Creative Arts and Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions

Sections:

Are there any scholarships available from the department?
Stronach-Buschel Creative Arts Therapy Diversity Scholarship Fund.Through the generosity of program alumna Dr. Bettina Buschel and countless other donors, the Creative Arts Therapy program is now able to offer partial tuition support to selected eligible incoming students to the program. International students, as well as students who are of African-American, Latino-American, Asian-American or Native American ethnicity are eligible for this scholarship. The scholarship committee is composed of the following dedicated individuals:

• Sherry Goodill, Ph.D., BC-DMT, LPC, Director, Hahnemann Creative Arts in Therapy Program, Committee Chair.
• Joseph R. Casey, M.Ed., Assistant Dean for Multicultural Programs and Special Projects
• Dianne Dulicai, Ph.D., BC-DMT
• Myra F. Levick, Ph.D., ATR-BC, HLM
• Sherry Lyons Stein, Ph.D., ATR-BC
• Gloria F. Donnelly, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Dean, CNHP, Ex-Officio
• Kathleen Gallagher, MSN, Drexel University Institutional Advancement, Ex-Officio

Please inquire about this at your admissions interview, or email the CAT Admissions Coordinator at catxadmissions@drexel.edu for more details.

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International Students FAQ’s

Is there a special application for international students?
No, a special application is not required for international applicants. All applicants to Drexel University’s Graduate programs use the same application. - Graduate Application

Is there a different application deadline date for international applicants?
The application deadline dates are the same for domestic and international applicants. The dates may differ by program of study. Applicants who live outside the United States, particularly those from Asia, should mail their application materials at least six to eight weeks prior to the deadline to ensure that the applications are received on time.

How can I avoid mistakes on my application?
We recommend that you clearly print your name, date of birth, department, and Drexel University student ID number (if one has already been assigned to you) on each separate page of your application and on all supporting materials. Please be sure to clearly specify your first and last name on all materials you submit.
 
How will my international transcript be evaluated? 
Your full academic history record must be evaluated by WES (World Education Services). Please go to www.wes.org for more detailed information, including the online WES evaluation application, instructions, and information on the WES evaluation fee. Once you have completed the WES application form and submitted all documents, please allow two-three weeks for your evaluation to be completed.
  
Am I required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam?
If you completed your undergraduate education at an institution outside of the United States where the language of instruction is other than English, then Drexel University requires that the TOEFL be taken as part of your application. Drexel University expects all students to demonstrate the ability to understand and communicate in English, both orally and in written form. To evaluate proficiency, the school requires applicants whose native language is not English to take the TOEFL.

What scores do I need on the TOEFL?
Drexel University recommends that the applicant achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 250 on the computer-based test (600 on the paper-based test). The Graduate School does not prohibit applicants with lower scores from applying for admission since many factors influence the admissions decision.  In regards to the new Internet Based test (IBT) applicants need to score a minimum of 80. You must request that official TOEFL score reports be sent to Drexel University code 2194.
 
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Non-Matriculated Students

Can I just take some classes in Art Therapy?
Non-matriculated students who intend to apply to a degree program should ensure the program in which they are interested accepts non-matriculated credits.  Students are strongly encouraged to seek academic advising from the graduate faculty or professional advisors within the program
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Art Therapy FAQ’s

What is required for admission into the Art Therapy program?

• Degree: Baccalaureate degree
• GPA: 3.0 or above
• Standardized Graduate Admission Tests: Scores on the Miller Analogy Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) that meet the standards for admission.
• Pre-Requisites: 18 credits in Studio Art courses demonstrating a range of media; 12 credits in Psychology including mandatory courses in Developmental Psychology and Abnormal Psychology. A course in Behavioral Research Methods is recommended.

What is need for the portfolio review and do I send that with my application?

• A portfolio of 10-15 works of art by the applicant that demonstrates facility with a range of media and a personal understanding of the creative process. The portfolio will be reviewed with the applicant as a part of the interview process.  If you are an international applicant then it is suggested that you mail your portfolio with your application materials.

I have my Master’s in a related Mental Health field- can I be credentialed as an Art Therapist with the Post Master’s Certificate?
The American Art Therapy Association and the accrediting body (ATCB) have decided that the certificate option is no longer going to be available for credentialing as of 2010. These credentials will no longer be available at the post masters level.

You can still take the certificate program and receive a document from our program stating that you have completed the coursework required to introduce art therapy into your private practice. 

