Master of Arts in Art Therapy, College of Health Sciences
Department of Music Therapy
Georgia College & State University
Master of Art Therapy Degree Program Student Handbook
Table of Contents
Welcome…………………………………………………………………. ......................3
Faculty…………………………………………………………………………………...4
Mission Statement, Vision Statement, Accreditation and Affiliations…………………. 5
Regular &Provisional Admission Requirements, Community & Ethical Standards ........6
Class Attendance ...............................................................................................................7
Student Retention Policy...................................................................................................8
Academic Dismissal Policy ..............................................................................................9
Art Therapy Graduate Committee Guidelines ................................................................10
Graduate Thesis/Final Project Guidelines ……………………………………………..11
Program of Study………………………………………………………........................13
Suggested Program of Study Time-Line.........................................................................15
Art Therapy Core Curriculum Course Descriptions .......................................................16
Comprehensive Examination, Graduate Committee.......................................................19
Graduate Committee .......................................................................................................20
Thesis/Final Clinical Project Proposal Form ..................................................................21
Proposal Acceptance .......................................................................................................23
Master of Art Therapy Degree Program Policies, Directing Inquiries
Regarding Graduate Education in Health …………………………………………..25
Intranet Resources……………………………………………………………………...26
Step in Completing the Master of Arts in Art Therapy & Application for Graduation..27
Student Handbook Receipt……………………………………………………………..28
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Welcome
Welcome to the great state of Georgia’s first Master of Art Therapy Degree Program offered
exclusively here at Georgia College & State University. The Art Therapy graduate curriculum
is a combination of interactive educational components including theoretical perspectives,
clinical practice, creative art experiences, research, internships, and supervision of practicum
experiences with adults and children in individual, group, and family systems Art Therapy.
You will be studying the synthesis and application of art psychotherapy and the creative art
process as a healing alternative to the resolution of conflict and the treatment and recovery of
mental health. The interaction between artistic expression and multiple psychodynamic
approaches will be investigated and employed in your clinical fieldwork woven dynamically
throughout your academic path. Your thesis or final project will reflect you and the
culmination of your studies as a new professional equipped with a solid foundation to help
people, through art therapy, make positive changes in their lives.
The graduate art therapy course of study will help you combine art therapy theory and
practice with the development of the therapist/client therapeutic relationship fostering the
therapeutic art process and product. Introspection and empathy are essential in the
therapeutic process with diverse cultural populations. Your own artistic pursuit and self
discovery during your education will sharpen your analytical ability ultimately helping clients
experience catharsis, creative expression, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
Graduation from the Master of Arts in the Art Therapy Program will enable you to earn hours
toward becoming a registered art therapist and holding the ATR credentials.
Once again, welcome. You have selected a graduate program that will be dedicated to your
success and achievement through scholarship and experiential learning in a sensitive and
caring environment. This student handbook is a guide to help direct your journey toward
completion of the Master of Arts in Art Therapy Program. Please feel free to contact me when
you have questions. I look forward to assist you in becoming an Art Therapist!
All the best,
Dr. Patrick A. Varallo
Patrick A. Varallo, Ed.D., MFA, ATR-BC
Graduate Art Therapy Program Director
Department of Music Therapy
College of Health Sciences
Georgia College and State University
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Art Therapy Faculty
Chesley S. Mercado, Ed.D, LPMT, MT-BC
Associate Professor
Chair of Music Therapy & Graduate Coordinator
Georgia College & State University
Campus Box 067
Milledgeville, Georgia 31061
chesley.mercado@gcsu.edu
Office: Health Sciences, Room 132
Telephone: 478-445-8512
Fax: 478-445-4532
Patrick Varallo, Ed.D, M.F.A,, A.T.R-BC
Assistant Professor & Director of Art Therapy
Georgia College & State University
Campus Box 067
Milledgeville, Georgia 31061
patrick.varallo@gcsu.edu
Office: Health Sciences, Room 134
Telephone: 478-445-2646
Fax: 478-445-4532
MUSIC THERAPY STAFF
Phillis Brown, Coordinator of Office Services
Music Therapy Department Office
Georgia College & State University
Campus Box 067
Milledgeville, Georgia 31061
phillis.brown@gcsu.edu
Office: Health Sciences, Room 130
Telephone: 478-445-2645
Fax: 478-445-4532
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Master of Art Therapy Degree Program (MAT)
Mission Statement
The mission of the Master of Arts in Art Therapy Program is to provide coursework and clinical
experience to develop art therapy clinicians who are culturally sensitive, ethical contributors, and
involved in diverse communities. We believe that art as therapy and art psychotherapy are
connected and work in association in the creative intervention. We affirm that art therapy
strategies and treatment relies upon the creative process of art making through the therapeutic
alliance to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals,
groups, and families.
