Art Therapy and Counseling MA

Degree Awarded: Master of Arts (MA)
Minimum Required Credits: 60.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.2301
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 29-1129

About the Program

Drexel University’s Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling is one of the nation’s most well-established programs, founded in 1967 at Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital. This distinctive on-campus program combines art therapy and counseling education through an interdisciplinary, experiential approach. Students learn to integrate creative methods with counseling skills, guided by treatment objectives developed collaboratively with clients. A hallmark of the program is its multilayered pedagogy, blending in-class experiential learning, didactic coursework, and supervised clinical practice in community, arts-based, educational, rehabilitative, medical, and behavioral health settings. This structure fosters professional growth, interpersonal development, and ethical practice. Our program prepares entry-level Art Therapists in cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) domains.

The curriculum emphasizes creativity, empathy, and cultural humility as essential components of therapeutic work. Students explore how cognitive, behavioral, and emotional responses influence relationships in therapy and professional settings. The 60-credit semester program offers specialized art therapy courses in trauma-informed and systemic approaches, creativity and symbolism, digital media, neuroscience, and addiction recovery, alongside counseling topics such as human development, assessment, diagnosis, cultural foundations, and group dynamics. This comprehensive design ensures graduates are prepared for diverse care systems and populations.

Graduates earn ATR-Provisional certification and progress toward ATR and ATR-BC credentials, as well as professional counseling licensure in Pennsylvania and other states after completing required supervision hours. The program meets Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) educational requirements and adheres to accreditation standards set by CAAHEP and ACATE, ensuring high-quality education aligned with national standards. Because licensure requirements vary by state, students receive individualized guidance to navigate regulations and pursue certification.

With its long-standing history, integrated clinical experiences, and emphasis on creativity and cultural responsiveness, Drexel’s program offers a uniquely rigorous and supportive pathway, in the three distinct lengths of study, for those seeking careers in art therapy and counseling.

For more details including our various plans of study and research thesis option, please visit the Art Therapy and Counseling program page.

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please contact the College of Nursing and Health Professions 

Admission Requirements

Admissions requirements can be found: https://drexel.edu/cnhp/academics/graduate/ma-art-therapy-counseling/

For additional information, contact catadmissions@drexel.edu

Degree Requirements

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Students who select the Thesis option are required to take CATX 7997, a one- credit Thesis Preparation course.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, students will be able to

• Apply knowledge of privileged and oppressed intersectional identities to culturally responsive therapeutic relationships, treatment goals, and art therapy practice with diverse individuals, populations, and systems.
• Examine clinical information gained through content, process, and formal, informal, and strengths-based assessment approaches in relation to client needs, therapeutic practice, and continued educational development.
• Evaluate ethical principles, professional codes, and welfare safeguards relevant to art therapy and counseling practice with individuals and communities receiving care.
• Justify art therapy methods, counseling theories, assessment approaches, and applications appropriate to varied and diverse populations and systems.
• Prioritize lifelong professional identity development through personal growth, reflective practice, personal artmaking, self-care, clinical supervision, mentorship, continuing education, and awareness of relevant credentialing and licensure requirements.
• Create contemporary art therapy and counseling scholarship, including arts-based materials appropriate for professional presentations, publications, and other forms of scholarly contribution.