units. The number of units will be determined by the work to be completed and should be comparable in rigor to that of a classroom course.
- Minimum hours required per unit: 45 hours of work per credits per term
- Maximum credits allowed: As part of specialization: as determined by each department/program
- Total allowed
- For undergraduate students, a maximum of 6 credits over the course of the undergraduate career
- For graduate students, the number of credits will be specified by the program
- Cannot be used to satisfy liberal arts requirements
- Total allowed
- Registering for Independent Study: Students first meet with the academic advisors to determine if the student should undertake an Independent Study; they then meet with the sponsoring faculty to complete the NYU Steinhardt Independent Study form, obtaining the signatures of the sponsoring faculty member, the sponsoring faculty member’s department chair and the student’s advisor. Students should self-enroll in the course via Albert.
- Independent Study Title and Description: The title of an Independent Study will appear on the student transcript prefaced by the word “Independent Study”. The description of the Independent Study should include its theme which may be stated as a question or issue to be explored or creative technique to be examined; its type and scope, e.g. paper or special project. Students should use the Independent Study Form to have the correct title listed on their academic transcript.
International Students
International students should review information on the OGS webpage to understand their legal requirements. International students should make sure to register for full-time enrollment every fall and spring semester, and also not begin any work before receiving authorization. International Students are expected to work closely with their academic advisor to ensure that they are meeting their degree requirements. Any questions regarding immigration and visa support can be directed to the Office of Global Services.
Mental Health and Wellness
For students experiencing undue personal and/or academic stress during the semester that may be interfering with their ability to perform academically, the NYU Wellness Exchange (212 443 9999) offers a range of services to assist and support. The Wellness Exchange offers drop-in services on campus on a regular basis. See Wellness Exchange for more details.
Minor in Music in Global Communities
For the 2023-2024 academic year, any students who declared the previous MPAP music minor may permit the following exceptions in counting their courses towards the new minor curriculum: we will accept any previous Music Theory coursework towards the new minor’s theory requirements, and any other Steinhardt music classes for the music electives. These exceptions will not be permitted following the end of the Spring 2024 semester.
NYU Email
All student, faculty, and administrative communications must be done using NYU email addresses, not personal email addresses. Anyone who experiences issues with their NYU email may find more information here.
Pass/Fail Grading Option
MPAP follows NYU Steinhardt’s policy on the pass/fail grading option. Undergraduate MPAP students are permitted to request pass/fail grades for courses satisfying their CORE liberal arts requirements (with the exception of Expository Writing courses) so long as they meet the other requirements noted in Steinhardt’s policy. MPAP programs have differing policies regarding other classes part of a student’s Program of Study that may be eligible for the pass/fail grading option (such as electives) - students who have questions about pass/fail course eligibility must speak with their academic advisor for more information on program-specific policies and consult their program handbook.
Private Lessons
Students may find more information about private lessons via the Major Lesson Information Sheet and the Non-Major Lesson Information Sheet.
MPAP Majors may only take one secondary lesson per semester, and it must be for 2 credits if they are already taking a 3-credit lesson (with the exception of Jazz Studies). Students may not take primary and secondary lessons through the Theory and Composition program in the same semester.
Non-Majors may register for only one private lesson course per semester. (This does not include Group Lessons). Non-majors who do not abide by this policy will be dropped from all private lessons. he lesson fee is non-refundable.
Student Accessibility
New York University is committed to providing equal educational opportunity and participation for all students, and academic accommodations are available for qualified students who disclose their disability to the Moses Center. Students requesting academic accommodations are advised to reach out to the Moses Center for Accessibility and Inclusive Culture as early as possible in the semester for assistance (telephone: 212-998-4980 / website: www.nyu.edu/csa / email: mosescsa@nyu.edu).
Study Away
MPAP majors who are interested in studying abroad may find more information here. Important dates for study abroad may be found here. NYU Global policies and procedures can be found here. Students seeking study away opportunities should also consult with their academic advisor for program-specific policies.
Studying away is a program requirement for undergraduate Music Technology students. Music Technology students who are requesting to waive this requirement due to personal, academic, or financial hardship must first meet with the academic advisor for Music Technology to discuss their rationale and to review resources that may be in place to address these concerns. Following this discussion, students must submit a written petition that clearly states the reasons for their request via email to Paul Geluso, program director for Music Technology, who will review and approve or deny the request.
Summer Credit Registration
Undergraduate students may not enroll in more than 16 credits total throughout the full summer session or more than 8 credits per 6-week session. Students seeking exceptions must speak with their advisor for approval.
Minor in Music in Global Communities
All students must follow the updated curriculum.
Technology in the Classroom
Each instructor may decide the extent to which students in their classes may be permitted to use their mobile phones or laptops. Instructors must communicate this policy to students clearly, preferably in their syllabus, letting students know what they can and cannot use, and why.
Students who require accommodations to use technology in the classroom – for example, students with dyslexia, ADHD, or visual impairments who use computers to take notes and access cloud-based assistive technologies – may contact the Moses Center. Students requesting academic accommodations are advised to reach out to the Moses Center for Accessibility and Inclusive Culture as early as possible in the semester for assistance (telephone: 212-998-4980 / website: www.nyu.edu/csa / email: mosescsa@nyu.edu).
Students must follow the AI policy outlined in the course syllabus. If students have questions about whether using AI tools is permitted in a course, they should speak with their instructor in advance. Students should not assume that AI use is permitted.
Tutoring
Students enrolled in MPAP Theory and Aural Courses receive access to free tutoring for these courses. Students can also access tutoring services through the University Learning Center and the Steinhardt Writing Center for undergraduate and graduate students. Students are also encouraged to consult with their advisor regarding possible program-specific tutoring resources.
NYU Policies
University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
Steinhardt Academic Policies
Additional academic policies can be found the Steinhardt academic policies page.