Vision Statement
The Georgia College & State University Graduate Art Therapy Program will be acknowledged
as an outstanding art therapy education influential in bringing forward competent art therapy
professionals who demonstrate exemplary scholarship and equitable clinical practice. The
Graduate Art Therapy Program will be recognized for sustaining and furthering the mission,
ethics and values set forth by the American Art Therapy Association.
Accreditation and Affiliations
Application for approval by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) will be submitted in
accordance with AATA policies.
*Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) final approval pending.
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REGULAR ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates for admission must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. If
previous graduate work has been completed, GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is required.
Students will be eligible for regular admission in the following circumstances:
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GRE score (verbal + quantitative) + [GPA cumulative) x 100] = 620 or more
MAT score (minimum 385) + [GPA (upper division) X 100] = 700 or more
Students must submit official transcripts for all college-level coursework completed,
directly to the graduate admissions office.
An unofficial transcript and the following must also be submitted to the Graduate of Art
Therapy Program Director, Dr. Patrick Varallo - Email: patrick.varallo@gcsu.edu,
Address: GCSU Graduate Art Therapy, Music Therapy Department, CBX 067,
Milledgeville, Ga. 31061:
 12 credit house in psychology – must include coursework in developmental
psychology and abnormal psychology
 18 credit hours in Art. An understanding and experience with a variety of media
is recommended.
 12 pieces of recent artwork
 2 letters of reference
 Say hello interview either in person or by Skype
PROVISIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Provisional admission may be offered to a student to be determined by the Art Therapy
Admissions Committee. Provisional students should have all application materials in, but may
not meet the exact qualifications for regular admission- i.e. low testing on GRE or MAT, low
GPA, art portfolio does not meet criteria, or letters of recommendation not received.
To exit provisional admission and to be classified as a regular student, students must maintain a
GPA of 3.0 on all courses during the first nine (9) hours of the program and approval by the
degree program Director.
Admission to the Art Therapy Program is highly competitive and may be limited based on
availability of qualified faculty and maintaining student to faculty ratios required by
accreditation standards. All students may not be admitted.
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COMMUNITY AGENCIES AND ETHICAL STANDARDS
Many agencies where clinical and practical experiences take place require students to undergo a
criminal background check, urine drug screens and to meet the Center for Disease Control
(CDC) standards for immunizations for health care professionals. Students desiring to enter the
Art Therapy Program should consider these requirements. Agencies may refuse any student
based on inability to meet these guidelines or other agency guidelines. Refusal of an agency to
accept a student may delay or prevent a student from completing a program. Certification
agencies may also refuse to license individuals who have committed certain criminal acts or
other acts of moral turpitude.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
As an Art Therapy graduate you will be involved in many classroom experiential(s) that will
impact your ability to: (1) Assess clients, (2) Cope with transference and countertransference, (3)
Learn how to establish rapport with clients/patients, (4) Understand imagery and symbol, (5) Use
and explore art medium and (6) To clarify course expectations and assignments. Your class
attendance is pertinent to the success of the art therapist-client relationship, collegiality within
the program, and your development as an artist-clinician.
Although it is recognized that absences will sometimes be necessary, students are expected to
attend classes regularly. It is the responsibility of students to be cognizant of their own record of
absences and to consult the instructor regarding work missed. The decision to permit students to
make up work rests with the instructor. At any time during the semester an instructor has the
right to drop a student from the course and assign a grade of F for excessive absences when a
student exceeds the number of allowable absences specified in the instructor's attendance policy
distributed to the student in the instructor's course syllabus. If a student is representing the
University in an official capacity, as verified on a list released from the Office of the Vice
President/Dean of Faculties, the instructor will not penalize the student for those absences.
