The Master of Arts in Art Therapy (MAAT) Program provides a holistic education while centering the t art and studio-based practices of art therapy.  This studio-based program is designed to meet the Educational Standards set forth by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) and the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). At a minimum, the program prepares competent entry level Art Therapists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Central to the program’s philosophy is the development of the creative student as a mental health professional with education and experience in all aspects of the therapeutic relationship. The program’s foundation in art enables the student to hone the studio practices that are essential in working alongside individuals, groups and communities.   Through critical examinations of socio-cultural factors and studio art applications, the student is prepared to function as a competent, ethical, creative, and compassionate art therapist within a variety of treatment settings.

Cedar Crest College’s MAAT program offers students a comprehensive education in the field of art therapy. Because the program prepares students for the sensitive task of addressing emotional, psychological, and social issues with art therapy clients, the aim of the curriculum is to balance clinical skill development with self-examination. The study of art therapy is combined with courses in studio art, psychotherapy, and counseling to foster cultural competence and to develop the student’s knowledge of and ability to work with diverse populations.

Program Mission

The MAAT Program furthers the College’s mission preparing ethical art therapists skilled in the use of visual art media, materials, and processes in collaboration with others to enhance emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth and transformation.

The program aligns with the mission of Cedar Crest College. The MAAT program helps students develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to be culturally sensitive, reflexive and engaged art therapists.  These skills include the ability to think critically about systems, groups, and individuals the influence of cultural background and intersecting identities on professional work and on the impact of socio-cultural factors in education, research and practice. Further, in accordance with the colleges commitment to empowering students to be ethical, engaged, and responsible members of their communities, MAAT students develop the skills needed to be culturally aware and engage in sensitive art therapy and counseling practices while also engaging in deep self-exploration. 

MAAT students address the College’s commitment to promoting a more humane and just society through the development of ethical practices.  MAAT students learn to ethically and sensitively use art media, materials, processes, and interactions to address, enhance and further collaboratively identified goals. They responsibly bring their creative abilities to working with others in addressing individual, group, cultural and systemic challenges that face the communities and individuals with whom they work.  Additionally, MAAT students commit to the ethical codes of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), Art Therapy Credentialing Board (ATCB) and the American Counseling Association (ACA). 

Finally, MAAT students enhance their leadership skills by developing a strong professional identity as an art therapist.  They engage with the local and national community of art therapists working to advocate for those with whom they work while advancing the goals of the field.  Further, our students build upon their leadership skills through their hands-on work as scholars and practitioners in their communities.

Program Goals and Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

1. Develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to enter the field as competent entry level art therapists.   
2. Develop a strong professional identity as an art therapist/counselor.  
3. Know and apply professional codes of ethics to the clinical and community-based practice of art therapy.  
4. Develop collaborative relationships to address inequities and improve outcomes.  
5. Commit to an on-going practice of self-reflexivity and growth.  
6. Nurture and sustain their connection to art making through continued creative practice.  

MAAT Program

The 60-credit Master of Art in art therapy program is designed to meet the needs of a diverse student body to include first-generation and non-traditional students, working students, and those students with family and community commitments.  The Program offers flexibility in course sequencing, course instruction (face-to-face, synchronous online, asynchronous online and hybrid courses), and time to degree completion.  Courses are offered in the evenings in the fall, spring and summer semesters.  Students are expected to enroll in classes during all three semesters. 

The MAAT Program offers students the opportunity to complete their degree in two different formats: traditional and low residency. Students in both programs receive the same high-quality studio-based education, learn from experienced professionals, and gain hands-on experience in the field through practicum and internships in their local communities.

Traditional students attend their classes primarily on campus. Most of their courses are taught face-to-face with their hands-on learning occurring in the physical classrooms and studios.  While a few classes are offered online using a synchronous or asynchronous format, students are expected to be on campus for most of their time in our program. Traditional students choose from three full-time and one part-time options for completing their degree. Full-time students can complete the program in 2, 2.5 or 3 years depending on their educational track. Part time students take 2 courses a semester and graduate in 4 years.    

