Art Therapy (MA)
Department of Creative Arts Therapies Faculty of Fine Arts
Program overview
The MA in Creative Arts Therapies, Art Therapy option, allows you to combine your passion for art with therapeutic work. Art therapists look at how visual imagery can help people overcome psychological issues and address emotional difficulties in ways that spoken language cannot. You will develop wide-reaching applications for art therapy, working directly with clients alongside departmental supervisors. Placement opportunities include hospitals and health care institutions, community centres, geriatric facilities, and schools. The Art Therapy option is a professional program approved by the Canadian Art Therapy Association. Graduates are eligible to become members of the Quebec Art Therapy Association and to apply for the Canadian Certified Counsellor designation offered through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Program details
- Bachelor’s degree with 24 credits in visual arts (18 credit in studio arts and 6 credits in art history, art theory, art education or approved equivalents); 24 credits in psychology (must include courses in Introductory, Developmental and Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, and Research Methodology, or approved equivalents); and An Introduction to Art Therapy (3 credits).
- Overall grade average of B or better is expected.
- Previous work experience in a clinical, rehabilitative or educational setting is expected.
- Direct experience with the therapeutic process is highly desirable.
- Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete 60 credits.
45 credits – Core Courses
ATRP 600 - Readings in Art Therapy (3 credits)
ATRP 602 - Assessment Techniques in Art Therapy (3 credits)
ATRP 603 - Symbolic Imagery and Art Therapy - Studio/Workshop (3 credits)
ATRP 604 - Group and Family Art Therapy (3 credits)
CATS 610 - Introduction to Topics in Clinical Psychology for Creative Arts Therapists (3 credits)
CATS 611 - Counselling Skills for Creative Arts Therapists (3 credits)
ATRP 613 - Art Therapy Practicum Supervision I (3 credits)
ATRP 614 - Art Therapy Practicum Supervision II (3 credits)
ATRP 620 - Art Therapy Advanced Clinical Skills (3 credits)
ATRP 623 - Advanced Art Therapy Practicum Supervision I (3 credits)
ATRP 624 - ATRP 624 Advanced Art Therapy Practicum Supervision II (3 credits)
ATRP 630 - Child and Adolescent Art Therapy (3 credits)
CATS 639 - Interdisciplinary Topics: Cross-cultural Competence in the Creative Arts Therapies (1 credit)
CATS 641 - Interdisciplinary Topics: Ethics in Clinical Practice in the Creative Arts Therapies (1 credit)
CATS 643 - Interdisciplinary Topics: Ethics in Research in the Creative Arts Therapies (1 credit)
CATS 691 - Research in the Creative Arts Therapies (3 credits)
ATRP 693 - Research in Art Therapy (3 credits)
6 credits – Electives
To be chosen in consultation with an academic faculty advisor, are required of all candidates. With the approval of the Chair of Creative Arts Therapies and that of the cooperating department, some or all of the elective credits may be chosen from other graduate programs in the Faculty of Fine Arts, in other faculties at Concordia, or other universities.
9 credits – Research Stream
CATS 689: Research Paper (9 credits)
or
CATS 698: Applied Research Project with Report (6 credits) and
CATS 699: Comprehensive Exam (3 credits)
Please review the department application requirements before applying and submitting your documents online. Read the how-to guide for general application procedures.
Courses typically offered include:
- Readings in Art Therapy
- Assessment Technique in Art Therapy
- Group and Family Art Therapy
- Applied Research Project with Report
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of core Creative Arts Therapies courses and our department site for a sample course sequence.
Our department hosts a semi-annual workshop for prospective students where faculty members give art therapy information sessions that include a presentation and a question and answer period. The day offers you the chance to learn more about Concordia, our program prerequisites and how to complete an application. You will also be introduced to a number of international creative arts therapy organizations.
New students are automatically eligible for fellowships and select awards offered within the Faculty of Fine Arts and the School of Graduate Studies, ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 per year. Some awards have specific criteria and can be based on academic excellence and financial need.
Please also consult the departmental graduate fellowships and awards page, as well as Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
The practicum component of our program provides you with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills that you are acquiring in your coursework. It is the vehicle for integrating theory with clinical experience – a critical element in the development of the professional competence of an art therapist. Practicum includes both clinical experience and supervision. You must successfully complete 800 hours (350 direct client contact hours and 450 agency hours) in an approved practicum setting.
Clinical experience is acquired in a variety of agencies in the greater Montreal area, providing you with a practical application of art therapy. Supervision is provided at both the agency and at the university.
You are placed in one major placement per year.
The Creative Arts Therapies Student Graduate Association promotes stronger interdisciplinary ties with the Concordia community at large. Become an elected officer and participate in a number of committees that make a vital contribution to university activities.
An MA in Art Therapy prepares you for careers in various sectors, including art therapy clinics, youth and family centres, and women’s shelters. Many of our graduates also work with aboriginal communities and a number of Alzheimer’s societies. Read about our alumni career stories.
The practicum is of tremendous benefit in familiarizing you with the working environment. Occasionally, graduates have gone on to full or part-time work at the health care institution, school or clinic where they were initially placed as students. Graduates have found employment throughout Canada, the United States and abroad.
Graduates may also choose to join professional associations such as:
