Make an impact with a program rooted in social justice and approved by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA).
As one of the nation’s largest and best-known art therapy programs, Adler University offers an intimate on-campus learning experience in modern studios designed to encourage the artistic and therapeutic process.
Program Highlights:
- Approved by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA)
- 700-hour art therapy practicum focused on the clinical work and principles of art therapy in settings such as schools, mental health centers and community organizations
- Two years of full-time study at our immersive Chicago campus
- Preparation for four licensure exams
Program Experience:
Our Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy program prepares counselors to use the creative process to improve individuals’ physical, mental and emotional well-being. Through a rigorous, artistic curriculum focused on clinical-based counseling methodologies, Adler students benefit in learning from licensed counselors, psychologists, social workers or couple and family therapists, in addition to art therapists.
Our engaging on-campus cohort experience is led by diverse faculty who offer artistic guidance and individualized mentorship in spacious and bright studio settings. Students learn to set therapeutic objectives and serve clients through a thoughtful selection of artistic materials and interventions.
Coursework:
The curriculum for this master’s degree consists of 63 credits. Courses include a blend of theory, research and practicum experiences with our community partners. These include a Clinical practicum, in which you gain hands-on counseling experience under a clinician’s supervision, and a Social Justice practicum.
- Community Psychology
- Biopsychosocial Bases of Health and Dysfunction for Counselors
- Assessment and Appraisal in Art Therapy, Counseling and Psychotherapy
- Sociocultural and Multicultural Approaches in Art Therapy, Counseling and Psychotherapy
- Neuroscience in Art Therapy, Counseling and Psychotherapy: Special Populations
Licensure Preparation:
The Art Therapy specialization prepares you for a range of licensure examinations after graduation. These include:
- Eligibility for registration as an AATA Art Therapist upon completion of supervised hours
- The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in the state of Illinois*
- The Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credential in Illinois, provided you complete additional post-graduate training
- The National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential; you may sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) before graduation. After completing your degree, you can submit your passing NCE scores to the State of Illinois licensing board, toward the fulfillment of your state licensing requirements.
* Please note that licensure criteria may change frequently and that some states may require courses and/or training beyond what is currently required by the program. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with your specific state requirements. Details regarding application for these credentials can be found at nbcc.org/directory.
Get a complete list of courses and a more detailed degree plan: CONTACT ADMISSIONS