Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling
The Master of Arts program in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling supports students to become creative, responsive, and effective therapy practitioners where dance and movement are the essential modes of transformation. Through a balance of experiential and reflective learning, theory and skill-based education, and supervised practicum and internship experiences, students develop a strong base for effective clinical practice. The 90.0 quarter-credit curriculum includes specific dance/movement therapy coursework situating dance movement as (1) a tool for communication, creativity, and expression; (2) essential for growth and development; and (3) situated within cultures. In addition, general mental health counseling coursework in human development; psychopathology; social and cultural foundations; clinical appraisal and assessment; and group dynamics deepens the counselor identity. Program graduates are eligible for the Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) credential with the American Dance Therapy Association as well as professional counseling licensure in Pennsylvania (upon completion of post-graduation requirements).
Degree | Availability | Location |
---|---|---|
MA |
Full-Time |
Philadelphia |
Application Requirements
On-Campus Program
Please view our academic calendar for term start dates.
Fall (Sept) | Winter (Jan) | Spring (March) | Summer (June) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
All Applicants | Rolling admission until full (Priority deadline: January 1; final deadline: February 1) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
For details regarding the items below, please review the Admission Application Instructions.
How to Submit Application Materials
Drexel Admissions is currently processing application documents received through the U.S. Postal Service and courier services (DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.), although there is a slight delay in processing these documents. We strongly recommend that you submit all official transcripts and supporting documentation electronically to enroll@drexel.edu. If your school is not able to send official transcripts electronically, please request that official documents be sent by mail or courier service. Please allow 3–4 weeks for transcripts and supporting documents sent by mail or courier to be processed. We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time at Drexel and around the world. We will process all documents as soon as we receive them, but please expect some delays.Graduate Admission Application
Applicants may only apply to one program. All documents submitted by you or on your behalf in support of this application for admission to Drexel University become the property of the University, and will under no circumstances be released to you or any other party. Please note, an application fee of $65 U.S. is required.
Transcripts
Official transcripts must be sent directly to Drexel from all of the colleges and universities that you have attended. Please note that transcripts are required regardless of number of credits taken or if the credits were transferred to another school. An admission decision may be delayed if you do not send transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended.
Transcripts must show course-by-course grades and degree conferrals. If your school does not notate degree conferrals on the official transcripts, you must provide copies of any graduate or degree certificates.
If your school issues only one transcript for life, you are required to have a course-by-course evaluation completed by an approved transcript evaluation agency.
Precise, word-for-word English translations of all non-English language documents are required along with official documents in the original language. All translations must be completed by the issuing institution or an ATA-certified translator. Visit the American Translators Association website to search for an ATA-certified translator.
International students: If you have already graduated from your previous institution at the time of your application, please email your graduation certificate(s) attached as PDF or Microsoft Word documents to enroll@drexel.edu. Note: Any international applicant, regardless of program, may be required to provide a transcript evaluation should the Admissions Committee determine it is needed for the application to be reviewed. If your transcripts are selected for a course-by-course evaluation by an external agency, you will be responsible for supplying all necessary documentation and paying all necessary fees to have your transcripts evaluated.
If you have questions regarding what documents you must submit to fulfill the transcript requirements, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions.
International Transcripts
Transcripts must be evaluated by an approved agency for admittance into this program. Drexel University accepts course-by-course transcript evaluations from members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For a list of member agencies, please visit the NACES website.
Standardized Test Scores
GRE or MAT test scores are optional. While not required by the department, students are welcome to submit GRE or MAT scores if they believe the scores will help strengthen their application. In some cases, the department may advise or ask the applicant to take and submit one of the tests after initial review of the application.
Test of English as a Foreign Language
International applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL minimum scores: 90/577/233), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS minimum Overall Band Score: 6.5), the Pearson Test of English (PTE minimum score: 61), or the Duolingo Test (Duolingo minimum score: 110) unless they meet the criteria for a waiver.
Essay
Submit an essay (1–3 typed pages) addressing interest in and aptitude for dance/movement therapy and counseling, with reference to personal, service, and arts experience.
Submit your essay with your application or through the Discover Drexel portal after you submit your application.
Résumé
Upload your résumé as part of your admission application or through the Discover Drexel Portal after you submit your application.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. To electronically request recommendations, you must list your recommenders and their contact information on your application. We advise that you follow up with your recommenders to ensure they received your recommendation request — they may need to check their junk mail folder. Additionally, it is your responsibility to confirm that your recommenders will submit letters by your application deadline and follow up with recommenders who have not completed their recommendations.
Request recommendations with your application or through the Discover Drexel portal after you submit your application.
Alternatively, you may submit your recommendation letters by mail. Letters must include the address, phone number, and signature of the recommender. The recommendation envelope must be submitted unopened to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Interview
Select candidates will be invited to participate in verbal and movement interviews. Due to the number of applications received, we are not able to schedule an interview with every applicant.
- Movement Interview – The movement interview involves a group improvisational experience. We are primarily interested in how you communicate, express yourself, and interact with others through movement. Applicants need not prepare anything. Those unable to attend a movement interview for geographic or other reasons may submit video in lieu of the movement interview. International candidates should request instructions about these requirements with admission materials and are advised to begin admission process early.
- Individual Interview – Faculty will conduct an in-depth, in-person individual interview with each invited applicant consisting of a review of personal, academic, interpersonal, and creative aptitudes. International applicants will be invited to submit a video interview and participate in a scheduled interview with faculty via video conference.
Dance Experience
Familiarity with at least two dance or movement forms, with five years of dedicated study to at least one form in a studio or academic setting. Improvisation, teaching, performing, and/or choreography experience preferred.
Mailing Addresses
By Postal Mail
Drexel University
Application Processing
PO Box 34789
Philadelphia, PA 19101-4789
By Express Courier
(DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.)
Drexel University
Application Processing
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2876