M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Art Therapy (60 credits)
On-Campus and Low-Residency Options
The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Art Therapy is a 60-credit program that integrates coursework, clinical work and supervision in art therapy and mental health counseling.
- The program can be completed in three years of study.
- A first field placement of 450 supervised hours, and a second field placement of 700 clinically supervised hours are required.
- On-Campus and Low-Residency students follow the same program of study.
Program Prerequisites
- 12 credits in psychology, including abnormal psychology and developmental psychology with grades of B or better.
- 18 credits of studio art courses with grades of B or better. Applicants must send a minimum of 15-20 slides, or digital copy, of their art work along with their application. The slides should represent a variety of media, including two- and three-dimensional work, self-expression, and a range of technical abilities.
For the university's transfer credit policy for this and other programs, see the Transfer of Credits page.
Program of Study
Core Courses (30 credits)
| GEXTH 5032 | Orientation to Expressive Therapies | 3 |
| GEXTH 5113 | Group Counseling: Art Therapy | 3 |
| GEXTH 6032 | Human Development Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| GEXTH 6102 | Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice | 3 |
| GEXTH 6105 | Examining Power Privilege & Oppression in Clinical Practice | 3 |
| GEXTH 6106 | Research and Program Evaluation | 3 |
| GEXTH 6415 | Psychopathology and Clinical Practice | 3 |
| GEXTH 6416 | Theories of Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| GEXTH 6417 | Assessment and Testing in Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| GEXTH 6418 | Vocational and Career Counseling | 3 |
Field Experience Courses (12 credits)
| GEXTH 5119 | Clinical Skills and Applications | 3 |
| GEXTH 6430 | Art Therapy as Trauma-Informed Practice: Supervision I | 3 |
| GEXTH 7716 | Supervision in Art Therapy and Counseling II | 3 |
| GEXTH 7720 | Supervision in Art Therapy and Counseling III | 3 |
Electives (6 credits)
Choose 2 courses from the following list:
| GEXTH 6025 | Marriage and Family Therapy | 3 |
| GEXTH 6040 | Treatment of Substance Use Disorders and Addictions | 3 |
| GEXTH 5010 | Principles and Practices of Expressive Arts Therapy | 3 |
Students must choose GEXTH 6025 and GEXTH 6040, if required for counseling licensure as determined by student location.
Students can also complete a 3-credit specialization or non-specialization elective course in consultation with their advisor.
Specialization Courses (12 credits)