Creative Arts Therapy - Art Therapy Specialization

A Creative Arts Therapy Program embedded in a psychotherapeutic orientation prepares students educated in art or music to be effective and ethical professionals specializing in the fields of Art Therapy or Music Therapy. The music therapy specialization has two tracks: a comprehensive program as well as an advanced standing option for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in music therapy or its equivalent. The programs are committed to developing people who are capable of applying intellectual strength, ethics, and aesthetic values in the treatment of individuals, groups, and families. The M.S. in Creative Arts Therapy is a New York State licensure-qualifying program, fulfilling the educational component required to become a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist.

Accreditation and Credential Information

The Art Therapy specialization is accredited by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA).Students enrolled in the program will earn a minimum of 1200 hours in direct client contact and all the necessary educational training required to begin the process towards registration (ATR - art therapist registered). Registration is awarded by the ATCB (Art Therapy Credentialing Board) after a student completes 1000 paid hours of direct client contact post graduation.

Based on student interest and faculty expertise, it is anticipated that a Yoga Therapy Specialization in Art Therapy will be implemented beginning in summer 2012. This specialization will require completion of a concentration in the following three elective courses:

* CAT 691 - Yoga Principles & Practice – 3 credits
* CAT 692 - Yoga Therapy Principles: Applications in Creative Arts Therapy- 3 credits
* CAT 693 - Yoga Philosophy & Anatomy- 3 credits

Program Director, Art Therapy
Ellen G. Horovitz, Ph.D., LCAT, ATR-BC, RYT

Entry Requirements for Art Therapy Specialization

1. Completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative index of 3.0 and a “B” average in the major field. Prior coursework must include 18 credits in studio art and 12 credit hours in psychology. Nine out of the 12 credit hours in psychology are recommended to be in the following courses: Introduction to Psychology or General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Personality Theory.
2. Official transcripts.
3. Three letters of recommendation.
4. Application and fee.
5. Completion of the personal-professional statement as described on the application form.*
6. Submission of 20 slides indicating competency in two- and three- dimensional work. (CD-ROM or DVD format only in PowerPoint). Portfolio artwork should also be titled with descriptions, and when possible, all artwork should be compressed for easy opening.
7. Resume.
8. Applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the departmental admissions committee.

*Creative Arts Therapy – Admission Essay Requirements
DIRECTIONS: Submit a typewritten, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12-point font, essay with your application. Please write a three-page response that summarizes the following questions.

1. What are your reasons for being interested in art therapy? What are your reasons for pursing a graduate degree in creative arts therapy with a specialization in art therapy at this time? What are your professional and educational goals?
2. How has your academic, practical, and life experience prepared you for becoming an art therapist? Have you had any experience in the mental health field? If so, please describe.
3. What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses in becoming an art therapist? What do you consider will be your potential areas of growth in becoming an art therapist?

Application Deadlines for the Creative Arts Therapy Program:
Art Therapy (fall start only): January 15
Applications received after the deadline will be processed on a space-available basis.