Master of Art in Art Therapy

Our distinctive studio-based program—now with both on-campus and low-residency options—primes you for a career that incorporates a passion for art with a compassion for people. 

The first of its kind in the Lehigh Valley, Cedar Crest’s Master of Art in Art Therapy (MAAT) program educates students on the theories and applications of art media that facilitate emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth and transformation. 

The Cedar Crest College M.A. in Art Therapy program is committed to an arts-based learning process that provides students with opportunities to: 

• Cultivate a deep appreciation and understanding of the role of the arts in healing and rehabilitative practices. 
• Integrate theories of art therapy and psychology within a studio-model of treatment. 
• Develop essential art therapy skills that can be utilized within a variety of settings and with diverse populations. 
• Learn independently, think critically, and develop a personal vision, identity, and goals as an art therapist. 
• Become part of a learning community that provides foundations for ongoing professional relationships. 

The Program Goal

The goal of the MAAT program is to prepare competent entry-level Art Therapists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

Program Goals and Outcomes

To develop clinicians and leaders in art therapy through the scholarship of the theories and practices that foster emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth.  

• Have a broad knowledge of foundational approaches, theories, applications, and evaluation methods of art therapy. 
• Integrate theories of art therapy with practical application and a high level of professional, ethical, and cultural competence with diverse populations.   

The program prepares students for the sensitive task of addressing emotional, psychological, and social issues with clients. 

• Apply analytical, evaluative, and integrative skills with adeptness in a variety of art therapy treatment applications and settings.

The aim of the curriculum is to balance clinical and research skill development with self-examination

• To articulate a professional position regarding an artist-as-therapist identity
• Develop proficiency as an art therapy researcher, understanding the interrelationship between theory and practice.

Program Delivery

The Master of Arts in Art Therapy program is comprised of 60 credits. 

The on-campus MAAT program may be completed in no less than two years (five semesters, full-time). Part-time options are available; as a part-time student, program length is dependent on the plan of study and course load. 

Students now have the option to enroll in a low-residency track, which may be completed in three years. The low-residency option enables students to maintain their work and family commitments during the year with distance education. 

Low-residency students come together for two weeks over the summer for 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-week residencies will take place in late July or early August.  

Helpful Links

ATCB - Art Therapy Credentials Board

Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association

Pennsylvania LPC Requirements

American Art Therapy Association

Pathways to Professional Excellence

You may be eligible for a discount on tuition if your employer is a partner in our Pathways to Professional Excellence program.

Learn more: Pathways to Professional Excellence