Columbia College Chicago

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.A.-Dance/Movement Therapy & Counseling, Graduate Laban Certificate in Movement Analysis (GLCMA)18 required credits Alternate Route Certificate; 30-35 required credits

Format: Campus

Program Description:

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. 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. 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. 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.

Accreditation:

Accredited at graduate and undergrad levels by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Also accredited as teacher training institution by Illinois State Board of Education

# of Credits Required:

60

International Student Requirements:

International students are required to submit an official TOEFL score of 100 or greater on the internet based test. For more information about requirements for international students at the graduate level, please visit our website.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

$721.00 USD

Tuition In-State Full Time:

41040 USD

Financial Aid Offered: No

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities I

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 10,000 - 19,999