Enrollment in the Master of Arts in Art Therapy Low-Residency program at Cedar Crest College allows students to complete 60 credits in three years while maintaining work and family commitments through distance education.  Low-residency students attend an on-campus residency for two weeks over the summer. During the residency they experience the hands-on learning needed for the in-person craft of art therapy, guided by professors who are innovative and experienced professionals in the field. The two residencies take place in the summer.  Classes offered during residency periods occur during the daytime.  Dates of the summer residency period will be provided during registration meetings with the Program Director. 

Faculty

The MAAT Faculty consists of distinguished and highly skilled professionals with subject knowledge.  The entire art therapy faculty are board-certified art therapists with expertise and practical experience working with individuals, groups and communities in a variety of settings.  Faculty who are allied professionals are highly qualified credentialed experts with practical experience working with others in their respective fields.

The professional knowledge and experience of our faculty ensures that students learn from faculty from a variety of theoretical orientations with diverse experiences working in the field.  Additionally, faculty have a diverse range of scholarly and studio achievements including international presentations, publications, exhibitions, active professional membership, and service in state and national associations in addition to their ongoing professional practice.

Coursework

Students must complete sixty (60) credits to be eligible to receive the Master’s Degree. Core credits are in art therapy, psychology/counseling, and artistic materials and methods. In addition, each student must complete 900 hours of fieldwork experience and prepare a culminating project in order to qualify and apply for degree candidacy.

Internship Experience

The MAAT Program prepares students to become competent entry level art therapists.  In addition to their academic coursework, students build their clinical skills and professional identities by working with diverse populations in a range of clinical and community-based settings.  The internship program is fully supervised by program faculty who are Board Certified, Registered Art Therapists as well as on-site professionals who have a minimum of a master’s degree in art therapy or a related field. 

Internship is a time of immense personal and professional growth. Internship experiences provide students with the opportunity to translate their coursework into action. During internship experiences, students develop and hone the skills necessary to succeed as an entry level art therapist. During their internship experiences, students begin to formulate their individual art therapist identities and learn how and where their unique skills and abilities intersect with the field of art therapy and in their work alongside individuals, groups, and communities.

Students are required to complete 900 total hours of internship experience under the supervision of qualified professionals over four semesters.  Students must enroll in a 3.0 credit designated course in Internship/Supervision each semester of the internship sequence. Students obtain 225 hours of internship experience at their sites, 112.5 of which are direct client contact, each semester.  Students typically participate in 12-15 hours of internship per week during each academic semester.  

Please note that it is the responsibly of each student to obtain their internship placement

Each internship setting holds different expectations for interns. Sites may require information such as but not limited to:

• the student’s current health and immunization records,
• site-specific health clearances such as PPD testing,
• seasonal flu shot,
• physical examination,
• drug testing prior to starting clinical hours
• Background checks which may include a Criminal Record Check; Child Abuse Clearance; and/or FBI Fingerprinting

All students are required to follow The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability

Act (HIPAA) for confidentiality as well as the Code of Ethics outlined by the American Art Therapy Association and the Art Therapy Credentials Board at all times while at their internship sites. 

Culminating project

The Culminating Project (CP) provides students in their final year of the program with an opportunity to demonstrate that they possess the essential skills required for the master’s degree in art therapy. The process is mentored by a qualified faculty advisor who works closely with students to complete the CP.  The CP process requires students to work creatively and independently, to synthesize and integrate learning bridging theory and practice, and to share their understanding of issues relevant to the current practice of art therapy. These skills are demonstrated through the creation of a scholarly paper incorporating research, artistic inquiry and the integration of personal insights with established theory and practice. 

Students identify a research question which reflects their professional interests, clinical practices, and personal experiences as they relate to the field at large. Students explore their questions first through completion of a thorough literature review and then through a systematic art-based process of inquiry. Finally, students integrate insights which emerged through their artistic and clinical practices with the published literature to generate new knowledge and to move the field forward 

Specific information regarding timeline, deadlines and a full outline of requirements can be found on the “Art Therapy Student” page of MyCC in the “Culminating Project Guidelines.” 

