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 Art Therapy as well as a clinical licensure track leading to a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family. 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 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 MA in Art Therapy has two tracks of study. For those with a Bachelor's degree and are not interested in clinical licensure as an MFT in California, the program of study consists of 54 units. For those with a Master's degree in a related field (e.g. behavioral science, education, art), the department offers a Post Master's Advanced Standing program of study that consists of 30 units within the MA Art Therapy program (see below for details). The MA in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60 unit program of study that leads to licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in the state of California.

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 leads to a Master of Arts in Art Therapy. This course of study consists of two tracks (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. For those with a Bachelor's degree and are not interested in clinical licensure as an MFT in California, the program of study consists of 54 units (not including prerequisite courses). This course of study prepares students who wish to be eligible for the ATR.

IIb. Post Masters 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 (Art, Education, and Behavioral Science) from an accredited insititution. This course of study 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).

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 by a licensed professional 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. (Post-Master’s Advanced Standing students should consult the American Art Therapy Association and the Art Therapy Credentials Board for updated requirements). Advancement to candidacy is not automatic. The Professional Evaluation Committee (PEC) provides ongoing professional and acdemic evaluation of students as they progress throughout the program. The Masters' programs in the Art Therapy Psychology Department at Notre Dame de Namur University are approved by the American Art Therapy Association, Inc.

Program Requirements

Foundation Courses/Prerequisites for Course of Study I (60 units) and II a (54 units) A bachelor's degree in art, psychology, or behavioral science is preferred. A total of twelve semester units (or 18 quarter units) in psychology which includes courses in each of the following foundation areas are required:
	General Psychology
	Personality Theory
	Developmental Psychology
	Abnormal Psychology
Additionally, eighteen units, 27 quarter units, or 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      Post Master’s Advanced Standing Track (30 units) 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). 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). Prior to completion of the (Advanced Standing Post Masters) Master’s in Art Therapy 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, and studio art.  Content areas can be completed as part of related Master’s degree or taken simultaneously 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 Courses of Study I, IIa, and b
Course Code Course Title Course I 60 Unit MFT   Course IIa 54 Unit MA Course IIb 30 Unit Post Master's 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 -   - GPY4286 Special Topics 1 2 2 Total   60 54 30
*Special Topics includes courses such as Sandplay, Trauma and Art Therapy, Focusing-Oriented Art Therapy, and more. 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 Marital and Family Therapy	Course of Study IIa MA in Art Therapy IIb check with AATA and ATCB
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: 199 of which a minimum of 50 hours must be under a current ATR or current ATR-BC	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
MFT Exams Art Therapy Registration and Board Certification (BC) Exam	Art Therapy Registration and Board Certification (BC) Exam
Primary Family Therapist and Art Therapist	Art Therapist

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Courses I (MFT 60 units) and II a (MA in Art Therapy, 54 units)

Completed application materials are due by April 1, August 1, or December 1 for entrance in Summer, Fall, or Spring, respectively

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Foundation Courses/Prerequisites
• A minimum of eighteen (18) semester hour credits or twenty seven (27) quarter-hour credits, of study in studio art; and
• A minimum of twelve (12) semester hour credits or eighteen (18) quarter-hour credits, of study in psychology: general psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and personality theory
• A cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 or better
• Two recommendation forms
• An autobiographical statement which discusses the applicant's interests in art therapy
• 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 at (800) 263-0545.

COURSE II B PROGRAM-SPECIFIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS : POST MASTERS ADVANCED STANDING: (MA in Art Therapy, 30 units)

• 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).
• 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).
• 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, and studio art.  Content areas can be completed as part of related Master’s degree or taken simultaneously 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.

For additional information, please contact the Art Therapy psychology office (650) 508-3556  or arttherapy@ndnu.edu, or Graduate Admissions at (650) 508-3600 or grad.admit@ndnu.edu.

GPY Course Descriptions