Curriculum

Learn to guide change through
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Art Therapy Curriculum

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology: Art Therapy is a 63 credit hour program that includes coursework and a training practicum. Successful completion of the courses listed below. Course descriptions can be found in the Adler School Catalog.

  • PCO-210: Professional Development Seminar (0 credits)*
  • PCO-211: Community Service Seminar I (1 credit)*
  • PCO-212: Community Service Seminar II (1 credit)
  • PCO-213: Community Service Practicum I (1 credit)*
  • PCO-214: Community Service Practicum II (1 credit)*
  • MAT-344: Historical and Theoretical Perspectives of Art Therapy (3 credits)*
  • MAT-345: Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Art Therapy (3 credits)*
  • MAT-346: Use of Art in Group Therapy (3 credits)*
  • PCO-350: Community Psychology (3 credits)
  • PCO-402: Introduction to Adlerian Psychology and Psychopathology (3 credits)*
  • PCO-433: Parent Education: Adlerian Theory and Interventions (2 credits)
  • PCO-438: Introduction to Addictive Disorders (3 credits)
  • MAT-450: Lifespan Development in Art Therapy (3 credits)*
  • MAT-451: Socio-cultural and Multicultural Approaches in Art Therapy (3 credits)
  • MAT-452: Theories and Methods of Intervention in Art Therapy I: Families (3 credits)
  • MAT-453: Theories and Methods of Intervention in Art Therapy II (3 credits)*
  • MAT-466: Studio Art (3 credits)
  • MAT-467: MAT Practicum Seminar I (2 credits)
  • MAT-468: MAT Practicum Seminar II (2 credits)
  • PCO-472: Basic Skills for Psychotherapy (3 credits)*
  • MAT-480: MAT Practicum I (1 credit)
  • MAT-481: MAT Practicum II (1 credit)
  • PCO-497: Research Methods (3 credits)
  • MAT-505: Professional Development, Issues and Ethics in Art Therapy (3 credits)
  • PCO-520: Theories of Psychotherapy (3 credits)
  • PCO-569: Lifestyle and Career Development (3 credits)
  • PCO-647: Biopsychosocial Bases of Health and Dysfunction for Counselors (3 credits)
  • MAT-995: Master’s Clinincal Qualifying Examination

Total credit hours: 63

* = Required before beginning art therapy practicum

Practicum

An integral part of all Master's programs at the Adler School is supervised field placements. Ongoing involvement in clinical activities at professional training sites, including Adler Community Health Services, provides an opportunity to apply and further develop the knowledge, skills, values, and competencies gained in coursework.

In your first year, the Community Service Practicum focuses on developing skills for community-based interventions, advocacy, social justice, and systemic interventions that benefit human welfare and well-being. You’ll spend six to ten hours per week over the course of six months at an approved site while concurrently enrolled in required coursework. A minimum of 150 clock hours of Community Service Practicum is required.

In your second year, the practicum focuses on developing competencies required for entry-level practice upon graduation. Expect to spend at least two days per week over the course of at least nine months at an approved site while concurrently enrolled in two semesters of practicum seminars. Minimum total clock hours of practicums are required, as are prerequisite courses; see program descriptions for details.

The Director of Clinical Training and Community Service will work with you to identify and approve clinical experiences. Because the focus is on integrating Master's-level education with Master's-level clinical training, the Adler School does not grant transfer credit for practicum credits earned elsewhere. Please refer to the Practicum Handbook for detailed information.

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