Art Therapy and Counseling

Have you been searching for a career that combines your desire to help others with your passion for the healing value of creativity and art making ? The Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling Program at
Ursuline enables students to combine those interests in a unique professional program, and prepares graduates to be eligible for both credentialing as art therapists and licensure as professional clinical counselors.
Our students come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are artists who want to share the value of creativity and help others in their journeys. Others are from helping professions who see that the expressive arts enhance the therapeutic process and promote growth. Still others may be pursuing a career change or embarking upon a new career after having raised their families.

explore your own creativity in helping others.
In addition to providing a strong foundation in theory and technique, we also emphasize that the other essential tool of transformation for therapeutic process is the personal presence of the therapist. Students are encouraged to be reflective practitioners and to seek their own personal counseling outside of the department as they begin their clinical experiences.
Our program is personalized and allows students to learn at their own pace. Your personal plan is developed during advising sessions which take place each semester.
Some students move quickly through the program, while others who have multiple responsibilities such as family and work, may take the time they need without overloading themselves.
Our students study in active, collaborative classrooms with expert faculty, who are experienced art therapists and counselors with expertise in a variety of specializations. Along with the core full-time faculty, several adjuncts, supervisors, thesis readers and other outside experts contribute to the learning of our students.

a dm i s s ion p ro c e du r e s
Students applying for admission must meet both the general requirements for admission to all graduate programs and the specific requirements of the Art Therapy and Counseling Department.
g e n e r a l a dm i s s ion r e qu i r e m e n t s
1. Official application and non refundable $25.00 application fee. Applications for admission to graduate programs may be submitted in paper form or online at www.ursuline.edu.
2. Official transcript(s) for baccalaureate degree and any additional undergraduate or graduate academic course work. These must be forwarded to the Office of
Graduate Admission directly by the academic institution.
3. Evidence of ability to do graduate work as indicated by a recommended 3.0 GPA shown on applicant’s transcript(s). Students may be asked to take the Graduate
Record Examination (GRE) or provide other evidence of academic ability if their GPA is below a 3.0. At the discretion of the dean, students may be admitted conditionally if their GPA is below 3.0.
4. Three recommendations (utilizing the required recommendation form) attesting to the suitability of the applicant for graduate work in the particular program.
The required recommendation form may be found on our website.
5. An interview with the program director. Telephone or Skype interviews may be arranged for out-of-state applicants.

Formed in 1986 under the direction of Sr. Kathleen
Burke, OSU, Ph.D., along with three other core faculty members who still remain, Ursuline’s art therapy and counseling program has been very stable, yet ever growing and expanding.
a ddi t iona l a rt t h e r a p y a n d c ou n s e l i ng a dm i s s ion r e qu i r e m e n t s
1. A three to five page essay discussing the following:
• the meaning of art in the applicant’s life
• motivation for pursuing a career in art therapy and counseling
• aptitude for working with people
• areas of artistic strength and areas of possible artistic growth
This essay is in addition to the general essay on the graduate application form, and should be completed in APA format.
2. A portfolio brought to the interview prior to enrollment. Candidates completing prerequisite art courses may submit a partial portfolio for review, with follow-up work submitted after completing the art prerequisites. The portfolio should contain:
• At least 24 works of art representing a variety of media and techniques
• An index/or subtitles describing the media, size and date the work was completed
• Digital images, slides, photos, or actual works are all acceptable.
3. Prerequisite coursework in art and psychology are required. Most should be completed prior to entry. Some remaining classes may be completed within the first year of the program.
18 semester hours in studio art to include:
• Drawing
• Painting
• Ceramics (or other 3D may be considered)
12 semester hours in psychology to include:
• General Psychology
• Developmental Psychology (such as Human Growth and Development,
Lifespan Development, or Child and Adolescent Development, etc.)
• Counseling Theory (or Theories of Personality, or Personality Theory)
• Abnormal Psychology (or Psychopathology)
4. Some experience in working with people within a human service context is highly recommended. recommended deadlines for application and interview
June 15 for Fall Semester, October 15 for Spring Semester, March 1 for Summer Semester
For more information contact The Office of Graduate Admission at 440 646 8119 or graduateadmissions@ursuline.edu.

