Healing Through the Power of Art
Earn an MA in Art Therapy with options as ATR, LPCC, and MFT
MA in Art Therapy
As the only MA in Art Therapy program in Northern California, Dominican University of California offers an intimate on-campus learning environment designed to prepare students for successful careers in art therapy while encouraging the artistic and therapeutic process.
Program Highlights
- A vibrant alumni network and connections with organizations such as the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT), and the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).
- Our master's program is a clinical licensure course of study preparing students to apply for a Licensed Practical Clinical Counselors (LPCC) as registered Art Therapists (ATR).
- Small class sizes and individual faculty advising prepare students for successful careers.
- Continuing education unit training available (CEU).
- Complete your degree in 2-3 years.
The graduate Art Therapy Psychology programs offer robust education with a special emphasis on clinical practicum, art-based research, cultural humility, and international art therapy.
Gigi Gokcek, Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Education
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MA in Art Therapy
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, with one transcript showing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S., or equivalent academic preparation outside of the U.S. A bachelor’s degree in Art, Psychology, or Behavioral Science is preferred.
- Eighteen semester units (or 27 quarter units), in two- and three-dimensional studio art and design in a range of media, with at least three semester units in drawing, three semester units in painting, and three semester units in clay.
- A minimum of 12 semester units or 18 quarter units of study in psychology. Required classes are three units in each of the following: general psychology, lifespan developmental psychology (birth to death), abnormal psychology, and personality theory. A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better.
- Two professional or academic recommendation letters.
- A letter of intent regarding your interest in the profession of art therapy (three to four pages).
- A portfolio of 12 color images of personal artwork representing a range of media. Portfolios may be submitted online with JPEG or PowerPoint images.
- In-person or online interview.
Advanced Standing Track
The Master of Arts in Art Therapy Advanced Standing track is designed for students who already possess a master’s degree in a related mental health field. At the end of this 30-unit track, students will meet the requirements to sit for the exam to become a Registered Art Therapist (ATR).
Students may apply to enter in the fall and spring semesters and should meet the following requirements:
- Students must have completed and provided a transcript of a related master’s degree (minimum 48 semester units or 72 quarter units) from an accredited institution in the U.S. or equivalent academic preparation outside of the U.S.
- Related master’s degrees include expressive or creative arts therapies, counseling, social work, psychology, psychiatric nursing, and other mental health professions.
- Related degrees not tied to licensure include the fine arts, art education, and special education. Other related degrees may be considered with approval from the department chair.
- Eighteen semester units (or 27 quarter units), or the equivalent, in a range of media in studio art must be completed. A minimum of three semesters in each of the following is required: drawing, painting, and clay.
- Study in the following content areas at the graduate level: psychopathology, human growth and development across the lifespan, counseling and psychological theories, cultural and social diversity, assessment, and research.
- Two letters of recommendation, professional or academic.
- Portfolio of original artwork to demonstrate competence with a range of art materials; 10-12 JPEG images are preferred.
- A letter of intent regarding your interest in the profession of art therapy (three to four pages).
- In-person or online interview.
2026-2027 Tuition and Fees
MA in Art Therapy
| Application Deadlines | Tuition Rate Per Unit* | Units | Format and Length |
| Fall: June 1 Spring: Dec. 1 | $1,094 | 63 | In-person 36 months |
Advanced Standing Track
| Application Deadlines | Tuition Rate Per Unit* | Units | Format and Length |
| Fall: June 1 Spring: Dec. 1 | $1,094 | 30 | In-person 24 months |
Scholarships
Scholarships and grants are types of aid that do not have to be repaid and that can help to directly reduce your tuition expenses. Contact your admissions counselor for more information.
*Tuition and fees are set by the Dominican University of California Board of Trustees and may change at any time. Subsequent year calculations reflect a projected 3% annual increase.
Below you will find some of the courses you would be taking as an Art Therapy Psychology student:
- History and Foundations of Art Therapy
- Communication and Counseling Skills
- Advanced Human Development
- Methods of Group and Family Therapy
- Psychopathology
- Cross Cultural Issues
- Human Sexuality
- Psychopharmacology
- Professional Ethics and Law
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence: Assessment and Treatment
- Eldercare in the 21st Century
- Career Counseling
- Practicum
- Research: Thesis Completion
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