Masters in Counseling Psychology with Art Therapy Specialization

The Masters in Counseling Psychology with Art Therapy Specialization is a rigorous 60-credit interdisciplinary program that prepares students to effectively function as mental heath counselors and art therapists in a variety of human service settings. The program integrates the practice of art therapy within the counseling model, reflected in educational philosophy, course reading and course content. This program is approved by the American Art Therapy Association and meets educational requirements for registration as an art therapist. The program also meets educational requirements for licensure as a Professional Counselor in many states. Since counseling requirements differ from state to state, potential applicants are advised to contact their state licensing boards for requirements.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • 15 credits in psychology: General Psychology OR Psychology of Personality, Psychopathology, Experimental Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Psychological Statistics, with at least a C in each
  • 18 credits in studio art to include: Drawing, Painting, Three Dimensional Work
  • Official undergraduate/graduate transcripts
  • Satisfactory scores on either the GRE or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
  • Writing sample: Submit a research-based paper of at least 10 pages that was previously submitted in an undergraduate or graduate psychology or art therapy course. APA style preferred. Other subject matter and/or formatting may be considered if the candidate has limited psychology coursework.
  • Art Portfolio of 10–15 pieces, slides, or digital copies evidencing proficiency in different media
  • Two letters of recommendation for graduate study
  • Personal Interview

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS – 60 credits

REQUIRED COUNSELING COURSES (24 credits)

CPS510 Survey of Research Methods
CPS535 Biopsychology
CPS545 Legal & Ethical Issues in Counseling
CPS575 Psychopathology & Assessment I
CPS585 Psychopathology & Assessment II
CPS633 Career Counseling
CPS667 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
CPS673 Foundations of Brief Psychotherapies

REQUIRED ART THERAPY COURSES (24 credits)

CAT501 Hist & Development of Art Therapy
CAT504 Counseling Theory & Pract in Art Th I
CAT505 Counseling Theory & Pract in Art Th II
CAT507 Psychology of Art Materials
CAT509 Cultural Diversity in Counseling for Art Therapists
CAT607 Art Diagnosis & Assessment
CAT612 Counseling w/Children & Adolescents for Art Therapists
CAT617 Group Dynamics in Counseling for Art Therapists

REQUIRED ART THERAPY PRACTICUM (6 credits)

CAT601 Practicum in Art Therapy I (1cr)
CAT602 Practicum in Art Therapy II (1cr)
CAT603 Adv Practicum in Art Therapy I (2cr)
CAT604 Adv Practicum in Art Therapy II (2cr)

REQUIRED ELECTIVES (6 credits with Advisement)

CAT 609 Family Dynamics in Counseling for Art Therapists
CAT 615 Spirituality in Counseling & Art Therapists
CAT 620 Advanced Seminar in Art Therapy
CAT 640 Advanced Studio in Art Therapy
CPS 520 Introduction to Professional Counseling
CPS 619 Meths of Pract in Cogn & Behav Ther
CPS 627 Psychopharmacology
CPS 637 Substance Abuse
CPS 657 Psychology of Death & Dying
CPS 677 Human Sexuality

COMPREHENSIVE EXAM (non-credit)

Practicum Screening Requirements

Practica are the culminating experience in counseling/art therapy education, preparing students to apply classroom learning to real world concerns. Success in these courses is a requirement for graduation. Some placement sites require certain types of health and other screening in order to protect their vulnerable populations. To qualify for full admission and continue in the counseling program, students must supply all required health information within their first semester. Criminal background and drug screening may be required within 30 days of placement in some facilities. All screenings are the student's responsibility; the Program Coordinator can assist in identifying service providers.

Transfer of Graduate Credit

Caldwell College will accept the transfer of six credits of graduate work in Psychology, Art Therapy or a closely related field, provided the credits were completed within five years of the student's graduate registration at Caldwell. Official transcripts of previous graduate work as well as the catalog description of each course must be submitted for review at the time of application. Approval of transfer credit is based on course content and grade earned in the course. Each transfer request will be reviewed by the Program Coordinator.

Statement of Outcomes Assessment

Any student who completes the M.A. in Counseling Psychology must demonstrate professional aptitude and an ability to integrate theory and practice by completing a three-credit supervised counseling practicum experience, followed by a six-credit internship. The academic capstone of the program is a two-part comprehensive exam in the form of a Case Study. One part involves a written treatment plan for a counseling case; the second involves an oral defense/presentation of the case to a committee of faculty members. In general, students should be able to demonstrate the following in the comprehensive exam:

  • An understanding of the fundamental principles of counseling psychology, including treatment methodologies, learning, individual behavior, personality, group processes, human development, psychopathology (abnormal behavior), the role of culture, gender, and spirituality, and the biological bases of behavior, among other areas.
  • An understanding of psychological research, including experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental designs, particularly as they pertain to treatment of psychological disorders.
  • Ability to read, evaluate and utilize reports of psychological research.
  • Ability to write clearly about psychological content and to be able to communicate effectively.