Approval for Graduate Programs

The ADTA approves graduate programs that meet the ADTA Standards for Education and Clinical Training. Graduates of approved programs meet all professional requirements for the Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) credential.

Resources for Approved Programs:

3- and 6-Year Self-Studies
ADTA Graduate Programs are initially approved for three years, and then six years thereafter. The COA conducts comprehensive three- and six-year reapproval reviews to ensure continued compliance with standards. All approved programs must submit the application for reapproval, self-study, and accompanying documentation in accordance with the ADTA Guidelines for Self-Study Preparation for Approved Programs (below) by December 15th prior to their renewal.

• Three-year Approval: $750 USD
• Six-year Approval $1000 USD

Self Study Documents:

• ADTA Guidelines for Self-Study Preparation for Approved Programs
• ADTA Application for Approval of Masters Programs r.24
• ADTA Self-Study Faculty Workload Matrix
• ADTA Self-Study Input-based Standards Verification
• ADTA Outcome-based Competency Worksheet
• Internship Facility Information Form r.24

Annual Maintenance Reviews

A yearly monitoring procedure via the Annual Report is part of the approval process. A yearly monitoring procedure via the Annual Report is part of the approval process. Annual reports are due to the National Office via Dropbox on July 15th with an annual maintenance fee of $300 USD.  Programs do NOT need to submit an Annual Report in the year in which they are applying for 3- or 6-year Reapproval. Please email the Chair of Approval at [email protected] for accompanying forms.

Annual Report for ADTA Approved Programs

Implementing Revised Standards

The Education Committee conducts periodic revisions of the ADTA Standards for Education and Clinical Training. The COA supports and monitors programs as they adjust to meet and maintain compliance with standards. By July 15, 2023, all ADTA approved programs are to be in compliance with Section IA Input-based Standards of the ADTA Standards for Education and Clinical Training. By July 15, 2025, all programs must be in compliance with Section II Core Curriculum and Competencies of the ADTA Standards for Education and Clinical Training.

ADTA Standards for Education and Clinical Training

Approved Program Implementation Plan rev1 (Revised) 

COA Rollout Procedure

Other Graduate Programs in Dance/Movement Therapy

Applying for Candidacy

Do you have a graduate program that would like to become ADTA Approved?

Initially, programs may be in a period of candidacy prior to applying for approval. In order to obtain and maintain master’s degree program approval by the ADTA, the ADTA Standards for Educations and Clinical Training need to be met in full. Programs interested in entering Candidacy must follow the following steps:

• Submit a letter of intent to enter candidacy to the Chair of the COA at [email protected] at least 3-6 months prior to when they would like to enter candidacy.
• Find the Letter of Intent Template and Submission Instructions here. 
• Complete and submit a Self-Study report following the guidelines above at least 3 months prior to the launch of the Program, accompanied by an application fee of $1250 USD. 

International Programs & Courses

International Programs are not ADTA approved. Individual courses offered through an international program can be approved through the Alternate Route Approval Process.