Art Therapy (Ph.D.)

Curriculum

Successful completion of the 60-credit hour Doctor of Philosophy in Art Therapy program includes coursework and a training practicum from those listed below.

Find course descriptions and more information in the Adler University course catalog here.

Social Justice Practicum

Doing is learning. A unique and proven program designed to give students real world experience throughout their time at Adler University, the Social Justice Practicum is a required 200-hour internship that spans four courses (or terms for online programs). Every student is given a number of civic-minded categories to choose from. They submit their desired areas of interest. After which, they are assigned a specific and aligned community outreach site where they will work 8 to 10 hours per week.

Student Outcomes

Our innovative program offers students who hold a master’s degree in art therapy, counseling, or related fields a unique opportunity to advance their career as a leader in the art therapy field. Focused on scholarship, socially conscious pedagogy, Adlerian principles, and art-making, our students train to be leaders, equipped with the real-world experience, research background, and intellectual curiosity needed to think deeply about human creative expression.

We offer an immersive learning experience that brings together an ambitious community of individuals on a state-of-the-art campus in the heart of downtown Chicago. Adler University is a nationally recognized pioneer in graduate education, training professionals who are committed to a more just society.

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the admission requirements common to all of the Adler graduate programs, applicants to this program are required to have:

• A master’s degree, by the date of matriculation, in art therapy or a related discipline from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a related field from an international institution.
• Applicants who did not graduate from Adler University’s Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy program or an equivalent program will be required to complete the equivalency requirements in addition to the doctoral curriculum.
• Proof of registration as an art therapist or 18 hours of studio credit hours.
• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in applicant’s graduate degree program.
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s likelihood of success in a doctoral program.

Applicants must submit the following in order to be considered for admission:

• Application for admission
• Proof of registration as an art therapist or 18 hours of studio credit
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview with a faculty member
• Official valid transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended (U.S and Canada)
  • Please have official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions
  • Unofficial transcripts may be accepted for any schools in which a degree was not received
  • International transcripts must be evaluated by a transcript evaluation service

Applicants who are graduates in good standing from Adler University’s Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy program may have one letter of recommendation and/or interview waived. Approved applicants will be invited to complete an interview with faculty. Please submit all application materials to the Office of Admissions prior to the application deadline.

Official transcripts should be sent to:

Adler University – Office of Admissions
17 N. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60602

Official electronic transcripts should be sent to [email protected].

For more information for International Applicants, click here.

Licensure

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for the following licensures:

• The credential of Registered Art Therapist (ATR) through the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) may be attained upon completing all necessary post-graduate training.
• The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in the state of Illinois.
• The Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credential in Illinois, upon completing all necessary post-graduate training. Students interested in applying for licensure elsewhere should work with their faculty advisors to plan their curriculum accordingly.
• The National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential, as well as sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) upon graduation.

Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate

Adler University offers a Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate that can be earned by students of the program for an additional 12 credit hours.

This program is accredited as an Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor Training Program by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. (IAODAPCA). The certification process is based on the Illinois Model for Certification of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselors.

Specifically, coursework provides education in the theories, techniques, and core functions of substance abuse counseling, focusing on evidence-based research and best practice standards from a social justice standpoint. Specialized practicum experience complements coursework.