required core courses
ATC 501 History and Theory of Art Therapy Counseling
ATC 502 Introduction to Professional Counseling
ATC 503 Treatment of Children and Adolescents *(501)
ATC 504 Human Growth and Development
ATC 505 Counseling Theories
ATC 507 Group Process *(501, 505)
ATC 508 Family Systems
ATC 509 Psychopathology, Personality and Abnormal Behavior*(501, 505)
ATC 520 Projective Assessments *(501, 503)
ATC 523 Cultural and Social Issues
ATC 532 Professional, Ethical and Legal Issues
ATC 544 Art Therapy Studio I
ATC 546 Clinical I: Counseling Techniques *(501)
ATC 547 Clinical II: Practicum *(501, 505, 546)
ATC 548 Appraisal *(546)
ATC 549 Internship I *(547)
ATC 550 Internship II *(549)
ATC 567 Techniques and Use of Media *(501)
ATC 591 Intro to Research and Literature Review
ATC 594 Research and Evaluation *(591)
ATC 595 Thesis/Project *(594)
ATC 596 Thesis/Integrative Seminar *(595)
* Indicates prerequisites.
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additional required counseling courses
ATC 601 Life Style and Career Development
ATC 603 Diagnoses *(509)
ATC 648 Case Studies *(509, 547, 603)
ATC 650 Psychotropic Medications elective courses (3-4 credit hours are chosen)
ATC 506 Creative Counseling Modalities
ATC 525 Special Settings and Populations
ATC 526 Educational Settings
ATC 527 Addictions and Treatment
ATC 528 Geriatrics
ATC 531 Spirituality, Wholeness and the Arts
ATC 545 Art Therapy Studio II
ATC 510-515 Workshops
ATC 585 Independent Study
ATC 649 Advanced Clinic
Course descriptions are available at ursuline.edu/arttherapy.
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de g r e e p ro g r a m s
The program is approved by the
American Art Therapy Association and the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker,
Marriage & Family Therapist Board.
The 50 semester hour minimum degree program meets the educational standards for national registration and certification
(ATR-BC) as an art therapist through the Art Therapy Credentials Board.
m i s s ion a n d g oa l s
The Master of Arts in Art Therapy and
Counseling Program provides education and training in art therapy and professional counseling. Students learn to aid clients in exploring personal potentials and problems through both visual and verbal expression.
Graduates are prepared to work in a wide variety of clinical, education, and human service institutions, including hospitals, children’s agencies, mental health and counseling centers, correctional and geriatric facilities, hospice care and wellness centers to name a few.
At Ursuline, the individual professional development of each student is nurtured. A wide range of placements are available for internships, and students are encouraged to develop areas of expertise in line with their strengths and interests.
The 63 semester hour degree program meets the Ohio education requirements for counseling licensure for PC
(Licensed Professional Counselor) and
PCC (Licensed Professional Clinical
Counselor). State licensing laws vary, so applicants are encouraged to check their individual state law for licensure eligibility requirements.
p o s t g r a duat e c ou r s e wor k
Candidates who possess a Master’s degree in a related field may take courses in the program to enhance their professional work. A course sequence may be designed to meet the educational standards for registration and certification as an art therapist, depending upon the current national standards of the
Art Therapy Credentials Board
(www.atcb.org).

Ohio is home to one of the largest state art therapy organizations, The Buckeye
Art Therapy Association
(buckeyearttherapy.org).
p oi n t s of i n t e r e s t
Internships - The Northeast Ohio area is rich in clinical sites for internships and future job potential, and we have over 150 placements to offer students. Each student participates in 850 hours of clinical work, including work with children, psychiatric populations and with a variety of other populations and settings based upon the students’ specific areas of interest.
Format/Delivery. We offer late afternoon and evening classes so those who are working are able to complete the program. We also offer several electives in a workshop format which is very popular with students, alumni and local professionals. Students can take a 1 credit elective in this model where they attend two consecutive days, and then have about a month to complete assignments. Workshop presenters often include nationally known figures, authors and lecturers.
Location.
The location of the program, just twenty minutes from downtown
Cleveland, provides students with the intellectual and cultural resources of a thriving metropolis. A center for the arts, Cleveland offers one of the finest art museums in the nation, a complex of theatres, the world renowned Cleveland Orchestra and the University Circle area.
The Cleveland area is also rich in its heritage for both counseling and art therapy, with pioneers in both fields having established training and delivery systems throughout the area. The Gestalt Institute, Jung Cleveland, the Psychoanalytic
Institute and the major medical centers in the area offer many opportunities outside of the classroom experience.
Situated.
Our art therapy and counseling department has its own dedicated space that allows students to take the majority of their classes in a setting that is conducive to the special needs of creative individuals. We are located in the same building as the art department and the Wasmer Gallery, which allows for collaborations with those areas.
The Wasmer Gallery hosts at least a biennial show, The Healing Imagination that becomes a venue for students, faculty and other professionals to exhibit their work.
We are also near a local community college, where in partnership we invite the community to participate in a yearly gallery show, lecture and workshop based on varying themes.
Jobs/Leadership.
Ursuline College prepares students to become leaders. Our graduates are directors of agencies and programs in many facilities; they are board members on state and national organizations, educators and in private practice. And yes, there are jobs in this field. The dual credential makes our graduates competitive.

Application fee
Malpractice insurance per year
Tuition per credit hour
Additional art materials (specific courses)
Parking per semester
Internship fee
Thesis binding fee
Tuition and application fees are payable before the first day of class. Checks should be made payable to Ursuline College. Students may take advantage of the Academic
Management Services Budget Plan. This allows students to pay college tuition and fees in ten convenient monthly payments commencing in July. Information about this plan may be obtained from Academic Management Services by calling 1 800
635 0120 or by contacting Ursuline’s Business Office.
Currently there are no graduate assistantships for the Art Therapy and Counseling
Department. However, some limited scholarships are available to graduate students.
(Stop in the Office of Financial Aid or call 440 646 8331). Some partial scholarships are available through the American Art Therapy Association (www.arttherapy.org).
Students working toward a master’s degree may borrow money for their programs through the Stafford Loan Program. In order to apply, a student must first complete the Financial Aid Form (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. For additional information, financial aid forms and student loan applications, contact the Office of
Financial Aid.
Although most graduate students reside off campus, residence hall housing is available on a limited basis and age restrictions do exist. For more information contact the Office of Graduate
Admission at 440 646 8119 or graduateadmissions@ursuline.edu.
$25.00
$20.00
$841.00
$30.00
$30.00
$400.00
$100.00

Our philosophy incorporates a broad range of theoretical approaches, and we stress the development of the individual student’s professional identity and theoretical approach. Our goal is to help you to develop into the kind of art therapist and counselor you want to be by allowing for choices in internship sites, and in the focus of thesis work.