Required Curriculum

Core Courses (42 credits)

ATP 501 Research Design and Methodology (3 credits)
ATP 505 Theories and Systems of Counseling Psychology (3 credits)
ATP 520 History and Theory of Art Therapy (3 credits)          
ATP 533 Family Art Therapy (3 credits)
ATP 534 Psychopathology (3 credits)
ATP 539 The Studio as a Therapeutic Environment (3 credits) ATP 544 Lifestyle and Career Development (3 credits) 
ATP 545 Materials and Techniques of Art Therapy Practices (3 credits) 
ATP 547 Investigations in the Treatment of Trauma (3 credits)
ATP 549 Cultural Perspectives in Art Therapy (3 credits)
ATP 552 Group Art Therapy (3 credits)
ATP 555 Professional Ethics for Art Therapists (3 credits)
ATP 559 Human Growth and Development (3 credits)
ATP 575 Theories of Assessment in Art Therapy (3 credits)
ATP 620 Culminating Project (3 credits)

Internship Experience (12 credits)

ATP 601 Internship/Group Supervision (3 credits)
ATP 602 Internship/Group Supervision (3 credits)
ATP 603 Internship/Group Supervision (3 credits)
ATP 604 Internship/Group Supervision (3 credits)

Electives (6 credits)*

ATP 537 Advanced Topics in Art Therapy Material and Methods (3 credits)
ATP 572 Art Therapy in the Treatment of Addictions (3 credits)
*Additional electives are provided every other year under the “Special Topics” heading

Preparation for Registration and Licensure

The MAAT program provides a curriculum that fulfills the current Art Therapy Credentials Board Registration (ATR) and Board Certification (BC) guidelines and qualifies graduates to apply for the Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential offered through the Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs State Board of Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors.

The Cedar Crest MAAT program meets the educational requirements to apply for credentials through the ATCB. Graduates may choose to complete the required post-graduate supervised experience hours and to sit the ATCBE examination. 

In conjunction with the national credentials, art therapists may seek professional licensure. Licensure is a process regulated by each individual state. As of 2021, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New Mexico, Kentucky, Mississippi, Maryland, and Oregon offer an art therapy specific license. Additionally, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Utah regulate art therapy under another professional license. Out-of-state students should consult with an advisor about licensure before admittance to the program. 

Students receiving transfer credits toward the MAAT from previous graduate coursework are advised to contact the licensure board in the state or country in which they plan to practice, to ensure those credits will count toward the total number of credits needed to fulfill requirements for licensure application in that jurisdiction.

It is strongly recommended that graduates who choose to apply for the LPC credential do so immediately following completion of the MAAT degree, as the requirements for this credential are periodically revised. Graduates who pursue the licensure option after graduation are advised to make use of the many study manuals and test-preparation courses available.  

Professional Licensing Disclosure

The Art Therapy and Counseling program’s 60-credit curriculum is designed to meet the Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) educational requirements. Be advised, however, that licensure requirements vary widely from state to state, and may change at any time. Therefore, it is imperative that if you reside outside the state of Pennsylvania, that you discuss your future licensure plans with your advisor when applying to the program or when moving to another state during your program completion.  

General Admissions Requirements

Students are admitted to graduate programs at Cedar Crest College on the basis of individual qualifications. Requests for application materials and all correspondence relating to admission should be addressed to:

Cedar Crest College
School for Adult and Graduate Education
100 College Drive
Allentown, PA 18104-6196
USA
Phone: 1-610-740-3770
Email:
Fax: 1-610-740-3786

Online Application Materials:
http://sage.cedarcrest.edu/graduate/master-of-arts-in-art-therapy/

On the Allentown, Pennsylvania campus, the main office for the School for Adult and Graduate Education is located in Blaney Hall, Room 105. The office is open Monday through Thursday,

 8:30 a.m. –  6:30 p.m. Eastern Time;
Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Students are encouraged to contact the College to discuss their educational plans. Upon request, arrangements can be made to discuss curriculum requirements including internships and culminating project as well as AATA and ATCB guidelines with the Program Director of the MA in Art Therapy, Laura Teoli ().

For more information, please contact the staff at the School of Adult and Graduate Education (SAGE).

Applications for the MA in Art Therapy are accepted and reviewed at specific intervals throughout the year. Application deadlines appear on the program website and accepted students are admitted to the MA in Art Therapy program in the fall and spring.  Traditional (face-to-face) students typically begin the program in the fall, while low residency (distance) students typically begin the program in the spring. 

