Master of Art in Art Therapy

The Cedar Crest College M.A. in Art Therapy program is open to all of those who complete accredited undergraduate art therapy programs or earn a bachelor’s degree in associated majors such as psychology, social work, studio art or education. Please refer to the Admission Requirements for an explanation of the undergraduate coursework necessary. Minor deficiencies in psychology or studio coursework can be made up after acceptance into the graduate art therapy program.

Sample Full Time Course Sequence

First Year

Fall
ATP 520 History and Theory of Art Therapy
ATP 534 Dynamics of Psychology
ATP 539 The Studio as a Therapeutic Environment
ART 535 Advanced Problems (2D Studio)

Spring
ATP 601 Fieldwork/Group Supervision
ATP 501 Research for the Art Therapist
ATP 552 Group Process in Art Therapy
ART 536 Advanced Problems (3D Studio)

Summer
ATP 602 Fieldwork/Group Supervision
ATP 549 Summer Intensive – Cultural Perspectives

Second Year

Fall
ATP 603 Fieldwork/Group Supervision
ATP 559 Artistic Development across the Lifespan
ATP 575 Theories of Assessment in Art Therapy
ART 537 Advanced Problems (Elective)

Spring
ATP 604 Fieldwork/Group Supervision
ATP 505 Systems of Psychotherapy
ATP 555 Professional Ethics for Art Therapists
ATP 572 Art Therapy in the Treatment of Addictions
ATP 620 Culminating Project: Case Study

Summer
ATP 533 Family Art Therapy
ATP 547 Summer Intensive: Investigations in the Treatment of Trauma

This program is intended for professionals who already hold an M.A. in a closely related field and who are interested in pursuing a career in art therapy. This option provides a minimum of 30-credits in art therapy coursework for the M.A. in Art Therapy degree which includes the courses necessary to fulfill the education requirements for registration as an Art Therapist (Option B of the ATR application). Graduates will need an additional 2,000 hours of supervised clinical work in art therapy to qualify. Refer to www.atcb.org for further information.

This is a 60 credit program.

Required Art Therapy Content: 33 credits
ATP 520 History and Theory of Art Therapy
ATP 533 Family Art Therapy
ATP 539 The Studio as a Therapeutic Environment
ATP 547 Summer Intensive: Investigations in the Treatment of Trauma
ATP 549 Summer Intensive: Cultural Perspectives
ATP 552 Group Process in Art Therapy
ATP 555 Professional Ethics for Art Therapists
ATP 559 Artistic Development across the Lifespan
ATP 572 Art Therapy in the Treatment of Addictions
ATP 575 Theories of Assessment in Art Therapy
ATP 620 Culminating Project: Case Study

Required Related Content: 9 credits
ATP 501 Research for the Art Therapist
ATP 505 Systems of Psychotherapy
ATP 534 Dynamics of Psychology

Studio Content: 9 credits
ART 535 Advanced Problems (2D Studio)
ART 536 Advanced Problems (3D Studio)
ART 537 Advanced Problems (Elective)

Fieldwork: 12 credits
ATP 601 Fieldwork/Group Supervision
ATP 602 Fieldwork/Group Supervision
ATP 603 Fieldwork/Group Supervision
ATP 604 Fieldwork/Group Supervision

The Studio as a Therapeutic Environment (ATP 539 – 3 credits)
This course provides direct experience of a studio model in art therapy and will focus on self-exploration in an open studio environment. Students will explore varied art media properties used in the context of art therapy with varied populations and will investigate how different materials can promote and inspire the creative process. Students will gain a better understanding of an artist as therapist approach to art therapy treatment which will be supported by a final group art exhibition at the end of the semester.

History and Theory of Art Therapy (ATP 520 – 3 credits)
This course provides a foundational examination of the definitions, theoretical keystones, and historical and current trends within the field of art therapy. Course topics include psychotherapeutic theories, techniques and rationale of practice and the development of art therapy as a distinct therapeutic practice.

Artistic Development across the Lifespan (ATP 559 – 3 credits)
This course explores individual and universally shared symbolic expressions and stages of artistic development across the lifespan. Course topics include art as visual language, developmental phases from typical progressions to deterioration of graphic representations and cultural and environmental influences of creative expression. Students will learn appropriate art interventions that support the developmental abilities of individuals within a vast array of treatment settings.

Dynamics of Psychology (ATP 534 – 3 credits)
This course covers the development, symptoms, and patterns of maladjusted behavior. Criteria of psychiatric diagnoses as related to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, theories of psychopathology, typical development and relevant literature will be introduced. The goals of the course are for students to evaluate abnormal behavior as related to ethical, cultural and environmental influences as well as from a multidisciplinary framework in order to better understand individual strengths and mental health processes.

Group Art Therapy (ATP 552 – 3 credits)
This course will provide an experiential opportunity for students to explore art therapy methods in a group setting. Students will develop processing skills related to imagery and metaphor and will explore principles of group dynamics and leadership styles. Reading and class discussions will explore the varying types of groups including support groups, short-term, time limited and long-term therapy groups as well as art therapy practices that best support a group’s function.

Cultural Perspectives (ATP 549 – 3 credits)
The course is designed to increase awareness and develop therapeutic skills and treatment approaches with diverse populations. Students will creatively explore aspects of personal heritage and implications that culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, social status and physical differences play in effective treatment of individuals, families and communities. This course is provided as part of the Summer Intensive Workshop series which offers a unique learning experience for the student within a community forum and is led by visiting art therapists.

