Associate Professor Elkis-Abuhoff, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-5755

The Master of Arts degree (MA) in creative arts therapy counseling, 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, developmental disabilities, autism, and those who seek personal development. This program is the first step that students take toward achieving New York state 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 counseling, marriage and family therapy, and special education.

The creative arts therapy counseling 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 BA 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 and must be completed no later than 12 months after the date of admission to the program.