However, students should consult their instructor before anticipated absences.
Contact Information
Georgia College & State University
Center for Student Success
Campus Box 115
Phone: (478) 445-2361
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STUDENT RETENTION
Minority Advisement Program (MAP)/Student Oriented Activities and Resources (SOAR)
The Minority Advising Program (MAP) was established in 1983 to enhance the academic
welfare of minority students in the University System of Georgia (USG). Its goals include the
promotion of academic success, development of human potential, and the creation of an
environment that fosters the success and retention of minority students. MAP can be found on
various campuses in multiple forms within the USG. At Georgia College, we refer to the MAP
program as SOAR (Student Oriented Activities and Resources).
http://www.gcsu.edu/equity/mapsoar.htm
Center for Student Success http://www.gcsu.edu/success/index.htm
(Primarily undergrad)
The Center for Student Success has as its foundation a strong commitment to the success of all
students. Academic advisement at Georgia College is a shared model that assures each student
contact with a professional advisor or a faculty member who can guide a student's course
selection and assist in career preparation. Students who have not yet decided on a major will be
advised by professional advisors in the Advising Center in Lanier Hall. The Center also
coordinates components of a year-long recruitment and retention program for incoming students.
Learning Outcomes and Goals
As a result of the academic advising experience at Georgia College, students should:
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Know the general education or core curriculum requirements
Know about academic support services
Know how to use the student information system (PAWS) to self-register
Know how to use the online catalog
Be able to generate their degree audit using DegreeWorks
Be able to make and keep advising appointments
Be able to ask for help
Be able to access course descriptions and degree requirements using the online catalog
Contact Information
Georgia College
Center for Student Success
Campus Box 115
Phone: (478) 445-2361
Fax: (478) 445-5999
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ACADEMIC DISMISSAL POLICY
A graduate student will be placed on graduate academic probation if the student's institutional
graduate grade point average falls below a 3.00 at any point during his or her graduate studies.
A graduate student will be dismissed if the student is placed on academic probation for more
than one semester, receives more than one C during his or her graduate studies, or fails to
comply with policy, procedures, and expectations as defined in the Master of Art Therapy
Graduate Handbook. http://www.gcsu.edu/mtherapy/matherapy/admissionrequirements.htm
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Art Therapy Graduate Committee Guidelines
Chair of the Committee: The Chair of the student’s graduate committee is an Art Therapy graduate
faculty. The duties and responsibilities are as follows:
1) The student reports directly to the Chair. This person will formally invite in writing the 2
members of the committee to participate. One member is an Art Therapy graduate
faculty. The second member is chosen by the student.
2) The Chair and the student will set a defense date and time in conjunction with the
committee.
3) The student will send the Proposal directly to the Chair. The Chair will distribute the
proposal to the committee and request that revisions and recommendations be sent to the
chair. The chair will send all documents and suggestions to the student with approval to
continue or request for revisions before progressing.
4) The student will send a minimum of 4 progress reports to the Chair. This schedule is
determined by the student in conjunction with the Chair. The Chair may respond to the
progress reports individually or if questions or concerns arise send these to the full
committee.
5) The student will send a copy of the first draft of the document to the Chair no later than 6
weeks before the scheduled defense date. The Chair will send the document to the full
committee for review with a requested turn-around time of 1 week.
6) The Chair will send all committee members’ revisions and editing to the student as
attachments or in the mail if needed.
7) The student will send the Chair a second revision no later than 4 weeks before the
defense date. The Chair will make any necessary revisions and return to the student.
Other committee members may be consulted if needed but not mandatory.
Committee Members:
1) Committee members will receive from the Chair of the Committee the student’s proposal
and a proposal acceptance form. The committee member will make any recommendations
and suggestions and return the proposal acceptance form to the Chair.
2) Committee members will receive the first draft of the student’s document from the Chair
no later than 6 weeks before the scheduled defense date. Committee members are asked
to edit, make recommendations, and comments and return the document with edits to the
Chair in a timely manner (1 week is suggested).
