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Unique Qualities of the Graduate Art Therapy Program at Springfield College

1. AFTER GRADUATION, STUDENTS MAY BE ABLE TO SIT FOR 2 CERTIFICATIONS: Licensed mental health counselor exam (LMHC) and registration as an art therapist (A.T.R.). The LMHC is significant because it allows billing for third-party payments (insurance companies). The A.T.R. is important because it brings flexibility and depth to a job application. Alumni students can also apply to take to take their B.C. (board certification) exam as a board certified art therapist.

2. STUDENTS LAND JOBS WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF GRADUATION. Students find jobs in mental health clinics, schools, residential treatment facilities, hospitals, geriatric facilities, and hospice care.

3. THE FACULTY IS READILY ACCESSIBLE TO STUDENTS. The class sizes are small and informal, with a concentration on clinical education.

4. STUDIO CLASSES ARE A STRENGTH OF OUR PROGRAM. There are several studio courses in the Visual & Performing Arts Department, which are incorporated into the Art Therapy Program: Sculpture for the Art Therapist , Drawing and Mixed Media, Painting, Computer Graphics, Printmaking for the Art Therapist, and the Therapeutic Aspects of Clay.

5. PSYCHOLOGY CLASSES ARE TAUGHT BY THE PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT. The Psychology Department has a working partnership with the Art Therapy Department.

6. STUDENTS LEARN RESEARCH THEORY AND TECHNIQUES. Research classes are taught in the Graduate Studies Department. Twelve credits are required, along with a final research project.

7. OUR PROGRAM IS HOUSED IN THE VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT. Theoretical concepts are integrated into practical application.

8. PRE-PRACTICUMS/INTERNSHIPS ARE VARIED IN TERMS OF POPULATION AND TOPIC. Faculty work with student interests and facilitate an appropriate internship match.

9. IT IS A COMPREHENSIVE AND GRATIFYING PROGRAM. Students are trained to be competent and prepared art therapists through our program.

10. STUDENTS HAVE A HIGH SUCCESS RATE FOR THE LMHC OR LPC (LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR) EXAMS.

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