MA Application Requirements

In order to be considered for admission to the program, applicants must submit the following items:

• A completed graduate application form (online).
• Official undergraduate transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• A minimum of eighteen (18) credits of study in studio art which demonstrates a developed commitment in art making and creative processes.  It is important that the applicant evidence a range of experience using a variety of art materials.
• Psychology coursework at a minimum of twelve (12) credits which must include developmental psychology and abnormal psychology. In some cases, students may require only nine (9) credits of psychology coursework which must include developmental psychology and abnormal psychology. Students are advised to reach out to SAGE and/or the program director to discuss the necessary pre-requisites.  The applicant must have accomplished a “C” or better in all prerequisite psychology courses. 
• A 500-750 word personal essay that includes the following areas:
  • Describe the focus of your art making.
  • How did you come to choose art therapy as the focus of your graduate level education?
  • What are your future goals as a professional art therapist?
  • How will the MA in Art Therapy program at Cedar Crest College help you succeed in meeting these goals?
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals (one must be from a previous faculty or course instructor) who can assess your qualifications and potential related to the demands of graduate study.
• A current résumé detailing any human service experience including relevant volunteer or employment experience.
• A portfolio including 12-16 examples of artwork that demonstrates familiarity with both 2D and 3D media and processes. If previous coursework was completed outside of the United States, applicants must have their academic degree validated as equivalent to a degree in the United States through a non-profit credential-evaluation agency, such as:

World Education Services
PO Box #745
Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10011
USA
1 -212-966-6311/www.wes.org

A $250 non-refundable deposit will be required for all admitted students to save one’s place in the program.

Admissions Decisions

The primary goal of the MAAT application and admission process is to ensure the best possible match between the program’s requirements and offerings, and the candidate’s strengths, professional interests, and educational needs.  It is in the best interest of applicants and the program (as well as future clients) to establish an amiable pairing between the applicant’s potential and the demands of the profession. 

To achieve this match, candidates are carefully evaluated in the areas of interpersonal skills, academic performance, relevant human service experience, creativity and overall readiness for graduate education in art therapy.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that each of these areas is directly and adequately addressed in his or her application materials. Given the competitive nature of the admission process, significant deficiencies in one or more of these areas are likely to undermine an applicant’s chances for acceptance into the MAAT program.

The MAAT Program Director, in consultation with SAGE Graduate Admissions and art therapy faculty members, will make final admission decisions based upon a full review of each applicant’s submitted materials. Admissions decisions are based on review of the application portfolio, application essay, writing sample, letters of recommendation, and art and psychology coursework indicated in transcripts as well as listed experience in the résumé.  Each applicant is considered from a holistic perspective.

Art Portfolio

The applicant must have a minimum of 18 credits in studio art courses which include experiential learning in the media, tools, and methods of both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional art.  The portfolio review will be based on representation of a high level of investigation in a variety of studio materials and techniques.

Academic performance

The applicant’s transcripts are reviewed for completion of the prerequisite course work in psychology and studio art, as well as for overall academic achievement.  Because graduate art therapy education must meet rigorous standards set forth by the American Art Therapy Association and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, it is important that applicants possess a high level of critical thinking and writing skills.  Letters of reference from college or university faculty are highly valued in considering previous academic accomplishments.

Note: Interested applicants missing three or more prerequisite courses cannot be considered for admission and should delay application in order to allow for sufficient time to complete undergraduate coursework.

Human service experience

The applicant’s résumé, personal essay, letters of recommendation and interview are the primary means of assessing the student’s level of human service experience prior to applying for the MAAT program.  A strong candidate will also possess significant experience working with people in counseling, social service, recreation, or education programs or have significant volunteer experiences in human service organizations. 

Interpersonal skills

The ability to function within a variety of roles is an essential aspect of the work of the art therapist including the ability to interact productively with others, to express one-self in a professional manner, and to listen effectively. The art therapist must be a team member, a group leader, an advocate for the profession, and a person skilled in developing and maintaining therapeutic relationships with individuals while preserving an environment conducive to art making. 

Consideration is given to the applicant’s maturity, relational skills, experience in personal counseling/therapy, self-awareness, emotional stability, ethical integrity, and readiness for the personal demands of graduate art therapy education. 

The applicant’s interpersonal skills are evaluated through review of the letters of recommendation and the interview process.  The personal essay and interview are appropriate times for the applicant to highlight the above areas as they relate to an overall readiness for the Master of Arts in Art Therapy program at Cedar Crest College.