3) The Chair will consult with Committee members as needed throughout the process.
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4) Committee members will attend the defense in person or via video conferencing.
Committee members will receive a copy of the bound document.
Graduate Thesis/Final Project (Synthesis) Guidelines
1. The student’s Graduate Committee is chosen following the successful completion of the
AT Comprehensive Examination. The committee will be the GCSU Graduate Faculty and
one professional the student recommends. The 3rd member may be a professor, colleague
familiar with the project or research, or a professional in Art Therapy or a related field.
2. The chair of the committee will be appointed by the Graduate, of Art Therapy Program
Director. This faculty will be the contact person for the student throughout the Synthesis
process. The chair of the committee will formally invite the 3rd external person to be on
the committee.
3. The student will register for ARTH 6800 (3 credits) Thesis/Final Project. The student will
register for ARTH 6810 (0 credits) Thesis/Final Project Defense at this time. The
Defense is mandatory for both the Thesis and the Final Project.
4. The student will complete the Proposal for Thesis/Final Project found in the GCSU Art
Therapy Graduate Handbook. This includes the Proposal Acceptance Form. The student
will send the proposal to the Chair of the committee. The chair of the committee will
send to other committee members. A date for return of the Proposal Acceptance Form
will be included. The Chair of the committee will send all comments to the student with a
summary of revisions and suggestions and notification to proceed with the Thesis/Final
Project.
5. The student will complete a minimum of 4 Progress Reports during each semester. Exact
dates are determined by the student in conjunction with the Chair of the committee.
Progress reports will be read by the Chair of the committee and comments sent to the
student. Reports may be distributed to other members of the committee as decided by the
Chair.
6. The document will be organized according to the type of project or study. The Chair of
the committee will give the student the instructions for chapters, headings, and format.
This format will be sent to all committee members.
7. The first draft of the Thesis/Final Project must be sent to the Chair of the Committee no
later than 6 weeks before the scheduled Defense date. The Chair will distribute the
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document to all committee members for review and edits. Committee members should
return changes and recommendations to the Chair in a timely manner (1 week is
suggested). The Chair will send each document to the student.
8. The student should send the second draft to the Chair no later than 4 weeks before the
Defense date. The Chair will make any additions and corrections at this time in a timely
manner (1 week is suggested). The Chair may if necessary send to other committee
members but this is not mandatory.
9. The student will present the research or project during the defense. The document will
not be bound at this time. If the defense is accepted, then the student will follow the
Technical Services Thesis Binding
http://www.gcsu.edu/library/technicalservices/theses.htm instructions within 7 days of
the acceptance of the thesis or Final Project. There must be one copy for the library and
one copy for the Department of Art Therapy library.
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PROGRAM OF STUDY - 48 Semester Hours Total
Required Courses
39 Semester Hours Total
ARTH 5000 History and Philosophy of Art Therapy
3
ARTH 5100 Theoretical and Practice of Art Therapy
3
ARTH 5120 Drawing and Painting for the Art Therapist: Studio
3
Or ARTS 6110 Painting for Educators
ARTH 5130 Clayworks for the Art Therapist: Studio
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Or ARTS 6610 Digital Art for Educators
ARTH 6000 Clinical Group Methods in Art Therapy
3
ARTH 6100 Art Therapy with Children and Adolescents
3
ARTH 6110 Art Therapy Practicum with Children: Supervision Seminar
3
ARTH 6200 Art Therapy with Adults
3
ARTH 6220 Art Therapy Practicum with Adults: Supervision Seminar
3
ARTH 6400 Comprehensive Examination
0
ARTH 6500 Thesis/Final Project Research Seminar
3
ARTH 6600 Internship I: Supervision Seminar
(variable 3-9)
ARTH 6700 Internship II: Supervision Seminar
(variable 3-9)
ARTH 6800 Thesis/Final Project
(variable 3-9)
ARTH 6810 Thesis/Final Project Defense
0
Supportive Courses
9 hours total
MUST 5110 Gender and Cultural Issues in Creative Arts Therapies
3
MUST 5120 Qualitative Research in Creative Art Therapies
3
MUST 5130 Quantitative Research in Creative Arts Therapies
3
Synthesis Requirement
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All students who expect to complete requirements for the MAT degree must demonstrate
synthesis of knowledge /skill prior to graduation. Synthesis may be demonstrated by successful
completion of either a master’s thesis, or clinical project.
