Drama Therapy (MA)
Department of Creative Arts Therapies Faculty of Fine Arts
Program overview
The MA in Creative Arts Therapies, Drama Therapy option, combines drama and theatre with various therapeutic approaches. This approach to healing encourages individuals to articulate emotions in a less traditional way, giving people a non-verbal option to navigate difficult issues and subjects. Our faculty members employ diverse approaches to drama therapy and place emphasis on clinical training that relies heavily on experiential learning opportunities. The Drama Therapy option is a professional program approved by the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA). Upon graduation you will receive a one-year complimentary membership in NADTA as a Registered Drama Therapist. Graduates can apply for the Canadian Certified Counsellor designation offered through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and qualify in many states and provinces that require licensing.
Program Details
- Bachelor’s degree with courses in Theatre (24 credits or approved equivalents): Psychology (24 credits, which must include courses in Introductory, Developmental, and Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, and a research methodology course to be approved by an academic faculty advisor, or approved equivalents); and An Introduction to Drama Therapy (3 credits).
- No less than a B average (3.00 on a 4.30 scale) or equivalent.
- Documented involvement in drama and theatre.
- Previous work experience in a clinical, rehabilitative, or educational setting.
- Direct experience with the therapeutic process is highly desirable.
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 60 credits.
45 credits – Core Courses
DTHY 600 - Current Approaches to Drama Therapy (3 credits)
DTHY 603 - Improvisation and Drama Therapy - Studio/Workshop (3 credits)
DTHY 604 - Drama Therapy and Groups (3 credits)
CATS 610 - Introduction to Topics in Clinical Psychology for Creative Arts Therapists (3 credits)
CATS 611 - Counselling Skills for Creative Arts Therapists (3 credits)
DTHY 613 - Drama Therapy Practicum Supervision I (3 credits)
DTHY 614 - Drama Therapy Practicum Supervision II (3 credits)
DTHY 623 - Advanced Drama Therapy Practicum Supervision I (3 credits)
DTHY 624 - Advanced Drama Therapy Practicum Supervision II (3 credits)
CATS 639 - Interdisciplinary Topics: Cross-cultural Competence in the Creative Arts Therapies (1 credit)
CATS 641 - Interdisciplinary Topics: Ethics in Clinical Practice in the Creative Arts Therapies (1 credit)
CATS 643 - Interdisciplinary Topics: Ethics in Research in the Creative Arts Therapies (1 credit)
DTHY 643 - Sociodrama and Psychodrama (3 credits)
DTHY 644 - Child and Adolescent Drama Therapy (3 credits)
DTHY 645 - Assessment in Drama Therapy (3 credits)
CATS 691 - Research in the Creative Arts Therapies (3 credits)DTHY 693 - Research in Drama Therapy (3 credits)
6 elective credits
To be chosen in consultation with an academic faculty advisor.
With the approval of the Chair of Creative Arts Therapies and that of the cooperating department, some or all of the elective credits may be chosen from other graduate programs in the Faculty of Fine Arts, other faculties at Concordia University, or other universities.
9 additional credits
Students choose to enter one of two streams of research:
CATS 689 - Research Paper (9 credits)
or
CATS 698 - Applied Research Project with Report (6 credits) and
CATS 699 - Comprehensive Exam (3 credits)
Please review the department application requirements before applying online. Read the how-to-guide for general application procedures.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Drama Therapy | MA | Jan. 15 | n/a | n/a |
Priority will be given to those who apply within the official deadlines listed above. Some programs may continue to accept applications after these deadlines. For more information, please contact the department.
Courses typically offered include:
- Current Approaches to Drama Therapy
- Improvisation and Drama Therapy
- Drama Therapy and Groups
- Applied Research Project with Report
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of core Creative Arts Therapies courses and our department site for a sample course sequence.
Our department hosts a semi-annual workshop for prospective students where faculty members will walk you through a drama therapy exercise. The day offers you the chance to explore your thoughts on drama therapy and provides information on Concordia, our program prerequisites and how to complete an application. You will also be introduced to a number of international creative arts therapy organizations.
New students are automatically eligible for fellowships and select awards offered within the Faculty of Fine Arts and the School of Graduate Studies, ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 per year. Some awards have specific criteria and can be based on academic excellence and financial need.
Please also consult the departmental graduate fellowships and awards page, as well as Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
The practicum component of our program provides you with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills that you are acquiring in your coursework. It is the vehicle for integrating theory with clinical experience – a critical element in the development of the professional competence of a drama therapist. Practicum includes both clinical experience and supervision. You must successfully complete 800 hours (350 direct client contact hours and 450 agency hours) in an approved practicum setting.
Clinical experience is acquired in a variety of agencies in the greater Montreal area, providing you with a practical application of drama therapy. Supervision is provided at both the agency and at the university.
You are placed in one major placement per year.
The Creative Arts Therapies Student Graduate Association promotes stronger interdisciplinary ties with the Concordia community at large. Become an elected officer and participate in a number of committees that make a vital contribution to university activities.
An MA in Drama Therapy prepares you for careers in various sectors, including health care institutions, schools and prisons. Many of our graduates also work in domestic violence and addictions treatment centres and shelters. Read about our alumni career stories.
The practicum is of tremendous benefit in familiarizing you with the working environment. Occasionally, graduates have gone on to full or part-time work at the health care institution of their practicum. Graduates from the program have found employment throughout Canada as well as internationally.
Graduates are encouraged to maintain membership in the North American Drama Therapy Association.
