How MAAT Works

The art therapy graduate degree program is designed especially for persons who, because of work, family or other commitments, cannot pursue a graduate degree in the traditional way.
graduate student working on magazine collage

  • Students are required to attend three on-campus residencies every year. The program is designed to take three years to complete.
  • On-campus residencies are at the beginning of every semester, which includes late July, early January and early June. The average length of the residency is between four and six days.
  • While on campus, students engage in group art workshops and professional seminars, interact with faculty and begin their semester courses.
  • While at home, students complete online classes and continue to interact with peers and faculty through our interactive course management system, Brightspace.
  • Students participate in three supervised clinical experiences:
  • Practicum during the Fall semester of the second year- 100 hours side by side with a registered art therapist (ATR)
  • Internship I during the Spring semester of the third year- 300 hours supervised by an onsite ATR
  • Internship II during the final Fall semester- 300 hours supervised by an onsite ATR
  • Through the first two semesters the student will get to know registered art therapists ideally near where they live and will not have to travel to complete clinical placements.
  • Students go through the program as a cohort, which allows for collaborative learning and community building with faculty and fellow students.
  • Housing opportunities are available in Le Fer Hall, or students may stay off-campus

Upon graduation, those who hold this graduate degree pursue careers in a variety of settings including:
graduate student art exhibit

  • Hospitals and clinics, both medical and psychiatric
  • Out-patient mental health agencies and day treatment facilities
  • Residential treatment centers
  • Halfway houses
  • Domestic violence and homeless shelters
  • Community agencies and non-profit settings
  • Sheltered workshops
  • Schools, colleges and universities
  • Correctional facilities
  • Elder care facilities
  • Art studios
  • Private practice
Top Counseling Schools - Best Master's Degrees

"Top 20 Master of Art Therapy Degree Programs" - Top Counseling Schools

Based on flexibility, curriculum diversity, affordability, rankings and accolades and student outcomes, SMWC was ranked #2 by Top Counseling Schools.

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