Drama Therapy FAQ
Q: How long does it take to complete the program?The academic requirements take 4 semesters to complete. However, many students need 2-3 years to fulfill their internship and thesis requirements depending on their individual needs.
Q: Can I speak with someone who’s completed the program and is in the job market?
Q.What degree do I receive after completion?
Graduates meet the academic requirements for licensure in New York State as a creative arts therapist.
Q: How many credits does the degree require?
48.
Q: Do I need to complete an internship to graduate?
Yes. Students must accrue 780 hours with at least 2 different populations to graduate.
Q: Do I need to write a thesis to graduate?
Yes. Students must complete a research-based thesis (which can be arts-based research) which adds to the wealth of knowledge in the field of Drama Therapy. For a listing of completed theses, please contact the program assistants at nyudramatherapy@yahoo.com.
Q: Are there any scholarships available?
Every year a few students are awarded a partial scholarship based on merit and need. Additional scholarships may be obtained through the Office of Financial Aid at NYU.
Q: What about Financial Aid?
NYU’s Financial Aid Department will assist you in finding the appropriate way to fund your education. When you give us your address for more info, we’ll also forward it to the Financial Aid Dept. and they’ll send you specific instructions. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA as soon as you can.
Q: Does NYU offer a PhD in Drama Therapy?
NYU does not offer a Ph.D. course in Drama Therapy at this time. The only university that offers a Ph.D. in Drama Therapy is University of Surrey, Roehampton, UK.
Q: Do I have to take the GRE or the TOEFL to get into the program?
The GRE is not required. However, foreign students for whom English is not their native language need to take the TOEFL exam.
Q: What classes do I need to prepare myself for your program? Are there any prerequisites to be considered?
The strongest applicants will have an equally strong background in both theatre and psychology. However, many candidates are accepted with a stronger background in one area. During the application process, we always look at the entire person: academic background, work/performance experience, essay, recommendations, audition, and interview. In that the Drama Therapy Program requires advanced courses in psychology during your matriculation, we ask that all accepted students make sure to complete undergraduate psychology courses in Abnormal and/or Developmental Psych before they begin their graduate study. Additionally, it is strongly recommended to read some of the major works of literature that comprise the drama therapy body of knowledge, including studies of drama therapy, psychology, and theatre theory. Visit www.nadt.org and look at their suggested reading list.
Q: Is there an audition? What can I expect?
After reviewing the applications, a select number of candidates will be invited to the audition/interview (usually held in March). The audition is conducted in a large group format and involves an improvisational role-playing experience. There are variations every year, so we don't want to be too specific. However, you might be asked to embody characters, enact scenarios, or share reflections. It's very fun and mostly physical.
Q: How many students do you accept? How many applications do you receive?
Applications and acceptances vary somewhat from year to year, but we get about 50 and accept about 15.
Q: How do I get more information about the program?
If you would like an information packet sent to you by mail, please email or call us with your name and address.
Q: What is the job market like for Drama Therapists right now?
Excellent in the New York metropolitan area. Our graduates have access to many job opportunities from an array of contacts throughout the theatrical, education theatre, and mental heath care industries. We also maintain a job board on campus. Drama Therapists are being hired in hospitals, clinics, theatres, and also have their own private practices. For those traveling to areas where Drama Therapy is a relatively unknown discipline, we expect you to have a pioneering spirit and to advocate for the inclusion of Drama Therapy within many kinds of facilities.
Q: How much do drama therapists make?
As with most jobs, it depends on your past experience and the facility and/or population. One objective way to find out average salaries in a field is to check out the following websites:
http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ or http://www.acinet.org. Investigate the stats for counselors, psychologists, recreational therapists, social workers, rehabilitation therapists, psych rehab therapists, etc.
Q: Do you know anything about New York State Licensure?
Just follow the link below and look at pages 17-21.http://www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register/2004/dec1/pdfs/Rules.pdf
Q: Could you tell me the difference between American and British drama therapy?
There are some real differences in practice and theory as well as many commonalities. One difference is in the spelling: Drama Therapy vs. Dramatherapy. I encourage you to do some reading to find out for yourself. Try visiting www.nadt.org and look at their suggested reading list. Some prominent British authors are Sue Jennings, Alida Gersie, Phil Jones, and Roger Grainger.
Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions - 35 W. 4th Street, Suite 777 - New York, NY 10012 - (212) 998-5424
NYU Steinhardt - Music and Performing Arts Professions - 35 W. 4th Street, Suite 777, New York, NY 10012