60 Credit Hours
MA IN DANCE/MOVEMENT THERAPY & COUNSELING
For those with a passion for dance and expressive movement—either as performers or choreographers— and a demonstrated interest in mental health and psychology, Columbia’s MA in Dance/Movement Therapy & Counseling provides a profound interweaving of the two disciplines. Students in the program are prepared to work as counselors who use dance/movement as a modality for change and healing in a variety of mental health treatment settings, including schools, hospitals, out-patient programs, nursing homes, community centers, and rehabilitation facilities. Applicants to the program are expected to have a background in the behavioral sciences and dance.
students are prepared to work as counselors who use dance/movement as a modality for change and healing
Columbia’s MA in Dance/Movement Therapy & Counseling is currently one of only six programs nationally approved by the American Dance Therapy Association. Upon completion of the degree requirements, students become R-DMT, Registered Dance/Movement Therapist—graduates may also be eligible to sit for the Illinois State Licensing Exam to become a Licensed Professional Counselor, L.P.C.
THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS and PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
Through a carefully designed curriculum, students develop a solid theoretical foundation in counseling, psychotherapy, dance/movement therapy, movement assessment, and group therapy. Students learn to assess, diagnosis, and treat a variety of patients, and will develop an understanding of contemporary research methods and the professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities of a dance/movement therapist.
Through fieldwork and internships, students are able to put into practice the concepts and techniques they’ve studied in the studio and in the classroom
Through fieldwork and internships, students are able to put into practice the concepts and techniques they’ve studied in the studio and in the classroom. In their fieldwork, students observe a dance/movement therapist at work, interact with patients, and to begin to apply approaches, methods and techniques of treatment. After successful completion of their fieldwork, students embark on 700 hours of internship which provides them with a full clinical experience. The student develops competence and confidence as a clinician and learns to apply the skill, knowledge and values basic to dance/movement therapy and counseling to a variety of cases.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Each student completes an independent thesis project that demonstrates his or her ability to creatively integrate theory, existing literature of the profession, and research methods. In addition to fulfilling the degree requirements, the thesis is a vehicle for each student to share his or her work with other professionals in field. Students are encouraged to submit their research to state, regional, and national conferences and publications, as well as present it to their colleagues in creative arts therapies and social sciences.
students can stay connected to the dance community, even as they pursue a career in a clinical setting.
THE DANCE CENTER
In addition to a strong academic program and deep professional engagement, Columbia College Chicago provides an exciting atmosphere for students who may want continue developing their skills as dancers. Although not a part of the program curriculum, as members of the Columbia community, graduate students have access to The Dance Center, a premier venue which hosts classes and presents professional companies and choreographers. Dance/Movement Therapy & Counseling students can remain connected to the dance community, even as they pursue a career in a clinical setting.