Kansas State University is one of the few master level theatre programs in the U.S. which offers a concentration in drama therapy, which is offered through the Music, Theatre, and Dance  graduate program.  One of the strengths of the program is its strong theatre base and opportunities for creating drama-in-education, theatre-in-education, or issue-based community projects.  Service learning and internships are incorporated into courses to provide students with direct client contact experiences.

The KSU MA program fulfills all of the requirements of the North American Drama Therapy Association’s requirements of training and education toward registry (the national credential for drama therapy in the U.S.).

53 semester credits are required, including a minimum of 8 courses (24 credits) in drama therapy, 1 course in research methods (1 credit), 7 credits in drama therapy practicum/internship and supervision, and 6 courses (18 credits) in psychology, counseling and student development, educational leadership, family studies and human services, marriage and family therapy or anthropology.

Students’ Masters Project (3 credits), Reports (2 credits) or Theses (6 credits) will focus on an aspect of drama therapy. These written projects will be presented to the student’s committee in an Oral Examination. 

Students in the drama therapy concentration may apply for Graduate Teaching Assistantship positions in the Theatre Department and other programs on campus. These GTA positions cover the cost of tuition up to 10 credits per semester and pay an additional stipend. Students may also apply for Graduate Assistantships in other programs on campus. These GA positions provide in-state tuition and pay a stipend.

Students are admitted on the basis of their application essay, undergraduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation and an interview. A major in theatre is expected, but students with degrees in other areas may take undergraduate courses to make up deficiencies. A 3.0 overall undergraduate average is required, but students who do not meet this requirement may be admitted on probation.