Creative Arts Therapy, M.A.

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Associate Professor Bloomgarden, Graduate Program Director, (516) 463-5300, Joan.S.Bloomgarden@hofstra.edu

The master of arts degree (M.A.) in Creative Arts Therapy, currently approved by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), is designed to provide students with a critical knowledge base comprised of content areas identified by both the American Art Therapy Association and New York State Education Department. Graduates will be prepared to work effectively in hospitals, agencies, rehabilitation centers, adult facilities, day treatment centers, mental health centers and schools. Graduates work with individuals who have experienced mental and physical illness, trauma, addictions, changes in living, and those who seek personal development. This program is the first step that students take toward achieving Creative Arts Therapy licensure.

This Creative Arts Therapy master’s degree incorporates counseling strategies in core courses and selected electives. Our electives include expressive therapies (drama, dance, movement, play, poetry, music) as well as courses in other related disciplines such as: gerontology, special education, counseling, and marriage and family therapy.

The Creative Arts Therapy program is designed as a theory-based, application-oriented program aimed at building knowledge and skills essential for creative arts therapists. Full-time students with a B.A. degree can complete this curriculum in two years. Part time students and non-matriculated students have an individualized plan of study upon advisement. Undergraduate prerequisites may be taken concurrently during the first year of master’s study.

Creative Arts Therapy students who are interested in becoming initially certified in Inclusive Elementary Special Education (Grades 1-6) can matriculate in that program in addition to their matriculation in the master’s in Creative Arts Therapy. Students interested in this option should contact the Creative Arts Therapy program director.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 2.75.
Demonstration of competency in art by presenting slides, original artwork, CD presentation.
A personal interview with the program director.
Three letters of recommendation from education and professional sources.
Personal statement.
12 semester hours in psychology, including developmental, personality theories and abnormal.
A minimum of 18 semester hours in studio art which demonstrates proficiency and disciplined commitment in art making. Art classes should include drawing, painting, and three dimensional art.

Prerequisites do not carry degree credit for this program.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a candidate’s potential for success in a graduate program. Consequently, candidates are welcome to apply if they do not meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience may compensate.

Program Advisement

All matriculated students are required to meet with a department faculty adviser and complete a plan of study. Specializations will be discussed at this particular time.

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 53

Core Curriculum - Semester Hours: 44 to 47

CAT 209 - Clinical Instruction in Media Techniques Semester Hours: 3
CAT 210 - Foundations of Art Therapy Counseling Semester Hours: 3
CAT 211 - Child and Adolescent Development in Art Therapy Counseling Semester Hours: 3
CAT 212 - Group Art Therapy Counseling Semester Hours: 3
CAT 214 - Clinical Methods in Art Therapy Counseling Semester Hours: 3
CAT 215 - Clinical Applications in Art Therapy Counseling Semester Hours: 3
CAT 218 - Internship: Creative Arts Therapy Counseling Semester Hours: 3
CAT 219 - Internship: Creative Arts Therapy Counseling Semester Hours: 3
CAT 221 - Practicum: Clinical Practice in Art Therapy Counseling Semester Hours: 1
CAT 222 - Practicum: Clinical Practice in Art Therapy Counseling Semester Hours: 1
CAT 223 - Multicultural Art Therapy Semester Hours: 1.5
CAT 224 - Psychopharmacological/Psychiatric Issues in Art Therapy Counseling Semester Hours: 1.5
CAT 235 - Creativity Semester Hours: 3
CAT 300 - Research Seminar in Creative Arts Therapy Counseling Semester Hours: 3
or
CAT 301 - Master’s Thesis Seminar I Semester Hours: 3
CAT 302 - Master’s Thesis Seminar II Semester Hours: 3
COUN 210 - Counseling and Helping Relationships Semester Hours: 3
COUN 261 - Understanding Psychopathology in Counseling Semester Hours: 3
MFT 204 - Individual and Family Life Cycle Development Semester Hours: 3

Electives: Semester Hours: 6-9

6–9 semester hours of electives under advisement. Approved electives are in expressive therapies, gerontology, special education, counseling, play therapy, marriage and family and creative arts therapies.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of all program requirements.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in overall graduate course work.

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