Master of Arts in Art Therapy and CounselingSchool of Arts and Sciences

The Art Therapy Post-Masters Certificate program is supported by Edgewood College’s heritage of integrating learning, beliefs and action with core values of Truth, Compassion, Community, Partnership, and Justice. We aspire to train licensed mental health professionals in art therapy so that they can apply their knowledge, human relationship skills, and passion for art and service to mobilize the creative process inherent in each person to promote change, growth, and well-being in individuals, families and communities.

Students with master’s level mental health licenses eligible for the certificate program are also eligible to earn a second master’s degree by entering the Masters of Arts in Art Therapy program.

The program is oriented around excellence in art therapy in such a way as to infuse an authentic art therapist identity. We hold art psychotherapy, art as therapy, and art in therapy as complementary and intertwined and provide a cohesive and fundamental learning environment where art therapy practices can be mastered.

The program uses a cohort model and requires a minimum of two years for completion. The coursework is rigorous and the two-year option will require focus and tenacity.

The program is flexible and will allow for courses to be taken at a slower pace. The courses have been intentionally developed for virtual online delivery with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences to allow for flexibility in teaching, learning and scheduling at field placement sites. Several courses involve art-making and will offer optional in-person attendance in the Stream art building. Each year, the Art of Art Therapy: Techniques of Practice will bring cohorts together for a residency program with a guest art therapist for weekend intensive experiences of learning about a specialty area of practice with art-making and discussion. Students are required to attend at least one residency per year.

1. Provide evidence of a master’s degree in a counseling or counseling related field.
2. Eligible to practice as a master’s level licensed mental health provider.
3. Provide evidence of baccalaureate or more advanced degree from a United States regionally accredited or equivalent post-secondary institution with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for regular admission status. The cumulative grade point average is computed on the highest degree held at the time of application to the Edgewood College graduate program.
4. Request the official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate academic credits received from any post-secondary institutions to be sent directly to Edgewood College Graduate and Professional Studies.
5. Pre-requisite courses include:
   1. 18 credits in studio arts in both two and three-dimensional media. (12 credits must be completed before admittance; up to 6 credits can be completed during the first year of study). Preferred courses:
      1. Drawing
      2. Painting
      3. Sculpture
      4. Ceramics
      5. Photography
      6. Digital Arts
   2. b. A minimum of three graduate semester credits in each of the following six areas:
      1. Psychopathology
      2. Psychological Assessment
      3. Human Growth and Development
      4. Counseling/Psychological Theories
      5. Research
      6. Lifestyle and Career Development
6. Complete and submit graduate application.
7. The names and email addresses of three professional references will be listed on the Graduate Art Therapy Application. One of these references must be an educator, one of these references must be familiar with work or volunteer history, and the third can be from any character reference who is not immediate family.
8. A 300 – 500-word essay in APA style indicating motivations and professional goals for pursuing a graduate degree in art therapy. The written statement should include:
   1. Interests and motivations for wanting to become and art therapist
   2. Ability to succeed in graduate school
   3. What life, education, and/or work experiences have prepared you in providing basic human service.
9. Professional Resume
10. Documentation of 100 hours of work or volunteer hours in a human service venue.
11. Art Portfolio demonstrating both two and three-dimensional works. A video presentation explaining engagement with the media is preferred.
12. An interview is required for admittance. The interview can take place at anytime during the application process. Interviews can be in person and include a tour of campus (preferred); or virtually.

The Art Therapy Post-Masters Certificate program begins in fall (August) of each academic year. It is a highly-competitive cohort-based program with rolling admissions opening October 15th for the next year’s Fall cohort. Applicants are strongly advised to apply early as applications are reviewed and spots are filled throughout the year.

Currently, there is one start for the certificate program annually in Fall. As the program develops, a second start in Spring will be considered.

Art therapists with a master’s degree often find employment in various settings such as community centers, senior centers, retirement facilities, educational institutions, after-school programs, and through hospital artist residencies.

The goals of the Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling program aim to foster student students’ professional development through education on up-to-date history, theory and techniques that facilitate culturally and trauma informed practices within art therapy and clinical mental health counseling enhanced by the use of creativity and art making for psychological, emotional, and spiritual health. The program aims:

• To provide instruction, experience, and resources for students according to the educational guidelines for art therapy education programs through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and clinical mental health counseling education programs through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
• To prepare competent entry level Counselors and Art Therapists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
• To nurture students’ capacity to integrate theories and practices of art therapy and clinical mental health counseling within the therapeutic self for meaningful professional work within diverse settings in an equitable and inclusive manner.
• To foster students’ repertoire of evidence-based art therapy and clinical mental health counseling skills to enhance clinical competencies and a commitment toward continuing education.
• To enhance community and independent learning, critical thinking skills, and the ability for students to integrate both art therapist and clinical mental health counselor identities in service and in leadership.
• To foster a community of learning and mutual support in both in-person residencies and blended online courses to support students’ pursuit of purposeful lives including self-care, contributions to vibrant and sustainable communities, and advocacy to support justice in our world.

