Home / Academics / Find a Program / Master of Arts in Counseling and Art Therapy Program | Ursuline College - Liberal Arts Education in Ohio
Combine creativity with your passion for helping others by earning a master's degree in counseling and art therapy.
Student works with client on art project
Student works with young client on art project
Student smiles while listening in class
Two students smiling while listening to professor in class
Closeup of student painting
Student draws during class
Five students laugh
Student works on art project
Closeup of student working with client on art project
Student listens intently to professor during class
Student takes notes during class
Ready to take the next step? Apply online and receive a decision within two weeks.
The Master of Arts in Counseling and Art Therapy program provides education and training in clinical mental health counseling and prepares competent, entry-level art therapists in the cognitive (knowledge, psychomotor skills) and affective (behavior) domains. Students learn to aid clients in exploring personal potentials and problems through both visual and verbal expression.
Through Ursuline's nationally recognized Counseling and Art Therapy master's program, you'll be prepared to work in a variety of clinical, educational, medical, and human-service settings. Because of our extensive network of partner institutions, you'll choose from a wide range of internship placements. We'll encourage you to develop areas of expertise in line with your own strengths and interests and we'll nurture your professional development.
Classes are offered in the late afternoon and evening to accomodate your job and internship obligations. Electives are offered in a workshop format, which allows you to attend two consecutive days followed by time to complete assignments. Workshop presenters include nationally known figures, authors, lecturers and experts in various approaches.
Upon graduating from Ursuline's Counseling and Art Therapy master's program, you'll meet the educational requirements for counseling licensure (LPC-Licensed Professional Counselor and LPCC-Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor) in Ohio, and the educational requirements for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board of Certifying Counselors. You'll meet the education requirements for national registration and board certification for art therapists (ATR-BC) through the Art Therapy Credentials Board, and may meet the educational requirements for counselor and/or art therapy licensure in many states. Licensure laws vary from state to state. If you live and plan to work outside of Ohio, we encourage you to check your own state's laws for licensure eligibility requirements.
After completing the program, you'll be prepared to work in a wide variety of clinical, educational, and human service institutions, including hospitals, children’s agencies, mental health and counseling centers, correctional and geriatric facilities, hospice care, and wellness centers to name a few. Graduates of Ursuline's Counseling and Art Therapy master's program are directors and supervisors in many facilities; they are board members of state and national organizations; educators; and professionals in private practice. The dual credential makes our graduates competitive and marketable!
If you already possess a master’s degree in a related field, we can design a course sequence to meet the educational standards for registration and certification as an art therapist, depending upon the current national standards of the Art Therapy Credentials Board.
The program is approved by the American Art Therapy Association (4875 Eisenhower Ave., Suite 240, Alexandria, VA, 22304, 888.290.0878) and accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 510, Alexandria, VA, 22314, 703.535.5990). Please note, the American Art Therapy Association approval process is changing to the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (4875 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 240, Alexandria, VA 22304, 724.830.1140). For more information on this process, please view this brochure. The program is currently in application for this accreditation.
Nine or ten times throughout the year, Counseling and Art Therapy faculty members host information sessions on campus to address any questions you may have. These are generally held on Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. We go over credentials, curriculum, the admission process and more. Scroll through our calendar for the next session and contact the Graduate Admission office to register.
Set on the green and tranquil Ursuline College campus, our program is housed in a new, state-of-the-art facility that includes studio and observation/taping areas and is conducive to the needs of creative people. Our on-campus Wasmer Gallery hosts a biennial art therapy show, The Healing Imagination, that is a venue for students, faculty, graduates and other professionals to exhibit.
Nearby Cleveland has a rich heritage for both counseling and art therapy, with pioneers in both fields having established training and delivery systems here. The Gestalt Institute, Jung Cleveland and major medical centers in the area offer many opportunities outside of the classroom. Learn more about Cleveland's cultural attractions.
Travel abroad to serve others, and in the process, increase awareness of global issues, seek justice and action, sow loving kindness, and explore the world outside of the privilege of living in the United States. Participating in Ursuline's Service Learning program will enhance your academic experience and broaden your world view. In recent years, Counseling and Art Therapy students have made service learning trips to Nepal, Peru, Hungary, Zimbabwe and Ecuador as well as regular visits to a Native American Indian reservation in South Dakota.
The suggested deadlines for applications to the Counseling and Art Therapy program are as follows:
We accept and admit students on a rolling basis throughout each semester.
Students applying for admission must meet the general requirements for graduate admission and the following program requirements:
A 3-5 page essay in APA format discussing the following:
Please note: This essay is in addition to the general essay on the graduate application form.
A portfolio brought to the interview prior to enrollment. Candidates completing prerequisite art courses must submit a partial portfolio for review, with follow-up work submitted after completing the art prerequisites. The portfolio should contain:
Prerequisite coursework:
18 semester hours in studio art that must include:
12 semester hours in psychology that must include:
At least 12 hours of the studio art and at least 9 hours of the psychology must be completed prior to starting the program. The remaining prerequisites must be completed within the first year of the program.
Some experience in working with people within a human service context is highly recommended.
Helen Dineen Scholarship
Ascholarship awarded on an annual basis to graduate students exhibiting a high level of academic scholarship, financial need and a desire to work with children. Students must complete a FAFSA and Scholarship Application Form. Eligible candidates will be sent the application materials from Graduate Studies, and the forms are to be returned to Mullen 302 by September 30.
Carol Hunter Kelley/GHF Scholarship
A Counseling and Art Therapy scholarship award granted to the College by Carol Kelley, class of 1989. For details please contact the Counseling and Art Therapy Department at 440 646 8139.
Sarah Scherer Memorial Fund
This scholarship was established in honor of Sarah Scherer, a counseling and art therapy student who died in a tragic accident while on vacation in Italy in the fall of 2007. Sarah was completing an internship at Signature Health, a community mental health agency where she also worked. Sarah’s creativity, compassion and wisdom were an inspiration to both her clients and fellow students. The recipient will receive a $2,000 scholarship and complete a paid internship at Signature Health.
American Art Therapy Association Scholarships
The AATA offers research grants and student scholarships. For details on eligibility and how to apply, visit https://arttherapy.org/scholarships/.
Housing Scholarship
If you live more than 50 miles from Ursuline College, are admitted to the Counseling and Art Therapy program, and have completed the FAFSA, you are eligible to apply for a housing scholarship. The application is available here and must be submitted by July 15.
