Art Therapy Psychology
Dr. Richard Carolan
Chair
(650) 508-3556
rcarolan@ndnu.edu
The Art Therapy Psychology Department at Notre Dame de Namur University is the only one of its kind in northern California. It is unique because it provides a Master of Arts in Art Therapy as well as a clinical licensure track leading to a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. Both the MA in Art Therapy and the MA in Marriage and Family Therapy degrees lead to registration as an art therapist (ATR). The department also offers a Post Master’s Advanced Standing option toward the MA in Art Therapy. The Art Therapy Psychology Department is currently going through review for approval from the University and the Board of Behavioral Science for adding an academic track that will meet the requirements for students wanting to become Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC). Pending approval, this option will be effective Fall 2012.
The Art Therapy Psychology Department draws applicants from around the world; more than 30% of students come from outside of California. NDNU's Art Therapy Psychology graduates work with children, adolescents, couples, adults, families, groups, and communities, bringing art therapy into a wide variety of settings-- including, schools, mental health programs, inpatient, outpatient, hospitals, community centers, nursing homes, assisted living centers, prisons, private practice, and more. NDNU Art Therapy students are interested in creativity and imagery and how both promote healing.
The master’s programs in the Art Therapy Psychology Department at Notre Dame de Namur University are approved by the American Art Therapy Association, Inc.
Jump to:
- Learning Outcomes
- Courses of Study
- Program Requirements
- Programs of Study and Course Requirements
- Licensing Options after Graduation
- Program-Specific Admission Requirements
- Course Descriptions
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
- Clear understanding of Theory of Marriage and Family Therapy
- Clear understanding of Theory of Art Therapy
- Ability to communicate ideas in a clear coherent fashion
- Ability to conceptualize course material in a scholarly manner
- Ability to understand and thoughtfully critique research
- Ability to conceptualize case material drawing on theoretical models
- Ability to evidence originality, critical and independent thinking with appropriate organization and format
Skills
- Demonstrate ability to effectively apply intervention strategies
- Integration of Art Therapy theory and practice
- Clinical competence
- Ability to work responsibly and responsively with clients and colleagues
- Ability to apply therapeutic techniques in an effective manner
- Ability to integrate theory literature and practice
- Ability to successfully integrate the cognitive linear process and the creative artistic process
- Ability to understand and implement ethical and legal guidelines in treatment as well as scholarly work
- Ability to understand and implement parameters regarding Protection of Human Subjects
Attitudes
- Demonstrate Professional Development and Clinical Suitability
- Professional skill development
- Ability to separate personal needs from professional work
- Ability to apply supervision
- Demonstration of psychological mindedness
Courses of Study
Course of Study I: Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Course of Study I leads to a Master of Art in Marriage and Family Therapy. This course of study consists of 60 units (not including prerequisite courses) and is designed to prepare a Marriage and Family Art Therapist whose education is intended to fulfill the requirements of the Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in California. This can often satisfy certification or licensure in other states. This course of study also meets the requirements to become eligible for Registration (ATR) by the Art Therapy Credentials Board.
Course of Study II: Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Course of Study II leads to a Master of Arts in Art Therapy. The MA in Art Therapy has two tracks of study (IIa and IIb) and prepares students who wish to be eligible for the ATR, but who are not intending to pursue clinical licensing as an MFT in California or any other state.
- IIa. Those with a bachelor's degree who are not interested in clinical licensure as an MFT in California take this course of study, which consists of 54 units (not including prerequisite courses). This program prepares students who wish to be eligible for the ATR.
- IIb. Post Master’s Advanced Standing option: This course of study is 30 units (not including prerequisite courses) and is for students who hold a graduate degree in a related field (e.g. Art, Education, Behavioral Science) from an accredited institution. This program prepares students who wish to be eligible for the ATR. Seven hundred (700) hours of supervised clinical practicum are required over at least two academic terms. See admission requirements below for qualifications to enter this track.
