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 Program is accredited by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). Students enrolled in the program will complete a minimum of 1200 hours in direct client contact and all the necessary educational training required to begin the process toward 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, a Yoga Therapy Specialization is now offered. 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 Program
- Completed Online Application (Note: transcripts from all colleges attended and art portfolio are sent separately. See below)
- Completion of the professional statement as described on the application
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Applicant must have completed, or will be completing, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative index of 3.0 and a “B” average in the major field by the start date of the desired term. Prior coursework must include 18 credits in studio art and 12 credit hours in psychology. Nine out of the 12 credit hours in psychology must be in Introduction to Psychology or General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Personality Theory.
- An applicant who does not meet these grade point average expectations must address them in his/her professional statement; please see the Professional Statement section of the admissions application for further information.
- Submission of 20 slides on CD or DVD indicating competency in two- and three-dimensional work. Portfolio artwork should be titled with descriptions.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
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