Matriculation

Matriculation is required for any student who plans to receive financial aid or a graduate degree. A student applies for matriculation by submitting a completed application for admission to the School for Adult and Graduate Education. After submitting a complete application, students receive a letter from the College informing them of the decision concerning their acceptance as a degree candidate. Students are matriculated into the program once they are registered for classes during their first semester of academic study. The date of matriculation is the first day of classes in the term in which the student is enrolled after having satisfied all matriculation requirements.

Transfer Credit

A minimum of 48 credit hours must be completed in residence at Cedar Crest College. Up to 12 graduate transfer credits (from previous master’s degrees in a related area) may be requested at the time of application for admission and are subject to approval at that time.

For transfer courses to be counted toward the MA in Art Therapy, they must have earned an equivalent grade of “B” or higher, or “Pass” if graded Pass/Fail. Once matriculated into the program, students will not receive any credit for graduate coursework taken at another institution.

Art therapy courses completed at institutions outside the United States must be equivalent to graduate level as verified through a non-profit credential-evaluation agency such as World Education Services (www.wes.org).

Degree Program Retention Policy

Competencies

Students must achieve academic competency standards outlined in the 2016 CAAHEP/ACATE “Curriculum Competency Requirements for Educational Programs in Art Therapy” in order to obtain the MAAT degree.  In order for the MAAT program to quantitatively measure these outcomes, the core curriculum of the program follows a competency-based structure that incorporates assignment descriptions, rubrics, and competency exams for the assessment of student learning. 

Students who receive a “B” or higher or a grade of “P” (or “Pass” for a course that is listed as Pass/Fail) will maintain normal progress through the program. Any grade earned that is lower than a “B” will require review by the program director under the expectation that the student will retake the course in order to achieve the minimum “B” grade.  All grades are part of the annual review process and documented for each student.  Students who receive a grade of “F” (or “Fail”) in any three courses or who receive a grade of “F” (or “Fail”) in the same course twice may be dismissed from the program. Within 30 days of notification, students may appeal program dismissals through a letter to the MAAT Program Director. Appeals are granted at the discretion of the MAAT Program Director, and they otherwise follow the appeal process outlined in the Cedar Crest College Graduate Program Catalog.

Academic Standards

The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) requires students to maintain a 3.0 GPA.  Failure to meet this standard may result in the ATCB rejecting coursework necessary to apply for registration as an art therapist.  Subsequently, the MAAT Program requires students to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better to advance in the program.

Students who receive a grade of B- or lower in any class are subject to review by the Program Director in addition to the procedures outlined in Section IV-Student Performance in this handbook.

Repeating or Withdrawing from a Course

Students who withdraw from a required MAAT course must inform the MAAT Program Director, in writing, within 15 days of the withdrawal date. The student is responsible for submitting a proposed alternative schedule for academic progress which identifies when the course will be retaken to maintain annual progress toward the degree. Approval of repeat courses is granted at the discretion of the MAAT Program Director and depends upon faculty availability.

Students who withdraw from or receive a grade of “B-” or lower  in a required MAAT course may petition, in writing, to the MAAT Program Director to retake the course so as to maintain annual progress toward the degree. Such petitions must be submitted within 15 days after the end of the withdrawn or failed course, and they must specify a proposed alternative schedule for degree progress. Petitions are granted at the discretion of the MAAT Program Director, and approval of repeat courses depends upon faculty availability.

If a course is repeated, the higher grade earned is computed into the student’s grade point average, however, both grades appear on the permanent record. Repeating courses may affect a student’s satisfactory academic progress requirement for receipt of financial aid; therefore, the student should consult the Student Financial Services Office for information.

Academic Standing, Progression, and Dismissal Policy

The MAAT Program faculty is responsible for educating students and determining every student’s capacity for professional competency and responsibility in an art therapist’s knowledge, behavior, and skills. To do so, the MAAT faculty developed academic performance standards and professional behavior for art therapy students consistent with the guidance provided by the ATCB, AATA, ACATE and the state of Pennsylvania.  Faculty collectively reviews student progress each year.

