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Combine creativity with your passion for helping others
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 Counseling and Art Therapy Program provides education and training in clinical mental health counseling and art therapy, preparing graduates for both licensure as professional clinical counselors and credentialing as art therapists. Students learn to aid clients in exploring personal potentials and problems through both visual and verbal expression.
Accreditation and Approvals
Ursuline's Counseling and Art Therapy program is accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the gold standard for such programs. It is also approved by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapy Board (OCSWMFT), and by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA).
Service Learning
Travel abroad to serve others, 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.
Students applying for admission must meet the general requirements for graduate admission and the following program requirements:
1. 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.
2. 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:
3. 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.
4. 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.
Graham Hunter Foundation Endowed 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/.
Graduates are 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.
