Art Therapy & Counseling
saic.edu/maatc
The Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling (MAATC) program cultivates influential, compassionate leaders who utilize art and making as therapy in healthcare and social practice.
Broad perspective
The program is a national leader in articulating the role of the artist and art therapist, led by faculty members who have made significant contributions to the field. Students are encouraged to think critically as they examine the intellectual dimensions of art therapy practices, research, theories, and significant trends in related fields—from contemporary art to counseling and psychology.
Artistic engagement
Artistic practice is at the core of art therapy and students explore their connection to artmaking through required studio courses, as well as through exhibitions and events. Engagement with peers across SAIC departments offers opportunities to benefit from diverse creative practices and perspectives.
Real-world experience
Students gain professional experience through required fieldwork in a healthcare or social service setting. Some of the options include hospitals, medical and behavioral health centers, residential care, schools, and community organizations. Working with both children and adults offers opportunities for students to gain a deeper understanding of the ethics, challenges, and successes unique to this field.
Professional preparation
The curriculum is designed to meet the standards for post-graduation application for Registration and Board Certification with the Art Therapy Credentials Board and the academic requirements to sit for the Illinois counseling licensure tests and similarly designed exams in other states.
Faculty
LEAH GIPSON
ELIA KHALAF
SAVNEET K. TALWAR
SANDI YI
For complete faculty listing visit: saic.edu/maatc
Application Deadline: January 10
Curriculum Requirements
First Year Fall
› ARTTHER 5001 Materials and Media in Art Therapy (3)
› ARTTHER 5008 Assessment and Evaluation in Art Therapy (3)
› ARTTHER 5003 History and Theory of Art Therapy (3)
› ARTTHER 5025 Counseling Techniques (3)
First Year Spring
› ARTTHER 5002 Psychopathology (3)
› ARTTHER 5019 Group Art Therapy (3)
› ARTTHER 6008 Cultural Dimensions in Art Therapy (3)
› ARTTHER 5135 Community Practice and Helping Relationships (3)
Second Year Fall
› ARTTHER 5010 Human Growth and Development (3)
› ARTTHER 5020 Art Therapy Fieldwork I (1.5)
› ARTTHER 6002 Ethical and Legal Issues in Art Therapy I (1.5)
› ARTTHER 6018 Family Art Therapy (3)
› Studio Elective (3)
Second Year Spring
› ARTTHER 5009 Research in Art Therapy (3)
› ARTTHER 6001 Art Therapy Fieldwork II (1.5)
› ARTTHER 6003 Ethical and Legal Issues II (1.5)
› ARTTHER 6007 Substance Use (3)
› Studio Elective (3)
Third Year Fall
› ARTTHER 6020 Art Therapy Fieldwork III (3)
› ARTTHER 6010 Graduate Thesis I: Art Therapy (3) OR ARTTHER 6019 Art Therapy Graduate Project (3)
Third Year Spring
› ARTTHER 6006 Professional Development and Career Counseling (3)
› ARTTHER 6020 Art Therapy Fieldwork III (3)
› Optional 3 Credit Course ARTTHER 6011 Graduate Thesis II: Art Therapy (3)
Total Credit Hours
Application Process
Submit:
› Online application
› Official college transcripts
› Statement of purpose
12
12
12
12
6
6 (or 9)
60 (or 63)
› Letters of recommendation
› ePortfolio
› Résumé
Theses can be found at the SAIC Thesis Repository (digitalcollections.saic.edu/thesis) and the Flaxman Library catalog.
