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Art Therapy, Creative Arts Therapies (MA)

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Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Faculty
Program type
Course-based
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
2 years
Credits
60 credits
Start term
Fall
Experiential learning
Internship

Program overview

The MA in Creative Arts Therapies, Art Therapy option, allows you to combine your passion for art with therapeutic work. Art therapists look at how visual imagery can help people overcome psychological issues and address emotional difficulties in ways that spoken language cannot. You will develop wide-reaching applications for art therapy, working directly with clients alongside departmental supervisors. Placement opportunities include hospitals and health care institutions, community centres, geriatric facilities, and schools. The Art Therapy option is a professional program that meets the education standards set by the Canadian Art Therapy Association.

Program structure

Degree Requirements

Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete 60 credits.

Please see the Creative Arts Therapies Courses page for course descriptions.

Creative Arts Therapies (Art Therapy Option) MA (60 credits)

45

credits of Core Courses:

ATRP 600 Readings in Art Therapy (3.00)
ATRP 602 Assessment Techniques in Art Therapy (3.00)
ATRP 603 Symbolic Imagery and Art Therapy - Studio/Workshop (3.00)
ATRP 604 Group and Family Art Therapy (3.00)
CATS 610 Introduction to Topics in Clinical Psychology for Creative Arts Therapists (3.00)
ATRP 613 Art Therapy Practicum Supervision I (3.00)
ATRP 614 Art Therapy Practicum Supervision II (3.00)
ATRP 620 Art Therapy Advanced Clinical Skills (3.00)
ATRP 623 Advanced Art Therapy Practicum Supervision I (3.00)
ATRP 630 Child and Adolescent Art Therapy (3.00)
CATS 639 Interdisciplinary Topics: Cross-cultural Competence in the Creative Arts Therapies (1.00)
CATS 641 Interdisciplinary Topics: Ethics in Clinical Practice in the Creative Arts Therapies (1.00)
CATS 643 Interdisciplinary Topics: Ethics in Research in the Creative Arts Therapies (1.00)
CATS 691 Research in the Creative Arts Therapies (3.00)
ATRP 693 Research in Art Therapy (3.00)

6credits of Elective Courses chosen in consultation with an academic faculty advisor, are required of all candidates. With the approval of the Chair of Creative Arts Therapies and that of the cooperating department, some or all of the elective credits may be chosen from other graduate programs in the Faculty of Fine Arts, in other faculties at Concordia, or other universities.
9

credits chosen from one of the following:

Research Paper Stream: Creative Arts Therapies (Art Therapy Option)

Applied Research Project Stream: Creative Arts Therapies (Art Therapy Option)

Applied Research Project: Creative Arts Therapies (Art Therapy Option) (9 credits)

9

credits:

CATS 698 Applied Research Project with Report (6.00)
CATS 699 Comprehensive Exam (3.00)

Research Paper: Creative Arts Therapies (Art Therapy Option) (9 credits)

9

credits:

CATS 689 Research Paper (9.00)

Admission requirements

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree with 24 credits in visual arts (18 credit in studio arts and 6 credits in art history, art theory, art education or approved equivalents); 24 credits in psychology (must include courses in Introductory, Developmental and Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, and Research Methodology, or approved equivalents); and An Introduction to Art Therapy (3 credits).
  • Overall grade average of B or better is expected.
  • Previous work experience in a clinical, rehabilitative or educational setting is expected.
  • Direct experience with the therapeutic process is highly desirable.
  • Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.

Application process

Application deadlines

FALL

January 15

WINTER

n/a

SUMMER

n/a

Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline. In some cases, programs may continue to accept applications as long as there is space available.

International students: Considering the waiting period involved in meeting the entry requirements to Canada and Quebec, we strongly encourage international applicants to apply early and submit supporting documents prior to the deadline.

Tuition & funding

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees of the program may depend on your student status, among other key factors. Estimate these costs based on the most common situations.

Awards and funding

Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs. Course-based students may be eligible for a number of donor awards, and may consult with their department for program-specific opportunities.

Out-of-province students

Get $15,000 in special funding for 60-credit master's programs. Learn more

Other programs of interest

Art Education (MA)

Draw on personal experience to develop your own philosophy of art education by connecting your studio practice with pedagogical theory in a program best suited to your individual academic and professional goals.

Department

Faculty

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