Art Therapy/Counseling (Master's Degree)
In the art therapy/counseling program, you will become a professional who is able to integrate art and psychology as a vehicle for healing. The program trains students through a course of study that blends theory, technique, and practice. With classes in art therapy, counseling, psychology, research, and studio art, you’ll develop your artistic and creative skills in large, studio spaces, while also training to conduct research.
And, you’ll quickly translate your knowledge into real-world skills, starting with a practicum experience in your second semester. Internship opportunities begin in year two, and provide the chance to work with individuals and groups of all ages who are experiencing mental illness, emotional and behavioral challenges, cancer, medical issues, brain injuries, or sexual and domestic abuse. Graduates from this program are master's-level clinicians who can jump right into the workforce, or pursue additional licensure opportunities, which will allow them to become licensed art therapists.
You’ll have the option to pursue a Master of Science, which will provide you with clinical training and practice, studio art, and a completed research project, or our new Master of Education track, which focuses on an understanding of arts-based research. By selecting this track, you’ll develop as an art therapist with an emphasis on academic scholarship surrounding clinical applications of research. While both tracks require participation in a final art exhibit, students in the M.Ed. track concentrate on an aesthetic vision that includes materials, techniques, invention, expression, and observation. Emphasis of the final art exhibit for students in the M.S. track is related to their clinical experience.
Admissions Requirements
This program enrolls students in the fall term only.
Additional Requirements
Complete the application form. No application fee.
Start your application process by completing the online application form. Be sure to complete your application by submitting all the required materials outlined in this section.
Graduate Admissions Essay
Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your essay.
In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College.
Resume
Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your resume.
Letters of Recommendation
This program requires two letters of recommendation. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
Interview
This program requires an interview.
Official Transcripts from All Institutions Previously/Currently Attended
- An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required.
- Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
- In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu, or mailed to the college address:
Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109
International Applicants
All international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required, in addition to the items listed above, to submit:
- Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed College level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
- Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. In some cases, including if you plan to request coursework be transferred, a course-by-course translation is required. For this we recommend the World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.
Our Associate Director of International Admissions Nicholas Venn can answer any questions you may have about enrolling in Springfield College as an international student. You may email him at intladmissions@springfield.edu or via phone at (413) 748-3891.
To submit materials:
After submitting your online application form you will receive user login credentials to access your student application portal. From that portal, you will be able to upload your graduate admissions essay and your resume. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu, or mailed to the college address:
Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109
Curriculum
Sequence of Courses
I. Core requirement (3 credits)
II. Program requirements (33 credits)
- ATPY 600 - Art Therapy/Counseling with Children and Adolescents Credits: 3
- ATPY 601 - Art Therapy and Psychological Assessment Techniques Credits: 2
- ATPY 608 - Arts Based Assessment Lab Credits: 1
- ATPY 610 - Ethical Issues in Art Therapy / Counseling Credits: 3
- ATPY 612 - Family Therapy in Counseling/Art Therapy Credits: 3
-
or
- ATPY 646 - Art Therapy/Counseling and Substance Use Disorders Credits: 3
- ATPY 620 - Group Counseling Techniques and Group Art Therapy Credits: 3
- ATPY 625 - Art Therapy Counseling Practicum Credits: 3
- ATPY 630 - Multicultural Issues in Art Therapy / Counseling Credits: 3
- ATPY 640 - Counseling and Art Therapy: Theory and Practice Credits: 3
- ATPY 682 - Advanced Seminar in Professional Identity, Clinical Skills and Applications in Art Therapy/Counseling Credits: 3
- ATPY 684 - Internship in Art Therapy/Counseling Credits: 3-Jan
- ATPY 685 - Art Therapy / Counseling Internship II Credits: 3
-
(must be taken for 3 credits to meet program requirements)
Note: Total internship credit requirements are 6 semester hours
III. Counseling requirements (12 credits)
- COUN 603 - Assessment, Appraisal and Testing in Counseling Credits: 3
- COUN 622 - Counseling Theories Credits: 3
- COUN 617 - Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Credits: 3
- COUN 634 - Human Development Across the Lifespan Credits: 3
IV. Art Studio electives (4-6 credits)
(Students must take a minimum of two (2) courses in this category)
- ATPY 504 - Printmaking for the Art Therapist Credits: 3
- ATPY 510 - The Therapeutic Aspects of Clay Credits: 3
- ATPY 602 - Painting for the Art Therapist Credits: 2
- ATPY 603 - Sculpture for the Art Therapist Credits: 2
- ATPY 605 - Drawing and Mixed Media for the Art Therapist Credits: 2
- ATPY 606 - Art Therapy/Counseling in our Digital World Credits: 2
V. Art Therapy/ Counseling electives *
Total 4-6 credits for M.S. degree
Total 5-6 credits for M.Ed. degree
(Students must take a minimum of two (2) courses in this category.)
- ATPY 507 - The Psychology of Art and Artists Credits: 3
- ATPY 508 - Art Therapy for Older Adults Credits: 2
- ATPY 607 - Art Therapy and Trauma Informed Care Credits: 3
- ATPY 619 - Art Therapy with Special Needs Populations Credits: 3
- ATPY 646 - Art Therapy/Counseling and Substance Use Disorders Credits: 3
- ATPY 688 - Special Topics in Art Therapy Credits: 1-6
- COUN 643 - Career Counseling and Development Credits: 3
-
COUN 643 is for M.Ed. student only.
*Please note that students are recommended to have a specialization in one area discussed with their academic advisor. Students may need to enroll in an additional elective course beyond minimum requirements for graduation.
VI. Research requirements
A. M.Ed. (3 credits)
- ATPY 622 - Applications of Arts-Based Research Methods in Art Therapy Credits: 2
- ATPY 626 - Introduction to Art Therapy Research Credits: 1
B. M.S. (8 credits)
- ATPY 626 - Introduction to Art Therapy Research Credits: 1
- ATPY 627 - Research Project in Art Therapy Credits: 2
- RSCH 612 - Proposal Design Credits: 2
- RSCH 615 - Qualitative Research Methodology Credits: 3
-
or
- RSCH 620 - Educational and Psychological Statistics I Credits: 3
Deadline
The priority application deadline for applying for the fall semester is March 15.
All required supporting materials are due April 1.
Cost
| Graduate Program Courses | $1,138 per credit |
| Approximate total cost for Master of Education (60-64 credits) | $68,280-72,832 |
| Approximate total cost for Master of Science (64-68 credits) | $72,832-77,384 |
| Graduate Student Fee* | $396 |
| Enrollment Deposit | $300 |
All approximate costs above are based on 2022-23 academic year costs.
*The graduate student fee (full time) includes the following costs for the 2022-23 academic year.
- Student Government Fee: $21
- Community Engagement Fee: $36
- Recreation Fee: $324
- Class Dues: $15
The graduate student fee (part-time) is $87.50 per semester.
