Overview

The Drama Therapy M.A. at New York University provides a comprehensive foundation in using improvisational theatre and clinical psychology to support mental health and rehabilitation. This programme prepares students to work as professional drama therapists by combining rigorous academic study with practical field experience. Students learn to apply creative interventions to promote healing and social change across various community and clinical settings.

Why Drama Therapy at New York University?

This programme is distinguished by its accreditation from the North American Drama Therapy Association and its alignment with New York State licensure requirements. Students benefit from being part of a diverse academic community that emphasises social justice and ethical responsibility. The curriculum is supported by the Drama Therapy Theatre and Health Lab, offering unique opportunities for arts-based research and innovation. Furthermore, the university's location allows for unparalleled access to a vast network of clinical internship sites across New York City, ranging from major hospitals to community wellness centres.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 55254 per year
National fee: USD 55254 per year
Local fee: USD 55254 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum integrates clinical counseling training with specialised drama therapy methods. Modules may include:

Drama Therapy for Clinical Populations
Psychodrama & Sociometry
Projective Techniques
Ethics in Drama Therapy
Cross-Cultural Awareness
Group Dynamics
Assessment in Drama Therapy and Psychodrama
Abnormal Psychology
Human Growth and Development

Careers with Drama Therapy

Graduates are prepared for professional roles as licensed creative arts therapists in a variety of sectors. The programme equips students for careers in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and private or community clinics. Alumni often work with specific populations, including those in senior care, individuals in recovery, or people within the justice system. The training also supports roles in schools and special education settings, where drama therapy is used to facilitate emotional and social development. Graduates of the 60-credit track are particularly well-positioned for licensure and practice in numerous states across the country.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Drama Therapy

Drama Therapy for Clinical Populations

Psychodrama and Sociometry

Theatre Aesthetics: Therapeutic Theatre

Projective Techniques in Drama Therapy

Advanced Theory and Research in Drama Therapy (including thesis preparation)

Internship in Drama Therapy: Lab

Internship in Drama Therapy: Lecture

Ethics in Drama Therapy

Developmental Transformations (DvT)

Advanced Psychodrama & Sociometry (not currently a required course but highly advised)

Advanced Role Theory/Role Method (not currently a required course but highly advised)

Abnormal Psychology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-06 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

50 SCH

50-60

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Drama View 255 other Masters in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Résumé/CV

Statement of Purpose

Autobiographical Statement

Letters of Recommendation

Transcripts

Proficiency in English

Interview/Audition - The interview and audition will be a full day of group improvisation and individual interviews. Invited applicants should dress comfortably.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

55254 USD / year

≈ 55254 USD / year
Out-of-State

55254 USD / year

≈ 55254 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

55254 USD / year

≈ 55254 USD / year

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Drama Therapy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

New York City

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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