Art Therapy, Creative Arts Therapies (MA)
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 that meets the education standards set 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.
Admission requirements
Admission Requirements
- 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 English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.
Application process
Application deadlines

FALL
January 15

WINTER
n/a

SUMMER
n/a
Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline. In some cases, programs may continue to accept applications as long as there is space available.
International students: Considering the waiting period involved in meeting the entry requirements to Canada and Quebec, we strongly encourage international applicants to apply early and submit supporting documents prior to the deadline.
Tuition & funding
Tuition fees
The tuition fees of the program may differ depending on your student status. To estimate the cost of your education at Concordia, go through five (5) easy steps.
Awards and funding
Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs. Course-based students are eligible for a number of donor awards, and may consult with their department for program-specific opportunities.
Other programs of interest
- Thesis
- Course-based

Draw on personal experience to develop your own philosophy of art education by connecting your studio practice with pedagogical theory in a program best suited to your individual academic and professional goals.
Department
Faculty