2022-2023 Graduate Course Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Art Therapy, MS


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Contact

Jennifer DeLucia
102 Shaffer Art Building, 315-396-8411

Faculty

Jennifer DeLucia, Emily Goldstein Nolan, Rochele Royster

Program Description

Art therapy uses visual and symbolic expression to circumvent the limitations of language, giving voice to experiences and providing opportunities to understand complex situations, illuminate new questions, and create alternative and innovative solutions to problems. Grounded in the healing potential of making, viewing, and engaging with art, The College of Visual and Performing Arts graduate art therapy program trains students to use art-based interventions with counseling when working with diverse populations in a range of clinical and community-based settings. Our 60-credit Master of Science in art therapy is a hybrid program that engages students in an integrated approach to learning that includes one required on-campus residency per academic year and participation in a dynamic on-line learning program. Experiential learning is employed throughout the curriculum to support students’ engagement with academic material while providing opportunities to use the ‘tools of the trade’ to integrate theory with practice as students prepare for clinical art therapy practice. Our small cohort size promotes a supportive and collaborative learning experience among students and faculty.

Student Learning Outcomes


1. Understand the historical development of Art Therapy as a profession, Art Therapy theories and techniques, as a foundation for contemporary Art Therapy professional practice.

2. Distinguish among the therapeutic benefits of a variety of art processes and media, strategies and interventions, and their applicability to the treatment process for individuals, groups, and families.

3. Recognize that Art Therapy, from a multicultural perspective, takes into consideration the specific values, beliefs, and actions influenced by a client’s race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, political views, sexual orientation, geographic region, physical capacity or disability, and historical or current experiences within the dominant culture.

4. Select culturally and developmentally appropriate assessment and evaluation methods and administer and interpret results to identify challenges, strengths, resilience, and resources for Art Therapy treatment planning.

5. Develop culturally appropriate, collaborative, and productive therapeutic relationships with clients.

6. Know federal and state laws and professional ethics as they apply to the practice of Art Therapy.

7. Recognize and respond appropriately to ethical and legal dilemmas using ethical decision-making models, supervision, and professional and legal consultation when necessary.

8. Recognize clients’ use of imagery, creativity, symbolism, and metaphor as a valuable means for communicating challenges and strengths and support clients’ use of art-making for promoting growth and well-being.

9. Recognize the legal, ethical, and cultural considerations necessary when conducting Art Therapy research.

10. Apply principles of human development, artistic and creative development, human sexuality, gender identity development, family life cycle, and psychopathology, to the assessment and treatment of clients.

11. Understand professional role and responsibility to engage in advocacy endeavors as they relate to involvement in professional organizations and advancement of the profession.

12. Continuously deepen self-understanding through personal growth experiences, reflective practice, and personal art-making to strengthen a personal connection to the creative process, assist in self-awareness, promote well-being, and guide professional practice.

13. Pursue professional development through supervision, accessing current Art Therapy literature, research, best practices, and continuing educational activities to inform clinical practice.

14. Recognize the impact of oppression, prejudice, discrimination, and privilege on access to mental health care, and develop responsive practices that include collaboration, empowerment, advocacy, and social justice action.

15. Understand the basic diagnostic process and the major categories and criteria of mental disorders, corresponding treatments, and commonly prescribed psychopharmacological medications.

Internship


Required Field Placement Experience

Thesis or Culminating Project


Required Research or Project

Elective Courses


12 Elective Credits Required. Students can select alternate electives with advisor and deparmental approval.

Program Total = 60 Credits


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