Master of Arts in Art Therapy

with an Emphasis in Counseling

Make a Difference

With a master of arts in art therapy, you can make a difference in people’s lives. Focusing on spirituality and creativity, the MAAT program, with its emphasis in counseling, is designed to prepare you — professionally and personally — to become a responsible and ethical art therapist engaged in holistic healing.

How it works

Students attend three residencies per year bringing opportunities for cohort building and cooperative face-to-face art therapy experiences which add strength to the online portion of each course.

Learn more

Virtual Exhibition: Journey and Emerging Identity: Paths to Becoming

A virtual art exhibition from the 2022-23 MAAT cohort.

Explore the Exhibition

“I love the caliber of the faculty and the camaraderie and diversity of the students.”

– Ginger Wallace, alumna

The Master of Arts in Art Therapy with an emphasis in Counseling is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of The Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education.

Accreditation and Curriculum

The MAAT curriculum is designed according to the American Art Therapy Association.

The SMWC MAAT program was established in January 2000.

Employment Outcomes & Retention Rates

Master of Arts in Art Therapy & Counseling Graduates

2019-20 2020-21 2021-22
Graduated* 21 33 29
Survey of Graduates
Sent Surveys 16 25 27
Returned Surveys 8 5 17
Student reporting employment in field within 6-12 months 5 3 13
Unknown 3 2 1
Positive Placement** 62.5% 60% 73.3%

*Based on students entering MAAT program for the first-time between 2019-20 and 2021-22
** Positive Placement rate based on returned surveys and students reporting employment within 6-12 months

Retention Rate by Graduation Year

2024 2023 2022
# Initially Enrolled 33 41 42
# Added to Class 0 0 0
Attrition Due to Gen Ed Courses 0 0 0
Attrition Due to Non-Academic Reasons 13 10 13
Attrition Due to Professional Courses 0 0 0
# Dropped Out 13 10 13
# In-Progress or Stopped Out 18 12 6
# Graduated 2 19 23
Retention Percentage 60.61% 75.61% 69.05%