Post-Master’s Art Therapy Masters Degree

This 36-credit M.A. in Art Therapy is intended for professionals who already hold an M.A. in a related mental health profession and who are interested in a career in art therapy. Graduate art therapy courses fulfill educational requirements for registration as an art therapist (under Option B). Graduates will need an additional 1500 hours of supervised clinical work in art therapy to qualify.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Master’s degree in a related mental health field
  • 18 credits in Studio Art, to include at least one class in drawing, painting, and three dimensional work
  • Twelve credits in Psychology, to include Introduction to Psychology, Personality Theory, Developmental Psychology, and Psychopathology, with at least a C in each
  • Official graduate transcript(s)
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Personal Interview
  • Art Portfolio of 10-15 pieces, slides, or digital copies evidencing proficiency in different media.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (36 credits)

Required Courses (24 credits)

CAT 501 History and Development of Art Therapy (3)
CAT 504 Counseling Theory and Practice in Art Therapy I (3)
CAT 505 Counseling Theory and Practice in Art Therapy II (3)
CAT 507 Psychology of Art Materials (3)
CAT 509 Cultural Diversity in Counseling for Art Therapists (3)
CAT 607 Art Diagnosis and Assessment (3)
CAT 612 Counseling with Children and Adolescents for Art Therapists (3)
CAT 617 Group Dynamics in Counseling for Art Therapists (3)

Required Practicum Experience in Art Therapy (6 credits — 700 Hours)

CAT 601 Practicum in Art Therapy I (1)
CAT 602 Practicum in Art Therapy II (1)
CAT 603 Advanced Practicum in Art Therapy I (2)
CAT 604 Advanced Practicum in Art Therapy II (2)

Approved Electives (6 credits with advisement)

CPS 510 Survey of Research Methods (3)
CPS 545 Legal & Ethical Issues in Counseling
CAT 609 Family Dynamics in Counseling for Art Therapists (3)
CAT 615 Spirituality in Counseling for Art Therapists (3)
CAT 640 Advanced Studio in Art Therapy (3)

Thesis (non-credit)

The academic capstone of the program is a two-part comprehensive exam in the form of a Case Study. This will be completed during the student’s final art therapy practicum experience (CAT604). The first part involves a written treatment plan for an art therapy case generated from the practicum site with an actual client; the second involves an oral defense/presentation of the case to a committee of art therapy faculty members. Students will be expected to demonstrate competency in fundamental principles of art therapy practice.