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Master of Arts in Art Therapy (MA)
Fully Accredited
Marywood University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSHE).
The Marywood University Graduate Art Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (caahep.org ) upon the recommendation of The Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Hwy 19N, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL. 33763. 727-210-2350
Also accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
- Degree Completion Requirements
- Curricular and Co-Curricular Guides
- Academic History
- View Student Outcomes Data
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS / Association of Arts Administration Educators / College Art Association / National Art Education Association / Pennsylvania Art Education Association / Society of Illustrators
MISSION STATEMENT
The Graduate Art Therapy Program at Marywood University is built upon artistic, ethical, and spiritual values within a tradition of service to humankind. Our art therapy program provides a supportive framework for the enhancement of students’ capacity to utilize the therapeutic qualities of art making with a wide variety of populations. With this focus, there is an ongoing commitment to the integration of students’ learning domains in the areas of personal artistic growth, academic study, multicultural awareness and development of clinical skills to prepare competent entry-level Art Therapists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the job market.
Housed within the Art Department of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Art Therapy Program at Marywood University offers the an art based, humanistic approach taught by faculty who have wide ranges of expertise, are deeply committed to the profession of art therapy and strive toward the development of compassionate and competent future practitioners. The Graduate Art Therapy Program educates students so that they may serve as therapists with a profound appreciation of each human being in our interdependent world.
* All activities required in the program must be educational and students must not be substituted for staff.
Create a Healing Process for Others with a Master's Degree in Art Therapy
Marywood University’s high quality 60-credit Master’s degree in Art Therapy prepares its students through an “art-based’ approach. The course of study combines art therapy theory and technique, psychology, clinical practicum and supervision, and personal artistic involvement to provide the learner with a thorough and rich educational experience. Our students enter the job market as competent art therapists who work in health care facilities, residential facilities such as long-term care and assisted living, educational settings, and private practice.
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The Marywood University Graduate Art Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (caahep.org) upon the recommendation of The Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education.
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Prepare for ATR registration, National Board Certification, PA LPC Licensure
- Proud of Our Program!
The Retention Rate for students in the 2022-2023 cohort has been 100%.
In a recent survey of students in the 2022-2023 cohort, 100% of our Graduates reported that they were employed as Art Therapists within the first year of graduation.
Marywood’s Art Therapy program has been an awesome experience to be apart of so far! I chose this program because it’s ranked one of the best in the country. I believe that I will be prepared to take on being a full time art therapist by the time my grad year comes to an end. Being in this program has shown me that I definitely chose the right major for myself. The professors and classes have taught me so much already and I can’t wait to learn more as I become an upperclassman and in the years to come afterwards!
Madison Solano '23 Read All Testimonials
Outcomes & Opportunities
Top Employers
- Hospitals
- Mental Health Office
- Universities
- School Districts
Top Career Paths
- Art Therapist
- Recreational Therapist
- Art Activities Director
- Recreational Worker
Dig Deeper Into the Program Details
If you have any questions about this program, we're here to help.
The following list outlines requirements for the MA in Art Therapy program:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- “B” average during undergraduate study or demonstrated potential for graduate work
- Completed application
- Essay
- Official, sealed transcripts
- Resume
- After submitting your application, you will be asked to submit a portfolio online
- Special program requirements as noted below*
Submit an essay of 350-word minimum addressing the three points outlined below:
- Describe your personal involvement in art.
- Describe your understanding of art therapy.
- Why have you chosen to pursue art therapy graduate education?
Art Therapy (60-credits)
Masters in Art Therapy applicants must have satisfied the following undergraduate requirements: 18 studio credits which must include drawing, painting, sculpture as well as 12 credits of psychology including General, Abnormal and Developmental plus an elective
Every art student at Marywood has access to superb facilities in our two art buildings, from computer labs and darkrooms to drawing, painting, printmaking, metal, wood, and sculpture studios and weaving looms. Facilities are available to art students 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Marywood is also home to four galleries on campus featuring regional and national artists, faculty, and students.
The Insalaco Center for Studio Art features drawing and painting studios showcasing naturally-lit rooms with beautiful views of the campus. There are studios and equipment for woodworking, fiber arts, jewelry-making, ceramics, sculpture, photography, printmaking, a Mac lab, and private and semi-private studios for upper level BFA, MA and MFA students.
The Shields Center for Visual Arts building contains The Maslow Collection, Mahady Gallery, Suraci Gallery, classrooms for art history and art administration, studios for art therapy, two graphic design Mac labs, and a 24-hour drop-in Mac lab. The Maslow Collection and Study Gallery for Contemporary Art housed in the Shields Center features more than 500 works by artists such as Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, and Chuck Close.
The Mahady Gallery is a spacious and dramatic setting for the display of contemporary artwork. Throughout the year, the gallery offers a variety of group and solo shows by visiting artists, juried regional competitions, faculty exhibits, student shows, and curated national exhibitions. The gallery hosts the annual Scholastic Art Awards and the popular Art Faculty Biennial. Featured exhibitions are accompanied by artists’ slide presentations, gallery talks, studio visits, and demonstrations. The Mahady Gallery is located on the first floor of the Shields Center for Visual Arts.
