We combine advanced clinical training in counseling with course work in drama therapy to prepare you to use your skill with improvisation and theatre to promote health and wellbeing in collaboration with individuals and groups in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools, and a wide range of wellness contexts. You will apprentice with leading professionals and become eligible for New York State licensure as a creative arts therapist. This program is accredited by the North American Drama Therapy Association.
Drama therapy candidates should have a solid, practical background in the art form of drama and /or theatre including experience in improv, improvisational drama or 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 will be considered.
We offer a 50-credit MA (code DRMT) for those seeking to practice in New York State only, and a 60-credit MA (code DRRL) for those seeking to practice in other states besides New York.
Official Degree Title
Master of Arts in Drama Therapy
Degree
MA
Application Deadline
Fall Start:
January 6
Plan Code
DRMT
(50 credit)
DRRL
(60 credit)
Credits
50-60
Format
Full-time or Part-time
Contact
How to Apply
These instructions and requirements are for all applicants. If you are not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, please read the special instructions for international applicants.
Your application will require the following items. The following are acceptable document types for uploads: .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, .png, .doc, .docx, and bitmap.
1. Prepare Your Application
Résumé/CV
You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.
Statement of Purpose
Not required.
Autobiographical Statement
Please include an autobiographical statement in lieu of a statement of purpose. This essay should be no longer than 5 pages, double-spaced, and should address the following:
- A significant turning point in your life and how that event contributes to your curiosity and excitement about a career in drama therapy.
- Over the course of the NYU program in drama therapy, students are encouraged to develop in their roles as artists, clinicians, researchers, and as social justice advocates. Please include a brief statement of purpose about how you intend to incorporate these roles in your work as a future drama therapist.
- At least 3 references to drama therapy literature. Discuss how those readings influence your thoughts about the significant turning point and/or the field of drama therapy and/or your areas of research interest.
Letters of Recommendation
Submit three letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read detailed instructions.
The letters of recommendation must discuss your strengths, weaknesses, and readiness to study drama therapy.
Transcripts
Upload one official copy of transcripts from every postsecondary institution (college/university) you have attended or are attending. Please note: This includes transcripts from institutions where you received transfer credits or did not complete a degree. Make sure to request an official copy of the transcript(s) in advance of the deadline.
Transfer Credits
We understand accepted transfer credits may be clearly listed on your degree awarding institution’s transcript. The Office of Graduate Admissions still requires a transcript from the initial credit-granting institution where you took the course(s). Delay in listing and uploading these transcripts can significantly delay the application review process.
Institutions Outside the US or Canada
If you completed or are completing a degree at an institution outside of the US or Canada, you are required to provide a WES or ECE international credentials evaluation. Please review our requirements for translation and a course-by-course evaluation of your transcripts.
GRE
Not required.
Proficiency in English
See testing requirements.
Interview/Audition
A select number of applicants will be invited to attend an interview and audition with a committee of the Drama Therapy faculty and students. Applicants selected to attend auditions will be notified by mid-February. Interviews and auditions will take place Sunday, February 23, 2025.
The interview and audition will be a full day of group improvisation and individual interviews.
The individual interview involves a discussion of your educational and professional background, professional and volunteer experience with client populations, knowledge about the profession of drama therapy, areas of interest in terms of research, and readiness for advanced drama therapy training.
For additional information, contact the program at nyudramatherapy@nyu.edu.
2. Apply
Application
After you fill in and upload the required information, you can submit your completed application. Your application must be completed, dated, electronically signed, and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST of the stated deadline.
Application Fee
You will be prompted to pay a $75 application fee, payable by major credit card only. After submitting your payment, you will see your application status change from “saved” to “submitted.” Please print this screen for your records, as it confirms that your application has been successfully sent to our school. If you have problems submitting your payment, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. Learn more about our fee waiver policy.
Mailing Additional Items
If any application materials need to be mailed to our office, mail the materials to NYU Steinhardt, Office of Graduate Admissions, 82 Washington Square East, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10003-6680. Please do not mail your materials in binders or folders. Any mailed materials must be received by, not postmarked by, the stated deadline. Only completed applications will be considered and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt of mailed materials.
Application Policies
Application deadlines are "in-office" deadlines, not postmark deadlines. It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials are in the Office of Graduate Admissions by the appropriate deadline, and we reserve the right to return any application that arrives after the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered. Should a deadline fall on a weekend, the in-office deadline will be the next business day. We advise you to apply early.
Please check the online system to confirm that you have successfully submitted your application. Due to the volume of applications and related materials received, the Office of Graduate Admissions will only contact you if your application was successfully submitted but is deemed incomplete because of missing required materials. Otherwise, you will hear from us when the admissions committee has made its decision.
Deferral policy: NYU Steinhardt does not allow deferrals. Applicants who wish to be considered for a future semester must reapply by submitting a new application with all supporting materials, including letters of recommendation, by the application deadline.
3. Receive Your Admission Decision
Decision
You will be notified about your decision by email. Typically, decisions will start going out in late November for Spring semester enrollment and in late March or early April for Summer or Fall enrollment. You may learn of your decision before or after this timeline.