The progress of each student through the curriculum requires continuous development of professional behaviors and satisfactory academic performance. Satisfactory academic progress is evidenced by a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and completion of all program requirements.

A student who receives a deficient (D) or failing (F) grade in any course will be subject to review and may not be eligible for continuation in the program and/or may be subject to dismissal. Dismissal from the program requires a majority vote by the core MAAT Faculty and Department Chair. A student can only repeat one course while in the Program. If a class is repeated, the higher grade earned is computed into the student’s grade point average.

Students are responsible for monitoring their academic progress. A student who does not maintain a 3.0 GPA or demonstrates conduct in violation of ethical or professional standards is eligible for probation or could be dismissed from the program. A student placed on academic probation will remain on probation until they obtain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher and have demonstrated behavior consistent with the discipline. A student on academic probation must meet with the MAAT Program Director to implement a plan of action. Students will be permitted to begin their internship experiences only after demonstration of appropriate professional and academic behaviors as documented in their Internship Readiness Evaluation.  Students will be permitted to progress to the next level of internship only after successfully completing all requirements and demonstrating appropriate professional behaviors expected during the lower-level internship.

Academic Warning, Probation, and Dismissal

Students in the MAAT Program are expected to adhere to all college and program policies, rules, and procedures during their tenure in the MAAT Program.  Further, they are required to follow the discipline-specific and ethical requirements of the profession in relation to professionalism and academic work. These requirements apply to all on-site, off-site, virtual/online program sponsored or structured activities as well as to performance during internships or field work.  

Scholastics and professional competencies determine academic standing.  It is not sufficient to meet standards in only one of these categories.  Students must demonstrate overall satisfactory performance.  Professional competency includes behavior and demeanor. It is demonstrated through communication; emotional, cognitive, and physical abilities; stress management; academic performance; and professionalism. Deficiencies in academic or professional competencies are grounds for review and may result in dismissal from the program.

Students who do not continue to meet criteria as outlined in the “Graduate Education: Academic Philosophies and Policies” document http://www.cedarcrest.edu/ca/offices/pdf/BOOKSEVEN2015FINAL.pdf or who are identified by program faculty (through course competencies), by internship supervisors (through evaluation processes), and through any other means of student evaluation (besides annual student reviews) as not possessing the skills necessary to work in a professional setting may be subject to further evaluation. Students who require an additional review are subject to:

• academic warning;
• academic probation;
• dismissal from the program.

Any student who earns an “unsatisfactory” mid-term evaluation from any internship site supervisor will receive academic warning status. If the student receives an unsatisfactory final evaluation from the site supervisor, the student will be placed on academic probation.

Probation is an “alert” or “early warning” status and indicates that a crucial aspect of the student’s educational performance is unsatisfactory, and that the student has exhibited professional, interpersonal, or academic deficiencies.

Dismissal from the program may be implemented if any of the following areas are identified at any time during the student’s education:

• An unsatisfactory progress review in which the faculty identify serious professional, interpersonal, or academic deficiencies.
• Failure in any of the Internship/Group Supervision courses.
• Justifiable expulsion, based on performance, from a placement site.

Leaves of Absence

Students who wish to take a leave or withdraw from the program are asked to complete the official Withdrawal or Leave of Absence Application which can be found on My.CedarCrest. Any graduate student who is not enrolling in an upcoming term for any reason other than graduation is expected to complete this form. This includes students who are leaving Cedar Crest completely as well as those who are taking time off with plans to return to Cedar Crest in the future. Students who are taking a Leave of Absence must indicate in which term they plan to return. The data collected through this form helps ensure accurate student records, assists in the budgeting and course planning process, and streamlines Academic Service’s registration outreach process.

Students needing to take a formal Leave of Absence from the MAAT program, in addition to completing the application, must first request the LOA in writing to and gain approval from the MAAT Program Director. The student is responsible for submitting a proposed alternative schedule which identifies when the coursework will be resumed and the date of expected degree completion. The granting of the requested leave is at the discretion of the MAAT Program Director. A granted leave of absence may affect timely completion of the culminating project (CP), but has no bearing on the maximum period of completion of the CP.

Students who discontinue normal progression through the MAAT program, but do not submit a formal leave of absence to the Program Director will remain as an active student within the program for one full year starting from the last date of the last semester completed. An extended absence in which the student is not enrolled in program coursework for more than one year and without request made to the MAAT Program Director will be withdrawn from the program.