The Maslow Study Gallery is a learning laboratory, providing fieldwork experiences, internships, and opportunities in curatorial and exhibition studies to Marywood students. Works in The Maslow Collection are available for professional research and study, and many are loaned to regional and national exhibitions. The Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art is located on the first floor of the Shields Center for Visual Arts. For more information visit maslow.marywood.edu
Exhibitions in the Suraci Gallery showcase regional and national artists; support art faculty work and scholarship; provide degree research and documentation opportunities for current and alumni art students; and foster community outreach projects and interests. The Suraci Gallery also houses Marywood’s permanent collection of fine and decorative art. The Asian Collection consists of ceramics, furniture, netsukes, inro, ivories, and prints. Bronze and marble sculpture, paintings, ceramics, glass, and French ivories comprise the 19th Century Collection. Religious icons, furniture, and 20th century works round out the Suraci Collection. The Suraci Gallery is located on the second floor of the Shields Center for Visual Arts.
Located in the lobby of the Insalaco Center for Studio Arts, the Kresge Gallery is a versatile exhibition, critique, and lecture space. An alternative venue to the formal art galleries, the Kresge Gallery provides a working and experimental exhibition site for art students and faculty to showcase a variety of work throughout each semester. Recent exhibitions include the Foundation Year student show, Senior Exhibition, Advanced Painting & Sculpture shows, MA shows, the Marywood Print Guild show, Design & Letterpress shows, art auctions, and Art Club shows.
Shields Center for Visual Arts
201 Jackson CourtMap & Directions
The Shields Center for Visual Arts provides classrooms and labs for the Graphic Design, Art Education, and Art Therapy programs. It also houses the Mahady, Suraci, and Maslow Art Galleries.
Learn More | Take a Virtual Tour
Visual Arts Classrooms
Map & Directions
The Shields Center for Visual Arts contains studios, classrooms, and labs for Art Therapy and Graphic Design majors.
Learn More | Take a Virtual Tour
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Insalaco Center for Studio Arts
2300 Adams AvenueMap & Directions
The Insalaco Center for Studio Arts contains 80,000 square feet of gallery space, naturally-lit drawing and painting studios, dark rooms, printmaking, woodworking, jewelery-making and ceramics studios, computer labs, and classrooms.
Learn More | Take a Virtual Tour
Studio Arts Classrooms
Map & Directions
Art education, ceramics, drawings/foundations, photography, painting, printmaking, and sculpture classes and facilities are located in the Insalaco Center for Studio Arts.
Learn More | Take a Virtual Tour
Mahady Art Gallery
Map & Directions
The Robert J. and Elizabeth FitzMartin Mahady Gallery, known more frequently as the Mahady Gallery, is located on the first floor of the Shields Center for Visual Arts, providing a spacious and dramatic setting for the display of contemporary artwork. Throughout the year, the gallery offers a variety of group and solo shows by visiting artists, juried regional competitions, faculty exhibits, student shows, and curated national exhibitions.
Learn More | Take a Virtual Tour
Maslow Study Gallery
Map & Directions
The Maslow Study Gallery, located on the first floor of the Shields Center for Visual Arts, is a learning laboratory, providing fieldwork experiences, internships, and opportunities in curatorial and exhibition studies to Marywood students. The Maslow Collection is one of the most significant and extensive collections of contemporary art in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Learn More | Take a Virtual Tour
Suraci Art Gallery
Map & Directions
The Suraci Gallery, located on the second floor of the Shields Center for Visual Arts, houses Marywood's permanent collection of fine and decorative art. Exhibitions in the Suraci Gallery showcase regional and national artists; support art faculty work and scholarship; provide degree research and documentation opportunities for current and alumni art students; and foster community outreach projects and interests.
Learn More | Take a Virtual Tour
.jpg/200w/99q)
Kresge Gallery
Map & Directions
Located in the lobby of the Insalaco Center for Studio Arts, the Kresge Gallery is a versatile exhibition, critique, and lecture space.
Learn More | Take a Virtual Tour
Scholarships
Morris K. Udall Scholarship
The Udall Foundation seeks future leaders across a wide spectrum of environmental fields, including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, and economics. The Foundation also seeks future Native American and Alaska Native leaders in public and community health care, tribal government, and public policy affecting Native American communities, including land and resource management, economic development, and education.
Tuition
View Tuition RatesArt Therapy Full-time Faculty
Our faculty comprises fully credentialed art therapists with expertise in various areas of practice.
Program Director
Jackalynn Wilson, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Marywood University faculty are prepared to provide students with the best learning experience possible.
80+ opportunities for you to find the right fit with 50+ undergraduate degrees and 30+ graduate and certificate courses.
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Fully Accredited
Marywood University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSHE).
The Marywood University Graduate Art Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (caahep.org ) upon the recommendation of The Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Hwy 19N, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL. 33763. 727-210-2350
Also accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
- Degree Completion Requirements
- Curricular and Co-Curricular Guides
- Academic History
- View Student Outcomes Data
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS / Association of Arts Administration Educators / College Art Association / National Art Education Association / Pennsylvania Art Education Association / Society of Illustrators
MISSION STATEMENT
The Graduate Art Therapy Program at Marywood University is built upon artistic, ethical, and spiritual values within a tradition of service to humankind. Our art therapy program provides a supportive framework for the enhancement of students’ capacity to utilize the therapeutic qualities of art making with a wide variety of populations. With this focus, there is an ongoing commitment to the integration of students’ learning domains in the areas of personal artistic growth, academic study, multicultural awareness and development of clinical skills to prepare competent entry-level Art Therapists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the job market.
Housed within the Art Department of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Art Therapy Program at Marywood University offers the an art based, humanistic approach taught by faculty who have wide ranges of expertise, are deeply committed to the profession of art therapy and strive toward the development of compassionate and competent future practitioners. The Graduate Art Therapy Program educates students so that they may serve as therapists with a profound appreciation of each human being in our interdependent world.
* All activities required in the program must be educational and students must not be substituted for staff.