Post-Master’s Art Therapy Specialization

This program is intended for professionals who hold a master’s degree in Counseling or a related field and who are interested in pursuing a career in Art Therapy. This 30-credit specialization will benefit the work of teachers, nurses, counselors, social workers, and others in the mental health professions. Graduate art therapy courses fulfill the educational requirements for registration as an Art Therapist. Graduates will need an additional 1500 hours of supervised clinical work in art therapy to qualify. Students needing coursework toward counselor licensure should consult the Post-Master’s Counselor Licensing program.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Master’s degree in Counseling or a related 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
  • Writing sample: In lieu of the statement of objectives on the application, 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.
  • Personal Interview
  • Art Portfolio of 10–15 pieces, slides, or digital copies evidencing proficiency in different media.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS – 30 credits

Required Courses (24 credits)

ATP 501 History and Development of Art Therapy (3)
ATP 504 Counseling Theory in Art Therapy (3)
ATP 505 Theory and Practice of Art Therapy (3)
ATP 507 Psychology of Art Materials (3)
ATP 509 Art Therapy and Cultural Diversity (3)
ATP 607 Art Diagnosis and Assessment (3)
ATP 612 Art Therapy with Children and Adolescents (3)
ATP 617 Group Process in Art Therapy (3)

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

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

Transfer of Graduate Credit

Caldwell College may accept the transfer of six credits of graduate work in Psychology 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 Coordinators.