Dance/Movement Therapy M.S.

Master of Science in Dance/Movement Therapy

By educating art and dance therapy students to become accomplished clinicians, graduates of the Creative Arts Therapy department help individuals with mental health issues reach their full potential. The integration of theoretical and experiential learning forms the basis of the department’s educational process and creates a curriculum rich in critical and creative thinking to help students adopt innovative solutions to clinical issues. Creative Arts Therapy aims to create committed professionals who, through their chosen art form, apply the creative process and aesthetic decision making to become leaders in the creative arts therapy field.  For information about our Spring/Summer Intensive format which includes the same course content, please visit our Spring/Summer Intesive webpage under Creative Arts Therapy.

Our tradition of teaching creative arts therapies is rooted in psychodynamic theory. We offer a historical perspective on the evolution of the field leading to current applications of practice in a variety of settings. Our program combines the power of non-verbal communication, artistic process, and embodied creative action. Our students develop self-awareness and recognition of their unique attributes through experiential learning.  They acquire an increased sense of self and resiliency which is translated to their work as creative arts therapists. Learning objectives for the M.P.S. in Art Therapy and Creativity Development, the M.S. in Dance/Movement Therapy, and the M.P.S. in Art Therapy (Special Education) are as follows:

• Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of creative arts therapy theory.
• Students will be able to apply theory to practice.
• Students will be able to facilitate a creative, therapeutic process within their discipline.
• Students will demonstrate sufficient self examination leading to respect and responsibility in aspiring to advance the welfare of clients.
• Students will be able to operate within a treatment team and function within an institutional setting.
• Students will be able to demonstrate skills of a scholar-researcher and contributor to the field.

Degree Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, preferably in dance or psychology. Prerequisites are 12 credits in psychology to include general, abnormal, theories of personality, and developmental psychology; and course work in anatomy/kinesiology. Students must also have extensive experience in at least two idioms of dance, one of which must be modern dance. Students must have experience in body/mind modalities, such as meditation, yoga, and body therapy. A written synopsis of dance training and experience must be submitted with the application. A personal interview will be required, part of which will include movement. A TOEFL score of 600 (250 computer or 100 Internet) is required of all international students. No TOEFL waivers will be issued unless student's first language is english.

Curriculum

Core Requirements for Dance/Movement Therapy, 2012

Semester 1

Complete these courses.

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ADT-641 Creative Arts Therapy I I

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DT-671 Theory and Practice of Dance Therapy I

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DT-673 Studies in Movement Behavior I

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ADT-645 Group Creative Arts Therapy I

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ADT-661 Fieldwork Experience and Supervision I

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Semester 2

Complete these courses.

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ADT-642 Creative Arts Therapy II

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SS-640 Development Of Personality I

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DT-672 Theory and Practice of Dance Therapy II

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DT-674 Studies in Movement Behavior II

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ADT-632 Research and Thesis

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ADT-662 Fieldwork Experience and Supervision II

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Semester 3

Complete these courses.

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ADT-649 Advanced Seminar in Creative Arts Therapy I: Adults OR
ADT-651 Advanced Seminar in Creative Arts Therapy I: Developmentally Disabled OR
ADT-653 Advanced Seminar in Creative Arts Therapy I: Children and Adolescents

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SS-630 CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT ISSUES

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DT-675 Improvisation

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ADT-663 Fieldwork Experience and Supervision III

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SS-650

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Semester 4

Take the following courses.

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ADT-650 Advanced Seminar in Creative Arts Therapy II: Adults OR
ADT-652 Advanced Seminar in Creative Arts Therapy II: Developmentally Disabled OR
ADT-654 Advanced Seminar in Creative Arts Therapy II: Children and Adolescents

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SS-660

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ADT-664 Fieldwork Experience and Supervision IV

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ADT-646 Group Creative Arts Therapy II

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