Registration as an Art Therapist (ATR)
Applicants desiring an ATR must, after completing the program, complete an additional 1000 hours of supervised art therapy experience. One hundred (100) hours of supervision are required (one hour of supervision for every ten hours of direct client contact) of which a minimum of fifty (50) hours must be provided by an ATR or ATR-BC (the additional hours of supervision can be from a licensed professional).
Advancement to candidacy is not automatic. The Professional Evaluation Committee (PEC) provides ongoing professional and academic evaluation of students as they progress throughout the program.
Post-Master’s Advanced Standing students should consult the American Art Therapy Association and the Art Therapy Credentials Board for updated requirements.
Program Requirements
Foundation Courses/Prerequisites for Course of Study I (60 units) and IIa (54 units)
A bachelor's degree in art, psychology, or behavioral science is preferred. A total of 12 semester units (or 18 quarter units) in psychology, which includes courses in each of the following foundation areas, is required:
- General Psychology;
- Personality Theory;
- Developmental Psychology;
- Abnormal Psychology.
Additionally, 18 units, 27 quarter units, or the equivalent, are required in the foundation content areas of two- and three-dimensional studio art and design. All foundation areas must be completed within the first year.
Foundation Courses/Prerequisites for Course of Study IIb
Students planning to follow the Post Master’s Advanced Standing Track (30 units) must adhere to the following requirements:
1. Students must have completed and provide a transcript of a master’s degree (minimum 48 semester units or 72 quarter units) from an accredited institution in the United States, or equivalent academic preparation outside of the U.S. (Related master’s degrees include: counseling, social work, psychology, psychiatric nursing, other mental health professions, expressive or creative arts therapies. Related degrees not tied to licensure include the fine arts, art education, and special education. Other related degrees may be considered with approval from the Department Chair.)
2. 18 semester units (or 27 quarter units) or the equivalent, in a range of media in studio art, must be completed .
3. The prerequisites for the Advanced Standing Post Master’s in Art Therapy Degree require that the student must supply the Art Therapy Psychology Department with documentation of the following content areas at the graduate level:
- psychopathology;
- human growth and development;
- counseling and psychological theories;
- cultural and social diversity;
- assessment;
- research
Content areas can be completed as part of a related master’s degree or some courses may be taken concurrently during the Post Master’s Art Therapy studies; however, a completed master’s degree in a related field is required in order to pursue the Post Master’s option.
Programs of Study and Course Requirements
| Requirements | Course I | Course IIa | Course IIb | |
| 60 Units | 54 Units | 30 Units | ||
| GPY4178 | Introduction to Art Therapy I | - | 1 | 1 |
| GPY4179 | Introduction to Art Therapy II | - | 2 | 2 |
| GPY4200 | Communication and Counseling Skills | 3 | 3 | - |
| GPY4205 | Advanced Human Development | 3 | 3 | - |
| GPY4210 | Methods of Group and Family | 3 | 3 | - |
| GPY4215 | Principles of MFT | 3 | 3 | - |
| GPY4220 | Psychological Assessment I | 2 | 2 | - |
| GPY4225 | Psychological Assessment II | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| GPY4230 | Psychopathology* | 3 | - | - |
| GPY4235 | Substance Abuse: Theory/Assessment/Intervention | 2 | - | - |
| GPY4240 | Cross-Cultural Issues | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| GPY4245 | Human Sexuality | 2 | 2 | - |
| GPY4250 | Psychopharmacology* | 2 | - | - |
| GPY4255 | Professional Ethics and Law I | 2 | 2 | - |
| GPY4260 | Professional Ethics and Law II | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| GPY4263 | Child Abuse | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| GPY4266 | Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | - |
| GPY4269 | Eldercare | 1 | 1 | - |
| GPY4300 | Art Therapy Techniques: Group Experience | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| GPY4305 | Art Therapy Techniques: Special Populations | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| GPY4310 | Art Therapy Techniques: Integrating Creative Arts | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| GPY4315 | Metaphors in Psychopathology: Children | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| GPY4320 | Metaphors in Psychopathology: Adolescents | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| GPY4325 | Metaphors in Psychopathology: Adults | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| GPY4350 | Practicum I | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| GPY4355 | Practicum II | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| GPY4365 | Seminar I | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| GPY4370 | Seminar II | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| GPY4384 | Research: Methodology | 2 | 2 | - |
| GPY4396 | Research: Project | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| GPY4397 | Research: Thesis Completion | 3 | - | |
| Special Topics coursework from the following: | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| GPY4268 | Starting a Private Practice (1) | |||
| GPY4286 | Special Topics in Art Therapy (1) | |||
| GPY4360 | Explorations in Sandplay (1) | |||
| GPY4400 | Trauma and Art Therapy Treatment (1) | |||
| GPY4450 | Focusing-Oriented Art Therapy (1) | |||
| Other GPY courses approved by the Program Chair | ||||
| Total Unit Requirement | 60 | 54 | 30 | |
Oral and Thesis/Grant must be satisfactorily completed before graduation. Orals Guidelines are available in the Art Therapy Office.