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Suggested Program of Study Timeline
Master of Arts in Art Therapy (MAT)
MAT Course Sequence
First Year Fall
ARTH 5000 History and Philosophy of Art Therapy (3)
ARTH 5120 Drawing and Painting for the Art Therapist: Studio (3) or
ARTH 6500 Thesis/final Project Research (3)
First Year Spring
ARTH 5100 Theories and Practice in Art Therapy (3)
MUST 5120 Qualitative Research in Creative Arts Therapies (3)
ARTH 6000 Clinical Group Methods in Art therapy (3)
First Year Summer
MUST 5100 Gender and Cultural Issues in Creative Art Therapy (3)
ARTH 6200 Art Therapy with Adults (3)
ARTH 6220 Art Therapy Practicum with Adults (3)
Second Year Fall
MUST 5120 Quantitative Research (3)
ARTH 5130 Clayworks for the Art Therapist: Studio (3) OR
ARTS 6610 Digital Art for Educators (3)
ARTH 6100 Art Therapy with Children and Adolescent (3)
ARTH 6110 Art Therapy Practicum with Children and Adolescents: Supervision Seminar (3)
Second Year Spring
ARTH 6600 Internship I: Supervision Seminar (3)
ARTH 6400 Comprehensive Examination (0)
Second Year Summer
ARTH 6700 Internship II: Supervision Seminar (3)
ARTH 6800 Thesis/final Project (3)
ARTH 6810 Thesis/final Project Defense (0)
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Art Therapy Core Curriculum Course Descriptions
ARTH 5000 (3-0-3) History and Philosophy of Art Therapy
A survey introductory course in the history of art therapy as it developed in the United States and
Europe from 1940-present. Also, included is an in-depth exploration of the different philosophies
which have emerged and which continue to evolve in contemporary practice.
ARTH 5100 (3-0-3) Theories and Practice in Art Therapy
Study of the theoretical and practical framework of the field of art therapy, the technical qualities
of art media and the development of therapeutic responses. Theory will be practiced in
experiential settings.
ARTH 5120 (3-0-3) Drawing and Painting for the Art Therapist: Studio
Various drawing and painting media will be introduced with an emphasis upon the progression
from restrictive to expansive self-expression. The media’s applicability and relationship to the
emotional realm will be explored. Community clinical experiences will apply skills.
ARTH 5130 (3-0-3) Clayworks for the Art Therapist: Studio
Study and experimentation of the various concepts, media and techniques of clay. Discussion of
the relationship of the powers of creating art and its direct application to the human psyche.
Community clinical experiences will apply skills.
ARTH 6000 (3-0-3) Clinical Group Methods in Art Therapy
Exploration of the practice of group psychotherapy. In this course, major theories and research
findings will be addressed as they apply to group practice in the field of art therapy. In-depth
exploration of drawing, painting, and sculpture for their diagnostic value and review of specific
clinical interpretations.
ARTH 6100 (3-0-3) Art Therapy with Children
In-depth survey of different populations being served by art therapists, including autism,
developmental disabilities, sensory deficits, physical illnesses, neurological disorders,
emotional/behavioral disorders and other disorders of childhood. Ethical/legal issues will be
discussed. Assessment and treatment strategies will be covered.
ARTH 6110 (3-0-3) Art Therapy Practicum with Children: Supervision Seminar
Supervised community clinical experiences with individuals and groups. Referral process,
assessment, treatment planning, goal-directed interventions, progress recording, interdisciplinary
treatment process, and closure processes for accountability will be practiced.
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ARTH 6200 (3-0-3) Art Therapy with Adults
In-depth survey of different adult populations being served by art therapists, including
psychiatric, medical, rehabilitation, geriatrics, hospice, in-patient, and developmental disabilities.
Ethical/legal issues will be discussed. Psychological foundations of theory will be presented with
applications for art therapy. Assessment and treatment strategies will be covered.