Overall Student Evaluation

Ongoing evaluation by the MAAT faculty is supplemented by a formal progress review in the spring of each academic year.  This review process includes a self-evaluation form completed by the student, a faculty evaluation form completed by each of the student’s instructors, and a meeting between the student and program director to discuss the student’s overall progress in the program.  All aspects of the curriculum (clinical and cultural competence, interpersonal skills, and academic performance) are reviewed. 

A satisfactory performance evaluation on each review is necessary for the student to advance to the next phase of the educational program.  Occasionally, problems arise for individual students between regularly scheduled reviews and the program director and/or faculty may address these issues by calling an additional review outside of the regularly scheduled review times.

During the review process students are also highly encouraged to provide an overall evaluation of the MAAT program including effectiveness of the curriculum, faculty, program director, learning environment, and available internships. 

Completion of the Graduate Program and Graduation

The College officially confers degrees for graduates in August, January, and May. To successfully complete the Master of Arts in Art Therapy degree, a student must adhere to the following:

• Successfully complete all the requirements for the program.
• Complete all required coursework for the program, as outlined in the MAAT “Program of Study,” with a grade of “B” or higher or “P” (“Pass”). Please review the Retention Policy for more information.
• Apply to the Registrar for graduation at least three months prior to the graduating semester; or, in the case of students with candidacy extensions, apply prior to the date established by the Registrar for one of the College’s scheduled graduation dates (fall, spring, or summer).
• Fulfill all financial responsibilities to the College.

In addition to the requirements of the College, students enrolled in the MAAT Program must complete the following to be eligible for graduation:

• Students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours, including all required academic coursework, fieldwork experiences, and the Culminating Project.
• Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.
• Students must successfully complete 900 hours of internship which adhere to the guidelines in the internship handbook.
• Students must complete and present their Culminating Project within two years of completing their core art therapy courses.
• Students must complete an Application for Graduation Form following the timeline identified by the Office of Registrar. The Program Director will audit program criteria for full compliance with graduation requirements and submit a final letter of approval to the Office of the Registrar upon a determination that students have met all graduation requirements as indicated above.

To participate in Commencement, students must be certified for graduation by their department chair and/or program director and must be registered for the courses that will satisfy degree requirements in their entirety within four months of the ceremony date.  Such students who participate in Commencement but fail to satisfy degree requirements are not and shall not be considered to have graduated from the degree program.

MAAT graduates are welcome to participate in the annual May commencement ceremony held on the Allentown, PA, USA campus. However, students may participate in only one Commencement ceremony per academic degree.

Maximum Period of Candidacy

The MA in Art Therapy program is designed to be completed by full-time students in as few as two years (6 semesters). Students who have completed all required coursework for the MAAT but have not submitted a finished culminating project (ATP 620) for review and approval by the due date at the end of the final semester of enrollment must register for ATP 690 Culminating Project: Maintenance of Candidacy (1 credit) during each fall and spring semester until they complete the program. Once the culminating project has met “approval” status, the student is eligible to graduate from the program and receive the MAAT degree. In all instances, the MAAT program must be completed within 2 years after all other coursework has been completed.

The maximum amount of time for completion of CP is 2 years (including the initial enrollment in ATP 620).  If the statute of limitations is reached without an approved CP, the student will receive no credit for the grade, and becomes ineligible to receive the MAAT degree.

Graduate 2023-2024 Tuition and Fees

MAAT Graduate Tuition, per credit $888.00
Deposit (non-refundable) due upon acceptance to the program $250.00
Master’s Thesis Binding Fee (non-refundable) (ATP 620) $100.00
Full-Time/Part-Time Student Activity Fee, per semester (Fall/Spring) $20.00
Full-Time Technology Fee, per semester (Fall/Spring) $100.00
Part-Time Technology Fee, per semester (Fall/Spring) $50.00

Masters of Art Therapy Fees course fees range between $10 to $40

Note: The College reserves the right to change fees and charges as necessary. Books, supplies, lab materials and other program costs are not included in the tuition. The deposit is credited toward the tuition cost for the first semester.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are designed to promote the educational goals and objectives of the master’s program by providing students with opportunities to actively participate in a range of program and community experiences that serve to promote the mastery of knowledge and practice in the field of art therapy.

