Creative Arts Therapy - Art Therapy Program

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.

Licensure and Credential Information

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. The Art Therapy program at Nazareth College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of The Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE). Students enrolled in the program will complete a minimum of 700 hours of internship with a minimum of 350 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, and passing a credentialing exam.

Accreditation contact information: 
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 148
Clearwater, FL 33763
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org

Program Director, Art Therapy
Renee van der Vennet, Ph.D., LCAT, ATR-BC, LMHC, CGP
(585) 389-2538
rvander3@naz.edu

Entry Requirements for Art Therapy Program

1. Completed Online Application
2. Completion of the professional statement as described on the application
   • Admissions Essay 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 pursuing 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?
3. 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. It is preferred that six out of the 12 credit hours in psychology be in Introduction to Psychology or General Psychology and Abnormal Psychology.
     • Applicants who do not meet these grade point average expectations must address them in their professional statement; please see the Professional Statement section of the admissions application for further information.
4. Submission of an electronic portfolio via slideroom: 20 images indicating competency in two and three-dimensional work. Artwork should be titled with descriptions.
5. Three letters of recommendation
6. Resume
7. Applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted by the departmental admissions committee.

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.