ARTH 6220 (3-0-3) Art Therapy Practicum with Adults: Supervision Seminar
Supervised community clinical experiences with individuals and groups. Referral process,
assessment, treatment planning, goal-directed interventions, progress recording, interdisciplinary
treatment process, closure processes for accountability will be practiced. Skills needed to design
art therapy positions will be explored.
ARTH 6500 (3-0-3) Thesis/final project Research
Research and preparation of the thesis. Working both in class and on an individual basis,
students will select a topic and develop a review of the relevant literature in the field which
comprises the first half of the thesis.
ARTH 6600 (3-0-3) (variable 3-9) Internship I: Supervision Seminar
In-depth field clinical experience, under the direct supervision of a registered art therapist.
Internship requires 300 hours on site. Population requirements: one internship with adults, one
with children or adolescents. The seminar provides an atmosphere for interns to reflect upon this
experience which leads to further integration and synthesis. Students will present case studies on
an individual or group process.
ARTH 6700 (3-0-3) (variable 3-9) Internship II: Supervision Seminar
In-depth field clinical experience, under the direct supervision of a registered art therapist.
Internship requires 300 hours on site. Population requirements: one internship with adults, one
with children or adolescents. The seminar provides an atmosphere for interns to reflect upon this
experience which leads to further integration and synthesis. Students will present case studies on
an individual or group process.
ARTH 6400 (3-0-3) Comprehensive Examination
Written comprehensive synthesis of all core art therapy curriculum. Successful completion
before continuation of Thesis/final project.
ARTH 6800 (3-0-3) (variable 3-9) Thesis/final project
Completion of the thesis/final project including implementation, data collection, analysis,
presentation of materials, visual productions, discussion and conclusion.
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ARTH 6810 (3-0-3) Thesis/final project defense
Graduate committee comprised of primary art therapy faculty, and 2 faculty of choice. Written
and oral presentation of thesis/final project.
Supportive and Studio Courses (Existing)
MUST 5110 (3-0-3) Gender and Cultural Issues in Creative Arts Therapies. This on-line
course examines gender and cultural issues facing creative arts therapists during the therapeutic
process and the impact of different race, culture, age, sexual orientation, or nationality in the
lives of therapists and consumers. On-line. Prerequisite: Admission into Master of Music
Therapy degree program, Master of Arts in Art Therapy or permission of instructor.
MUST 5120. (3-0-3)Qualitative Research in Creative Arts Therapies
This course introduces students to the philosophy and methods of qualitative (naturalist,
postpositivist) research in the creative arts therapies. Students explore a topic from the qualitative
paradigm and design a research study in an area of interest, planning for all stages of data
gathering, analysis, and interpretation. On-line Prerequisite: Admission into Master of Music
Therapy degree program, Master of Arts in Art Therapy or permission of instructor.
MUST 5130. (3-0-3)Quantitative Research in Creative Arts Therapies
This course examines issues and skills in quantitative research in the creative arts therapies,
including a critical review of literature, designing a study, analyzing and interpreting existing
literature, and ethical issues in research. On-line. Prerequisite: Admission into Master of Music
Therapy degree program, Master of Arts in Art Therapy, or permission of instructor.
ARTS 6110. (3-6-3)Painting for Educators
This course counts towards the Masters in Art in Teaching or Master of Arts in Art Therapy and
will focus on various aspects of painting. Students will develop teaching strategies to promote
visual literacy and artistic skills through painting in K-12 education. Students will research and
critically analyze the art of painting cross-culturally, develop visual literacy, practice methods
and techniques for painting, and create original artworks. Students will examine multicultural
perspectives of painting media for K-12 education. Lab Fee
ARTS 6610. (3-6-3) Digital Art for Educators
This course counts toward the Masters in Art in Teaching or Master of Arts in Art Therapy and
will focus on various aspects of digital media. Students will develop teaching strategies to
promote visual literacy and artistic skills through digital media in K-12 education. Students will
research and critically analyze digital media cross-culturally, develop visual literacy, practice
methods and techniques for digital media, and create original artworks. Students will examine
multicultural perspectives of digital media for K-12 education. Lab fee
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Comprehensive Examination
The Comprehensive Examination is required after the completion of all the core art
therapy coursework, prior to officially choosing a Graduate Committee and
beginning the Thesis/Final Project. You will register for ARTH 6400 at the
beginning of the semester you will complete your last core art therapy courses.
