Art Therapy and Counseling

Drexel University's Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling was founded in 1967 at Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital and provides students extensive exposure to current, interdisciplinary practices. This distinctive program teaches students informed skills and integrative theories for diverse therapeutic approaches in various systems of care. Working with specified treatment objectives determined through client collaboration and ongoing assessment, students learn to apply art therapy methods alongside counseling skills. In-class experientials and didactic learning inform the simultaneous on-site, community educational experiences each student has with individuals and groups. Students learn by doing, including incorporating supervisor and faculty feedback within their sustained and often distinct learning trajectories. This multilayered pedagogy, plus each student's necessary interpersonal work and professional disposition development, provide foundational learning for creative and ethical art therapy and counseling.

Throughout the multi-dimensional learning processes and content areas, students of the Art Therapy and Counseling program study the vital roles that creativity, empathy, and cultural humility have in professional work and for interpersonal growth. Students learn how their cognitive, behavioral, creative, and emotional responses can block or augment the relationships of therapy, colleagueship, and professional development. The 90.0 quarter-credit curriculum includes specific art therapy coursework in areas such as assessment and treatment planning for children, adolescents, adults, older adults, and families; trauma and systemic approaches; creativity, symbol and metaphor; digital media use; mindfulness, and addictions and recovery. Students also take classes in general mental health counseling topics including human development; psychopathology; social and cultural foundations; clinical appraisal and assessment, and group dynamics.

Graduates are eligible for the ATR-Provisional certification upon program graduation to then work further towards their ATR and ATR-BC credentials, as well as professional counseling licensure in Pennsylvania and other states, upon completion of specified work and supervision hours that are critical parts of post-graduation requirements. We design the Art Therapy and Counseling program's 90-quarter-credit to meet the Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) educational requirements as well as uphold program and learning standards for art therapy accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education or ACATE. Because licensure requirements vary from state to state, we strongly advise applicants interested in attaining post-graduation counseling licensure to access and check the requirements for any state(s) in which they plan to work and practice. It is the students' responsibility to begin to know and understand the requirements for any future licensure they may seek. We strive to inform, update, and support individualized pursuits for licensure and national board certification with each student.

For additional information about the program, visit the College of Nursing and Health Professions Art Therapy and Counseling website.

Transcripts

Official transcripts must be sent directly to Drexel from all of the colleges and universities that you have attended. Please note that transcripts are required regardless of number of credits taken or if the credits were transferred to another school. An admission decision may be delayed if you do not send transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended.

Transcripts must show course-by-course grades and degree conferrals. If your school does not notate degree conferrals on the official transcripts, you must provide copies of any graduate or degree certificates.

If your school issues only one transcript for life, you are required to have a course-by-course evaluation completed by an approved transcript evaluation agency.

Precise, word-for-word English translations of all non-English language documents are required along with official documents in the original language. All translations must be completed by the issuing institution or an ATA-certified translator. Visit the American Translators Association website to search for an ATA-certified translator.

International students: If you have already graduated from your previous institution at the time of your application, please email your graduation certificate(s) attached as PDF or Microsoft Word documents to [email protected]. Note: Any international applicant, regardless of program, may be required to provide a transcript evaluation should the Admissions Committee determine it is needed for the application to be reviewed. If your transcripts are selected for a course-by-course evaluation by an external agency, you will be responsible for supplying all necessary documentation and paying all necessary fees to have your transcripts evaluated.

If you have questions regarding what documents you must submit to fulfill the transcript requirements, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Standardized Test Scores

GRE test scores are not required.

Test of English as a Foreign Language

International applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL minimum scores: 80/550/213), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English (PTE minimum score: 53) unless they meet the criteria for a waiver.

Essay

Please write an essay describing your career goals, including specific research and scholarly interests. Please be sure to indicate how your interests coincide with those of particular School of Education Faculty members.

Submit your essay with your application or through the Discover Drexel portal after you submit your application.

Résumé

Upload your résumé as part of your admission application or through the Discover Drexel Portal after you submit your application.

Letters of Recommendation

Recommenders should be able to speak to your academic performance.

Interview

Virtual, in-person, or telephone interview required for qualified applicants.

Academic Experience

Admission to this program requires a minimum 3.25 GPA (a 3.5 is preferred).

Writing Sample

Please submit a sample of scholarly writing, including but not limited to published articles, theses, or term papers, by mail or email as an attachment to [email protected].

Mailing Addresses