Students will:

• Analyze the historical and theoretical components of Art Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling as individual professions, and subsequently create and embody the professional identities of Artist/Art Therapist and Clinical Mental Health Counselor in such a way as to nurture and maintain personal health and well-being, and apply them as a foundation for contemporary Art Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling professional practice.
• Exhibit skills in clinical interviewing, recognition of body language and behaviors, distinguishing therapeutic benefits of a variety of art processes and media applicability, and development of productive therapeutic relationships in order to respond to clients in an appropriate client centered manner in individual, group, and family formats.
• Apply responsive practices of multicultural perspective, based upon a continuously- informed understanding of cultural and social issues with recognition of the impact of oppression, prejudice, discrimination, and privilege on access to mental health care along with adherence to federal and state laws and professional ethics, to the practice of Art Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
  • Responsive practices include, understanding professional roles and responsibilities and their relationship to involvement, advocacy and collaboration both within and among professional and community organizations in regard to, empowerment, advocacy, and social justice.
  • Ethical responsibility includes the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to ethical and legal dilemmas using ethical decision-making models, supervision, and professional and legal consultation when necessary.
• Implement the basic diagnostic process using culturally and developmentally appropriate methods and resources incorporating the evaluation of creativity, symbolism and metaphor along with lifestyle choices to recognize communication challenges, strengths and promotion of growth and well-being as related to major categories and criteria of mental disorders, corresponding treatments, and commonly implemented clinical responses including pharmacology and referral networks.
• Incorporate principles of human development, artistic and creative development, human sexuality, lifestyle and career development, gender identity development, family life cycle, ability, and psychopathology, toward the assessment and treatment of clients across a variety of conditions including, mental health and wellness, life transitions, trauma and violence, and substance use and abuse treatment within mental health and medical treatment centers, schools, wellness and neighborhood centers, correctional facilities, veterans and community agencies, and non-profit settings.
• Critically evaluate and apply evidence-based practice including research, client centered treatment, and clinical expertise utilizing best practices, continuing education, clinical supervision, and implementation of research within ethical and cultural considerations to inform clinical practice and advancement of the fields of art therapy and counseling.

The graduate art therapy and counseling program will host two residencies each year. The first (August) will precede fall courses and the second (June) will follow spring courses. Residencies are scheduled Thursday evenings through Sunday afternoon. Both residencies are highly recommended. Students are required to attend at least one residency per year.

Within the Graduate Art Therapy and Counseling Program, three clinical placements are required. Practicum is the first clinical experience where students spend at least 100 hours on-site with a registered art therapist and licensed counselor. A minimum of 50 hours must be in direct contact with clients. Practicum sites and supervisors are contracted, trained, and approved by the Clinical Coordinator.

Two Internships are required for completion of the graduate art therapy and counseling program. Each internship requires 300 hours of which 150 direct client contact is required. Clinical sites and supervisors are contracted, trained, and approved by the Clinical Coordinator.

Art therapy is often used with people with mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. However, it can also be helpful for people who are dealing with physical health conditions or life transitions. It helps people cope with difficult situations, process emotions healthily, and gain insight into their thoughts and feelings. It’s also a fun and creative way to explore new ideas and express yourself.

You may submit up to 15 semester credit hours of graduate credit for consideration to transfer to Edgewood College for applications to a degree program. Approval of the respective department is required. To be considered for application to a degree program, a course must have been taken within the past five years. For more information about transfer credits, please contact your admissions counselor.

All Graduate Art Therapy Students must comply with the State of Wisconsin requirement for a Criminal Record Background Check. Students must have had this check successfully completed by the end of the first semester to be allowed to continue in the program.

Full-time students in the Graduate Art Therapy Program may carry up to 15 credits per semester. Some of the courses are taught in 8-week sessions, and some are taught in 16-week formats. Students may not be active in more than three courses at any time unless a waiver has been granted by the student’s advisor.

Students may work with advisors to establish a longer trajectory. The program must be completed within seven years of start date.