To be eligible to receive an assistantship, a student must:

1. Have completed all undergraduate prerequisites for the master’s program.
2. Have completed at least 12 credits of graduate art therapy coursework.
3. Submitted an assistantship application to the Program Director.

The available assistantship is held by the student recipient over the course of one academic year and is awarded on a competitive basis by the Program Director in consultation with the art therapy graduate faculty. The Program Director provides the final decision in regard to the award recipient and this decision is not subject to appeal.

Graduate Program Handbook

Each student has access through the MyCC website to a copy of the Graduate Program Handbook prepared specifically for the Master of Arts in Art Therapy. The purpose of the handbook is to provide students with information pertaining to the curricular requirements, policies, and procedures associated with the program. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves and understanding the information presented in the Graduate Program Handbook. MAAT students are also bound by policies established by Cedar Crest College for graduate students, as indicated in the Graduate Catalog, Faculty Handbook, or other official college publications. Questions regarding the content of the handbook or other graduate student policies should be directed to the MAAT Program Director.

MA Program Course Registration

Course registration is available to graduate students in good financial standing with the College. If a student is not financially eligible to register, the student may not register online or with a completed registration form in the Registrar’s Office until that hold is removed. A copy of the registration will be kept in the Registrar’s Office until notification of a change in the student’s status is received from Student Financial Services. Policies pertaining to online course registration vary across programs.

The MAAT program may enroll its students, at the direction of the MAAT Program Director, in the appropriate courses needed to maintain the degree progress specified . Students who do not wish to enroll in summer, fall, or spring MAAT courses must notify the Program Director prior to the first day of class, or they may drop courses themselves using either the Registrar Office’s online or print procedures prior to the end of the Add/Drop period established by the College. Students so enrolled are academically responsible for any coursework and are financially responsible for any tuition or fees associated with a course.

Procedures for Course Enrollment

Students meet with their advisors each semester to determine the courses for which they will register. Students are assigned an advisor upon entry to the MAAT Program. Students elect their program and track at the time of admission.   

Students in their first semester of the MAAT Program will be enrolled by their advisors.  After the first semester, students meet with their advisors to discuss their upcoming classes and will enroll themselves in the courses and sections approved by their advisor.  All course registration is completed online through the My Cedar Crest website. 

Course Sequencing for Traditional Students 

Traditional MAAT Students are admitted in the Fall semester.  They typically follow the course sequence associated with their program, track and expected completion date.  Full-time traditional (on-campus) students choose from three options with expected completion in August (4 classes/semester) of their second year or January (3 classes/semester) of their third year.  

Students are expected to meet with and discuss their courses with their advisor prior to enrolling. It is strongly recommended that students follow the designated course sequences.  In certain circumstances students may wish to take a course out of sequence.  This can be done with the express approval of their advisor. 

Traditional students enroll in the on-campus sections of their courses. Students may not elect to enroll in low-residency courses unless they are admitted as low-residency students or receive Program Director approval to do so. 

Course Sequencing for Full-Time Low-Residency Students 

Low-residency students are admitted in the Spring semesters.  They typically follow the designated low-residency course sequence and enroll in the low-residency specific sections of their classes.  Students expect to complete the program in Fall of their third year. 

Students are expected to meet with and discuss their courses with their advisor prior to enrolling in their courses. It is strongly recommended that students follow the designated course sequences.  In certain circumstances students may wish to take a course out of sequence.  This can be done with the express approval of their advisor. 

Low-residency students enroll in the off-campus/online sections of their courses. Students may not elect to enroll in traditional on-campus courses (aside from the summer residency) unless they are admitted as traditional students. 

Professional Organizations for Students

Cedar Crest College’s MA in Art Therapy is an institutional member of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) (www.arttherapy.org). The AATA is “an organization of professionals dedicated to the belief that making art is healing and life enhancing.  Its mission is to serve its members and the general public by providing standards of professional competence, and developing and promoting knowledge in, and of, the field of art therapy.”

Matriculated students in the MAAT program are entitled to enroll as student members in the AATA to receive benefits that include access to the job postings and an archive of past editions of the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association.  Additional benefits can be found on the organization’s website.