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Drama Therapy, Creative Arts Therapies (MA)

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Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Faculty
Program type
Course-based
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
2 years
Credits
60 credits
Start term
Fall
Experiential learning
Internship

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 structure

Degree Requirements

Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 60 credits.

Please see the Creative Arts Therapies Courses page for course descriptions.

Creative Arts Therapies (Drama Therapy Option) MA (60 credits)

45

credits of Core Courses

DTHY 600 Current Approaches to Drama Therapy (3.00)
DTHY 693 Research in Drama Therapy (3.00)
DTHY 603 Improvisation and Drama Therapy - Studio/Workshop (3.00)
DTHY 604 Drama Therapy and Groups (3.00)
CATS 610 Introduction to Topics in Clinical Psychology for Creative Arts Therapists (3.00)
CATS 611 Counselling Skills for Creative Arts Therapists (3.00)
DTHY 613 Drama Therapy Practicum Supervision I (3.00)
DTHY 614 Drama Therapy Practicum Supervision II (3.00)
DTHY 623 Advanced Drama Therapy Practicum Supervision I (3.00)
DTHY 624 Advanced Drama Therapy Practicum Supervision II (3.00)
CATS 639 Interdisciplinary Topics: Cross-cultural Competence in the Creative Arts Therapies (1.00)
CATS 641 Interdisciplinary Topics: Ethics in Clinical Practice in the Creative Arts Therapies (1.00)
CATS 643 Interdisciplinary Topics: Ethics in Research in the Creative Arts Therapies (1.00)
DTHY 643 Sociodrama and Psychodrama (3.00)
DTHY 644 Child and Adolescent Drama Therapy (3.00)
DTHY 645 Assessment in Drama Therapy (3.00)
CATS 691 Research in the Creative Arts Therapies (3.00)

6Elective credits 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.
9Additional credits chosen from one of two streams of research: Creative Arts Therapies (Drama Therapy Option) MA Research Paper Stream: Creative Arts Therapies (Drama Therapy Option) or Creative Arts Therapies (Drama Therapy Option) MA Applied Research Project Stream: Creative Arts Therapies (Drama Therapy Option)

Research Paper Creative Arts Therapies (Drama Therapy Option) (9 credits)

9

credits:

CATS 689 Research Paper (9.00)

Applied Research Project: Creative Arts Therapies (Drama Therapy Option) (9 credits)

9

credits:

CATS 698 Applied Research Project with Report (6.00)
CATS 699 Comprehensive Exam (3.00)

Admission requirements

Admission Requirements

  • 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 English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.

Application process

Application deadlines

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FALL

January 15

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WINTER

n/a

summer

SUMMER

n/a

Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline. In some cases, programs may continue to accept applications as long as there is space available.

International students: Considering the waiting period involved in meeting the entry requirements to Canada and Quebec, we strongly encourage international applicants to apply early and submit supporting documents prior to the deadline.

Tuition & funding

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees of the program may depend on your student status, among other key factors. Estimate these costs based on the most common situations.

Awards and funding

Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs. They come in the form of awards, teaching and research assistantships are offered at the time of admission to most students to allow them to focus on their research and studies. Research and thesis-based students are automatically considered for all entrance graduate awards when they apply to Concordia, provided they meet eligibility criteria. No separate application is required.

The Quebec and Canadian governments offer a number of competitive graduate scholarships. We encourage you to apply for these awards at the same time you are preparing your application.

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