Licensing Options after Graduation
Course of Study I: MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
MFT/ATR Internship
MFT
- Register for an MFT Intern Number;
- 3000 hours supervised by licensed clinician;
- May include up to 1300 pre-graduation hours.
ATR
- 1000 art therapy direct contact hours;
- Post-education supervision hours: 100, of which a minimum of 50 hours must be under a current ATR or current ATR-BC.
Exams
- Art Therapy Registration and Board Certification (BC) Exam
- MFT requires two (2) exams as part of license process
Course of Study IIa: MA in Art Therapy
ATR Internship
ATR
- 1000 art therapy direct client contact hours;
- Post-education supervision hours: 100, of which a minimum of 50 hours must be under a current ATR or Current ATR-BC.
Exams
- Art Therapy Registration and Board Certification (BC) Exam
Course of Study IIb
Check with AATA and ATCB.
Currently Post-Masters requires 2000 art therapy direct client contact hours post Art Therapy degree.
Program-Specific Admission Requirements
Completed application materials are due by:
- April 1 – Summer entrance
- August 1 – Fall entrance
- December 1 – Spring entrance
Courses I (MFT 60 units) and IIa (MA in Art Therapy, 54 units)
The following are required:
1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
2. Foundation Courses/Prerequisites.
3. A minimum of 18 semester hour credits or 27 quarter-hour credits, of study in studio art.
4. A minimum of 12 semester hour credits or 18 quarter-hour credits, of study in psychology: general psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and personality theory.
5. A cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 or better.
6. Two recommendation forms.
7. An autobiographical statement which discusses the applicant's interests in art therapy.
8. A portfolio of 12 color images of personal art work representing a range of media.
For further information, contact the Art Therapy Psychology Department at (650) 508-3556 or arttherapy@ndnu.edu, or Graduate Admission.
Course IIb: Post Master’s Advanced Standing (MA in Art Therapy, 30 units)
The following are required:
1. Transcript of master's degree (minimum 48 semester units or 72 quarter units) from an accredited institution in the United States, or equivalent academic preparation outside of the U.S. (Related master's degrees include: counseling, social work, psychology, psychiatric nursing, other mental health professions, expressive or creative arts therapies. Related degrees not tied to licensure include the fine arts, art education, and special education. Other related degrees may be considered with approval from the Department Chair).
2. 18 semester units (or 27 quarter units) or equivalent in a range of media in studio art must be completed no later than 12 months after entering the program (including credits taken before admission).
3. Prior to completion of the Post Master’s Art Therapy master’s degree, the student must supply the Art Therapy Psychology Department documentation of the following content areas at the graduate level:
- psychopathology;
- human growth and development;
- counseling and psychological theories;
- cultural and social diversity;
- assessment;
- research.
Content areas can be completed as part of related master’s degree or some courses may be taken concurrently with the Post Master’s Art Therapy studies; however, a completed master’s degree in a related field is required in order to pursue the Post-Master’s option.
For further information contact the Art Therapy Psychology Department at (650) 508-3556 or arttherapy@ndnu.edu, or Graduate Admission.