Admission to the certificate program requires both a master's degree in a related field, as well as the pre-requisites for the art therapy master's degree. These pre-requisites include 18 hours of undergrad (or grad) studio art credits and 12 credits in psychology (3 credits in Developmental Psychology and 3 credits in Abnormal Psychology). 

Do you have a Ph D program?
The PhD approval process is still ongoing.  We are hoping to begin this new and exciting program for Fall 2009.  If you would like your name on our interested parties list, please email the Admissions Coordinator at catxadmissions@drexel.edu

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Dance/Movement Therapy FAQ’s

Are there Pre-Requisites to the DMT program?

We are changing Anatomy and Kinesiology to a pre-requisite requirement for the Dance/Movement Therapy Program.  You need not take it before you apply. In fact we will offer a pre-academic year intensive before classes start in the Fall, an experiential anatomy and kinesiology overview for those who have not completed the pre-requisite and for those who want a refresher.  It will, however, be an additional 1 credit tuition fee.
LIMS (Laban Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies) in New York City offers an experiential anatomy and kinesiology weekend intensive course once each term which would satisfy the requirement as well.

Will taking classes in the Quarters format affect the class content?

Beginning in the 2007-2008 academic year, the Hahnemann Creative Arts in Therapy Program transitioned from a semesters to quarters-based academic calendar.  While the essence of the curriculum remains, it has been reorganized for increased compatibility with professional counseling licensure in many states. Content addressing multicultural competency, systems perspectives, ethics, and behavioral neuroscience has been expanded to reflect new developments in these areas and their growing significance to the practice of psychotherapy and dance/movement therapy. 

How do I sign up for an audition and what is the format?
Applicants join in with group improvisational movement experiences.  You do not need to prepare movement, and are welcome to wear pedestrian clothing in which you are comfortable moving.  Generally the audition occurs in the context of an all day visit, where you can meet students, faculty and where you would also participate in a personal interview.  In the movement component, we are looking to know you better as a mover, for your expressive and communicative range and style as a mover, not for your technical expertise as a dancer.

What type of Dance background do I need?
You need to have had extensive study in one dance form.  Exposure to other dance movement disciplines is also helpful.  The dance forms most allied with the use of dance in dance/movement therapy are: modern, dance, ethnic and folk forms and improvisation.  Experiences with your own choreography and teaching are helpful as well.  However, many people with strong and solely classical training have excelled in the program.  As every applicant is evaluated in the movement component of the admissions process, the dance background as written is not a definitive measure of your movement competence and readiness.  Your dance experience can be gained in formal study as part of an undergraduate degree or in informal environments for dance and movement.
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Music Therapy FAQ’s

I did not major or minor in Music in college can I still be accepted into the program?
The following competencies are required prior to acceptance into the Music Therapy program at Drexel University as created by the American Music Therapy Association.

Music Theory and History
Identify the elemental, structural, and stylistic characteristics of music from various periods and cultures.
Sight-sing melodies of both diatonic and chromatic makeup.
Take aural dictation of melodies, rhythms, and chord progressions.
Transpose simple compositions.
Demonstrate knowledge of major and minor key signatures and chord progressions.

Composition and Arranging Skills
Compose songs with simple accompaniment.

Major Performance Medium Skills
Perform appropriate undergraduate repertoire; demonstrate musicianship, technical proficiency, and interpretive understanding on a principal instrument/voice.
Perform in small and large ensembles.

Keyboard Skills
Accompany self singing.
Play basic chord progressions (I-IV-V-I) in several keys.
Demonstrate functional reading ability in treble and bass clef notation.

Guitar Skills
Accompany self singing.
Demonstrate first position chords.
Employ simple strumming and finger picking techniques.

Voice Skills
Sing a basic repertoire of traditional, folk, and popular songs in tune with a pleasing quality.

What is required at the audition for the Music Therapy program?
Auditions will be conducted for entry into the Graduate Music Therapy program at Drexel University.
I.  Prepare two works from different musical periods that demonstrate moderate to advanced level of proficiency on principal instrument/voice.

• Sing a traditional, folk or popular song while accompanying self on piano.
• Sing a traditional, folk or popular song while accompanying self on guitar.
• Be prepared to play basic chord progressions (I-IV-V-I) in several keys. 

* A personal interview with the Director of Music Therapy will follow the audition.
*Candidates living overseas may submit a videotape and mp3 in lieu of the music therapy audition.

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