The purpose of the Comprehensive Examination is to evaluate the synthesis of
material covered in each course and the extent this information meets the mission
of the Master of Art Therapy Program to advance competencies which are indepth, analytic, interdisciplinary, and global.
You will be asked to answer a question in essay form from each of the following
courses:
ARTH 5000
ARTH 5100
ARTH 5110
ARTH 5120
ARTH 5130
ARTH 6000
ARTH 6100
ARTH 6200
ARTH 6500
You will have two (2) weeks to complete the examination and may use any and all
materials from each course. Each answer will be based on scholarly references and
your own reflections and interpretations. Each essay will have a minimum length
of two (2) pages double spaced with three (3) references required for each answer.
The Examination will be submitted to your faculty advisor for review in
collaboration with other graduate art therapy faculty. You will be notified of the
results and comments in writing. You will then proceed with choosing your
committee and completing your proposal or you will be asked to revise the
Comprehensive Examination and submit to your advisor.
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Graduate Committee
You will ask each prospective member of your committee to serve (See
Thesis/Final Clinical Project Committee section for criteria). Upon acceptance by
members, you will submit the names and contact information to your faculty
advisor. You may submit your Thesis/Final Clinical Project Proposal at this time.
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Thesis/Final Clinical Project Proposal
(Submitted to Faculty Advisor with 3 copies for committee)
INSTRUCTIONS
I. Introduction and Background Information: This includes: title page, abstract,
table of contents, dedication, acknowledgement and a basic literature review
relevant to the proposed project or inquiry to establish the background, feasibility
and other work completed.
II. Statement of problem: Define the issue or question to be addressed: Use at least
two (2) references to substantiate the problem (one or two paragraphs).
III. Purpose of Project/Study: What is the rationale for completing this
project/study? What will be gained, learned, or established?
IV. Goal of the Project and Outcomes: Clearly state your goal(s) and outcomes for
the thesis and hypotheses.
V. Design, Data Collection, Methods and Steps for completing the project.
VI. Potential facilitators for completing the project/study (Internal and External).
Internal facilitators are the factors within your work or school environment that
will assist you in completing the project/study.
An example may be adequate space to complete the project. External facilitators
are the factors outside of your work or school environment that will assist you in
completing the project/study. An example may be a grant or volunteer help from
the community.
VII. Potential hindrances for completing the project/study (Internal and External).
Internal may be things like internal budget cuts or reassignment of job duties.
External may be scheduling issues of other people or changes outside of your
control.
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VIII. Evaluation methods for the Project (Must have at least 2 forms). Data
analysis methods for Thesis
IX. Indications and Findings: Indications and findings include discoveries and
potential implications of your research, experiment or inquiry.
X. Conclusions and Personal Reflection. This section offers a brief concise
summary of your research. Include a personal reflection of the research experience
and the impact your research may have on the population under study or society in
general.
Proposal Acceptance Signature Page
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I. Introduction and Background:
Accept as is: __
Accept with the following revisions: __
II. Statement of Problem:
Accept as is: __
Accept with the following revisions: __
III. Purpose of Project:
Accept as is: __
Accept with the following revisions: __
IV. Goal of Project and Outcomes: or Hypothesis
Accept as is: __
Accept with the following revisions: __
V. Steps or Methods for Completion: Time Table: or Design, Data
Collection
Accept as is: __
Accept with the following revisions: __
VI. Facilitators
Accept as is: __
Accept with the following revisions: ___
VII. Hindrances
Accept as is: __
Accept with the following revisions: __
VIII. Evaluation Methods
Accept as is: __
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Accept with the following revisions:__
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IX. Indications and Findings
Accept as is: __
Accept with the following revisions:__
X. Conclusions and Personal Reflections
Accept as is: __
Accept with the following revisions:__
Signatures
Faculty Advisor (print name)
(signature)
Date:
Committee Member (print name)
(signature)
Date:
Committee Member (print name)
(signature)
Date:
Student (print name)
(signature)
Date:
Graduate Art Therapy
Program Director (print name)
Revised July, 2015
(signature)
Date:
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Master of Art Therapy Degree Program Policies



GCSU policies concerning plagiarism will be followed.
