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
| Core Courses | ||
| CATX 5501 | Foundations of Creative Arts Therapies | 1.0 |
| CTCN 5050 | Professional Orientation and Ethics: ATC | 3.0 |
| CTCN 5501 | Lifespan Development | 3.0 |
| CTCN 5505 | Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories | 3.0 |
| CTCN 5509 | Social and Cultural Foundations | 3.0 |
| CTCN 6050 | Approaches to Addiction and Recovery: ATC | 3.0 |
| CTCN 6503 | Differential Diagnosis and Processes | 3.0 |
| CTCN 6601 | Introduction to Behavioral Research | 3.0 |
| CTCN 6603 | Clinical Appraisal and Assessment | 3.0 |
| CTCN 6604 | Career Counseling | 3.0 |
| CTCN 6606 | Group Dynamics and Processes | 3.0 |
| Art Therapy Courses | ||
| CATX 5528 | Systems, Community Practices and Families | 3.0 |
| CATX 5532 | Trauma, Crisis and Community Care | 2.0 |
| CATX 5535 | Assessments, Theories, and Treatment Planning in Art Therapy | 2.0 |
| CATX 5560 | Art Therapy Inquiry and Scholarship | 2.0 |
| CATX 6631 | Media, Materials and Process in Art Therapy | 2.0 |
| CATX 6645 | Professional Identity for Art Therapists and Artists | 2.0 |
| CATX 6648 | Contemporary Practices in Art Therapy | 2.0 |
| Clinical Education | ||
| CTCN 5513 | Orientation to Counseling Theories, Helping Relationships, and Supervision | 3.0 |
| CTCN 5523 | Clinical Practicum and Group Supervision I | 3.0 |
| CTCN 6613 | Clinical Internship and Adv Group Supervision I | 3.0 |
| CTCN 6623 | Clinical Internship and Adv Group Supervision II | 3.0 |
| Capstone Project | ||
| Select one of the following options: | 2.0-5.0 | |
| Option A: | ||
| Capstone Project I: Art Therapy | ||
| Capstone Project II: Art Therapy | ||
| Option B: 1 | ||
| Thesis Preparation Research | ||
| Thesis I | ||
| Thesis II | ||
| Total Credits | 60.0-63.0 | |
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Students who select the Thesis option are required to take CATX 7997, a one- credit Thesis Preparation course.