Systems of Psychotherapy (ATP 505 – 3 credits)
This course examines the major theories of counseling and psychotherapy and includes topics which support forming the therapeutic relationship, goals of each phase of treatment, assessment of the client, therapeutic techniques and interventions and an overview of major theories in counseling and other aspects of clinical practice.

Professional Ethics for Art Therapists (ATP 555 – 3 credits)
This course provides an overview of the issues and ethics affecting professional practice in art therapy. Students will examine fundamental ethical issues within related fields and will develop responsible business practices that support professional identity and the role of the art therapist. Students will be provided with the ethical standards of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) including issues of credentialing and licensure, public policy and advocacy for individuals in treatment and for the profession.

Fieldwork/Group Supervision (ATP 601, 602, 603, 604 – 3 credits each section)
Students are supported through on-campus group supervision by a credentialed art therapist during four different population experiences. A total of 800 hours, which includes direct client contact in a professional setting, will provide the student with the opportunity to explore art therapy as it relates to professional identity and clinical practice. The Cedar Crest Art Therapy Program has access to a varied selection of facilities where students can complete their field experiences and develop the clinical skills necessary to provide professional art therapy services after graduation. Supervised experiences include individuals and groups in mental health, education and treatment facilities with diverse populations including children, adolescents, adults and older adults.

Theories of Assessment in Art Therapy (ATP 575 – 3 credits)
This course will introduce the fundamentals of art therapist developed and art-based assessment tools and procedures that are used in art therapy evaluations. Basic methodologies related to selections of assessment tools, reliability and validity, documentation, and formulation of treatment goals and objectives will be developed. Factors surrounding psychological health, developmental level, culture and legal and ethical issues will be explored. Students will practice administering a variety of assessment tools and evaluate the results from the perspective of participant strengths and approaches to life tasks.

Art Therapy in the Treatment of Addictions (ATP 572 – 3 credits)
This course will explore the dynamics of addictions, including the cycle, resistance and an individual’s recovery from a range of addictions including drugs, alcohol, sexual addiction, eating disorders, self-harm and gambling with the inclusion of art therapy as a treatment modality along with creative alternatives such as poetry, drama, movement and music.

Seminar: Family Art Therapy (ATP 533 – 3 credits)
This course focuses on the principles of art therapy work with couples and families including an overview of systems theories and art interventions for evaluation of family dynamics. Students will experience discussion and experiential learning methods to become familiar with family art therapy methods as related to evaluation and treatment.

Investigations in the Treatment of Trauma (ATP 547 – 3 credits)
This course explores the application of effective and ethical creative arts practices that can be used to support individuals, families and societies which have experienced trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Students will be able to identify rationale of media selections and creative processes. Course topics include principles of a therapeutic community (TC) and dynamics of emotional, physical, and psychological trauma including working with families of service personnel and children who have suffered abuse. This course is provided as part of the Summer Intensive Workshop series which offers a unique learning experience for the student within a community forum and is led by visiting art therapists.

Research for the Art Therapist: (ATP 501 – 3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to basic methodologies of social science research. Students are provided the tools for understanding instruments and procedures used in assessment including selection of the assessment tool and statistical concepts of reliability and validity. Critical thinking will be supported through reading/analyzing primary sources and the exploration of the effects of developmental levels and cultural factors.

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Applications are accepted year-round. Decisions are made on applications that are received and complete according to the following schedule:

Semester admission deadline for completed application
June 1	Fall term
November	Spring term
April 1	Summer term

General Requirements

• A completed application (on paper or online).
• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Official undergraduate transcripts.
• The following pre-requisites:
  1. Studio coursework at a minimum of eighteen (18) credits of study in studio art which demonstrates proficiency and disciplined commitment in art making. (Equivalency of non-academic studio art experience or art therapy based coursework may be substituted for academic studio coursework and are subject to approval from the director of the art therapy program.)
  2. Psychology coursework at a minimum of twelve (12) credits including developmental psychology and abnormal psychology with at least a C in each.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• GRE test score (optional)
• A 500-750 word personal essay describing the focus of your art making and how you came to choose art therapy as the focus of your graduate level education. Also include your future goals as a professional art therapist and how you feel the Master of Arts in Art Therapy Program at Cedar Crest College will help you succeed in these goals.
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can assess your qualifications and potential for graduate study (such as former/current professors or employers). There are no forms available for letters of recommendation.
• A current résumé (include a detailed summary of any human service experience or relevant volunteer or employment experience.)
• Personal interview

Portfolio Requirements

• 12-16 pieces digitally photographed or scanned, good quality artwork should be submitted as a PDF or JPG.
• The portfolio should include several examples of art work in each of the following three categories: painting, human figure drawing, and clay work and should demonstrate personal expression as well as technical skills in a range of media and subject matter (i.e. include personal art work not just class assignments).
• Figurative work in two and three dimensional media should be included. While one artistic style will not be favored over another, evidence of representational work is expected to be able to assess the student’s ability to assist clients should the occasion arise during field experiences and within professional treatment.

Up to 12 graduate transfer credits (from previous master’s degrees) may be requested at the time of application for admission and are subject to approval at that time.