GCSU policies concerning alcohol and drugs will be followed.
Diversity Policy:
The Department of Music Therapy recognizes that society is a unique mixture of diverse
individuals. Diversity encompasses issues of gender, race, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic
status, sexual orientation, ability, color, country of origin and more. The Art Therapy
Program values and respects the diversity of individuals and seeks to prepare students
who will be capable of working effectively with individuals of varying characteristics.
Directing Inquiries Regarding Graduate Education in Health Sciences
1. Inquiries concerning admission to graduate work in the university and majors in the
health sciences should be directed to the Registrar’s Office, GCSU, Campus Box 069,
Milledgeville, and GA 31061.
2. Inquiries concerning the nature of the graduate program in art therapy should be sent to
the Dr. Patrick Varallo, the Graduate Art Therapy Program Director at
patrick.varallo@gcsu.edu - through mail at Campus Box 067, GCSU, Milledgeville, GA
31061.
3. Inquiries concerning financial assistance should be sent to the Director of Financial Aid.
4. Inquiries concerning graduate assistantships should be directed to Donna Douglas,
Graduate Studies, GCSU.
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Intranet Resources
Student Liability Insurance: Liability insurance is mandatory of all professionals working with
the public. It is protection that you need. Please make sure that you apply for coverage within the
first two weeks of attendance. You may apply at https://www. hpso.com
Fair Use of Copyrighted Material
The University System of Georgia maintains a web site to help you determine what is and
is not “fair use” in using copyrighted material. It can be found at:
http://www.usg.edu/copyright/
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their educational records
http://www.gcsu.edu/registrar/ferpa.htm.
GCSU Technology Policies: http://www.gcsu.edu/technology/policies.htm
Fair Use of Copyrighted Material
The University System of Georgia maintains a web site to help you determine what is and
is not “fair use” in using copyrighted material. It can be found at:
http://www.usg.edu/copyright/
GSCU Library: http://www.gcsu.edu/library/policies/index.htm
Language Lab: http://www.gcsu.edu/mlclab/index.htm
Computer Lab: http://www.gcsu.edu/library/itc/itc_software.htm
GC Bookstore: http://www.gcsu.bncollege.com or http://www.bookstore@gcsu.edu
Counseling Center: http://www.gcsu.edu/counseling/staff.htm
The American Art Therapy Association (AATA):
http://www.arttherapy.org/aata-membershipmain.html
The Art Therapy Credentials Board: http://www.atcb.org/
Americans with Disabilities Home Page: http://www.ada.gov/
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*Emergency/Campus Police: 4400
STEPS IN COMPLETING THE MASTER OF ARTS IN ART THERAPY
Submit a complete application for graduate study and all supporting documents to the Office of
Graduate Admissions
Consult with the faculty advisor for development of a program of study
Participate in the Professional progress review at designated times
Complete courses with a 3.0 GPA
Complete a comprehensive exam
Choose a graduate committee
Submit a proposal for the clinical project or thesis
Complete the Final Clinical Project or Thesis defense
Submit a Formal Graduate Application for Graduation by the date specified in the official University
calendar.
Application for Commencement
Each applicant for a graduate degree from Georgia College must make formal application for
graduation by the deadline in the official Academic Calendar for the term the student plans to
graduate. This application is submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the applicant. The degree
program coordinator approves the applicant's plan to graduate. Application is located at the
following website: http://www.gcsu.edu/registrar/docs/GradDegreeApp.pdf
Any student who is unable to complete final requirements for graduation after formally applying
for a degree will be ineligible to graduate. Students will be notified if graduation requirements are
not completed and will be required to resubmit the application for graduation for a future
semester.
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STUDENT HANDBOOK RECEIPT
I have read the Georgia College & State University, College of Health Sciences, Art Therapy
Graduate Student Handbook and agree to adhere to the policies stated herein.
____________________
Student Signature
____________________________
Date
It is required that a signed copy of this sheet be placed in your files in the Music Therapy Office.
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