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Coursework and Program Track

Typically, students begin their course of study in the Fall semester. Beginning full-time students have a sequence of Art Therapy, Psychology, Research, and Studio Art classes. Students have the opportunity to enroll in art therapy electives, art studio electives, or graduate school core courses electives each semester. During the second semester, students begin their pre-practicum experience and clinical internship supervision in addition to their course work. The summer school offers a variety of sessions for students to continue course work or their practicum through the summer. During the second year, students begin their practicum. Working with the fieldwork coordinator, students choose from a diverse selection of field placements. Additionally, students begin working on their final research project in consultation with the College’s graduate school faculty and art therapy advisor. Students also prepare for participation in their final art show.

Graduate students can earn a Master’s of Science in Art Therapy. The required minimum number of credits to graduate is 58. The number of credits for program completion varies according to specialization. The Clinical Art Therapy Program requires 64-66 credits to acquire a Master’s of Science. A Master’s in Studio Art Therapy requires 58-60 credits.

A minimum, cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required each semester. To graduate, course work and fieldwork must be completed with passing grades. In addition, all students are required to participate in a final art show.

The program prepares students to work in a variety of settings and with many different client groups, such as Springfield public schools, Head Start, psychiatric inpatient and outpatient services, nursing homes, community centers for children, facilities for the homeless, battered women’s shelters, treatment programs for sexual offenders, addiction rehabilitation programs, cancer treatment centers, and AIDS and HIV support programs.

The Graduate Art Therapy Program at Springfield College is evaluated by the American Art Therapy Association (A.A.T.A.). The A.A.T.A. approves graduate programs every seven years and requires a yearly report that the program is meeting its goals. The graduate art therapy program offers coursework that prepares students to be able to sit for the licensing exam by the Board of Mental Health Counselors after graduation. Courses may be revised, added, and deleted to meet requirements of the art therapy and counseling boards. When students enter Springfield College Graduate programs, they enter under the contract of their catalogue.

Learn More About the Art Therapy Graduate Program

• Course Catalogue
• Admission Requirements
• Portfolio Guidelines (.pdf)
• Matriculation Guidelines
• Coursework and Program Track
• Student Support Services for Graduate Students
• Unique Qualities of the Graduate Program
• Student Work