Graduate Certificate in Art Therapy

College of Liberal and Creative Arts

TBD, Dean

Program Director: Dr. Susan Ridley

The Graduate Certificate in Art Therapy is offered to applicants who currently have a graduate degree in a related profession (counseling, marriage and family therapy, social work, psychology, psychiatry, nursing, teaching, etc). Courses are offered throughout the year within the Art Therapy and Counseling Master's program. Once accepted into the certificate program, students can begin to take courses as they fit into their individual and professional schedules. The Graduate Certificate course provides advanced post-graduate training on how artmaking can help to facilitate self-reflection, promote healing, and improve health and wellness. However, the Graduate Certificate does not provide qualifications as an art therapist. Art Therapy is a regulated mental health field that requires specific education and supervised internships. See the Art Therapy Credentials Board (https://www.atcb.org/) for further details if you are interested in becoming an art therapist or check out the Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling program at WLU.

Admission Requirements

1. Completed admissions application.
2. Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework from a regionally accredited college or university, with a 3.0 GPA.
3. 18 credits in studio art with at least a B in each
4. 2 letters of recommendation
5. Writing sample.
6. Personal Statement.
7. Art portfolio
8. Resume or curriculum vitae.

Graduation Requirements (Coursework)

Required Courses (18 hours):

ATC 501	History and Development of Art Therapy	3
ATC 502	Materials and Techniques of Art Therapy Practice	3
ATC 503	Creativity, Symbolism, Metaphor, and Spirituality	3
ATC 504	Group Dynamics	3
ATC 506	Assessments in Art Therapy	3
ATC 507	Professional Orientation, Ethical, and Legal Issues	3