The length of time varies with the individual needs of the students. The academic requirements take 4 full semesters to complete. However, many students need 2-3 years to fulfill their internship and thesis requirements. Often this includes summer and/or winter sessions.

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?

M.A. Also, each graduate meets the academic requirements for licensure as a creative arts therapist (LCAT) in New York State.

Q: How many credits does the degree require?

48.

Q: Do I need to complete an internship to graduate?

Yes. Students must accrue 800 hours of internship with at least 2 different populations in order 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. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA as soon as you can, even if you are not certain you will attend.

Q: Does NYU offer a PhD in Drama Therapy?

NYU does not offer a Ph.D. in Drama Therapy at this time. The only university in the world 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, students for whom English is not a native language are required to take the TOEFL.

Q: What classes do I need to prepare myself for your program? Are there any prerequisites to be considered?

The strongest applicants will have equally strong backgrounds in both theatre and psychology. However, many candidates who demonstrate greater strength in one area over the other are also accepted. 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, we ask that all accepted students make sure to complete undergraduate or graduate 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. Try visiting www.nadt.org and look at the 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 and 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 cannot be too specific. However, you might be asked to embody characters, enact scenarios, or share reflections. It is primarily physical and a great deal of fun. For those who live very far away and cannot make the audition, we offer an alternative questionnaire and DVD assignment. However, it is most beneficial to all to be present at the live audition.

Q: How many students do you accept? How many applications do you receive?

Applications and acceptances vary somewhat from year to year, but on average we receive 50 applications and accept 15.

Q: How do I get more information about the program?

If you would like us to email you an information packet, please contact us at nyudramatherapy@yahoo.com with your name and email address.

Q: What is the job market like for Drama Therapists right now?

The New York metropolitan area provides a great many opportunities for employment. Graduates have access to an array of contacts throughout the theatrical, education theatre, and mental health care industries. Currently, Drama Therapists are being hired in hospitals, clinics, and theatres; many 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?

After you graduate, you will need to continue accruing hours towards your licensure as a creative arts therapist (LCAT). During that time you will be in possession of a Provisional License. You are granted a two year period of time post-graduation during which you must complete the hours, licensing exam, and application necessary for your license. For further details, you may look up the New York State Office of Professions at http://www.op.nysed.gov/mhp.htm. You may also go to http://www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register/2004/dec1/pdfs/Rules.pdf and look at pages 17-21.

Q: Could you tell me the difference between American and British drama therapy?

The best way to gain insight into the commonalities and variances is to develop a familiarity with the respective national organizations. Try visiting both www.nadt.org for the American association, and http://www.badth.org.uk/ for the British association. In addition, look into the works of prominent British authors who specialize in drama therapy: Sue Jennings, Alida Gersie, Phil Jones, and Roger Grainger.