Post Master’s Art Therapy Masters Degree

The 36-credit Post Master's Art Therapy Masters Degree is especially designed for persons who already possess a Masters degree in Counseling or a related mental health field (Social Work, Psychology, Psychiatric Nursing, Marriage & Family Therapy) and would like to become registered as an art therapist with the American Art Therapy Association or integrate the practice of art therapy into their clinical work .

Graduate art therapy courses at Caldwell are a combination of didactic and experiential teaching methods, blending theory and practice. Students are exposed to a wide variety of treatment approaches, studio experiences and art therapy techniques. Successful completion of this program includes the requirement that students pass written and oral comprehensive examinations in addition to the prescribed course work and 700 hours of practical experience. An additional 1500 hours of post-education supervised hours are necessary for registration as an art therapist (Option B-Art Therapy Credentials Board).

Admission Requirements

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 in a Masters degree completed in Counseling or a related mental health field
  • 15 credits in psychology at either the Bachelor's-level or graduate level course work with a grade of "C" or better in each
  • 12 credits in studio art course, including course work in Drawing, Painting, and Three Dimensional Work with a grade of "C" or better in each
  • Official undergraduate/graduate transcripts*
  • Art Portfolio of 10–15 pieces, slides, or digital copies evidencing proficiency in a range of media including drawing, painting and three dimensional work
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Personal Interview

* Applicants who have training from outside of the United States must have a course-by-course equivalency review completed by an Art Therapy Credentialing Board(ATCB) and Caldwell College-approved reviewing organization. Please contact the ATCB and Caldwell College Graduate Admissions office for a list of approved reviewing organizations.

Program Curriculum

Required Courses in Art Therapy (24 credits)
ATP 501 History and Development of Art Therapy (3)
ATP 504 Counseling Theory in Art Therapy I (3)
ATP 505 Counseling Theory in Art Therapy II(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 (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 in Art Therapy II (2)

Electives (6 credits)
CPS 510 Survey of Research Methods (3)
CPS 575 Psychopathology and Assessment I (3)
CPS 585 Psychopathology and Assessment II (3)
CAT 609 Family Dynamics in Counseling for Art Therapists (3)
CAT 615 Spirituality in Counseling and Art Therapy (3)
ATP 640 Advanced Studio in Art Therapy (3)

Thesis

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 (ATP604). 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.

Transfer of Graduate Credit

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

The graduate art therapy program uses a combination of assessment measures to evaluate student learning and competency. Assessment measures may include mid-term and final exams; research papers that assess students’ writing skills, ability to integrate theory with course material, and ability to do research and literature searches specific art projects that assess integration of psychological principles with personal experience; and assessments with actual clients in at least 700 hours of supervised practicum experience that demonstrates professional aptitude and an ability to integrate theory and practice.