Program highlights

• Learn from experienced educators and art therapists
• Get practical art therapy experience with service-learning, practicum and  internship
• No GRE required for admission
• Submit your application by March 1 for fall enrollment

What will you learn?

As an art therapy student at Wayne State University, you’ll study how the creative process of making art contributes to people’s recovery, health and wellness. You’ll explore the history of the profession and the theory and philosophy of its practice.

You’ll learn from faculty who are practicing art therapists and researchers, giving you insights into day-to-day clinical experience. Our instructors reflect an eclectic blend of perspectives, including humanistic, family systems, educational and social action.

Our campus is within walking distance of the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Charles Wright Museum of African American History and several other museums and galleries. We also have partnerships with Detroit community art centers and healthcare providers, offering rich opportunities for internships and other hands-on experiences.

For more information, see our Art Therapy FAQ.

M.Ed. in art therapy program curriculum

The Master of Education in art therapy degree requires 48 credit hours, including the following:

• Six to seven credits in education coursework
• 33 credits of major requirements
• Six credits of research seminars
• Three credits of elective courses such as Family Art therapy and Grief and Loss

Throughout the curriculum, you have opportunities to experience art therapy firsthand and to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Review the art therapy master's degree curriculum
Art Therapy, M.Ed. handbook

Course requirements

See the course plan below for a typical two-year path to complete the major requirements. In addition, you also need to incorporate art therapy electives and the following education courses:

• EDP 5450 Child Psychology or EDP 5480 Adolescent Psychology or EDP 7350 Learning Process
• EER 7610 Evaluation and Measurement or TED 7060 Inclusive Education

Curriculum

Plan of work

• Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Concentration: Art Therapy

Supervised clinical experience

Real-world training is a cornerstone of our program. You complete a total of 700 clinical hours before you graduate, half of them in face-to-face art therapy sessions with clients.

The hands-on experience begins in your first semester with a service-learning component. The following semester, you start working with volunteer assessment clients. In your second year, you have 15 hours of direct experience working with an individual or a group. Finally, you take on one or more semester-long internships with healthcare organizations, schools, community agencies and more. By the time you graduate, you are well prepared for Registered Art Therapist certification.

Art therapy master's degree careers

Art therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, wellness centers, schools, assisted living centers and other community agencies. Some of our graduates go on to create their own careers in studio settings, while others find full-time positions with their internship sponsors.

Wherever your degree takes you, you enjoy a rewarding career supporting the well-being of individuals, families and communities through art.

Tuition and financial aid

Wayne State University’s Art Therapy M.Ed. program is affordable. Learn more about tuition and fees and explore financial aid and scholarships.

Admission requirements

To qualify for the master's degree in art therapy, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in art, art education, psychology or a related major. Additional prerequisites include the following:

• At least 18 semester credits in studio art, in a variety of two- and three-dimensional media and processes (six of these credits may be completed through a portfolio review or after starting the program)
• At least 12 semester hours in psychology, including general psychology, abnormal psychology and developmental psychology

To apply, please submit the following:

• Two letters of recommendation affirming your academic ability, your ability to work with people and a character reference
• A typed personal statement (approximately three pages) that includes your reasons for pursuing art therapy

Apply to Wayne State's Master of Education in art therapy program!

Ready to use your creative talents to help people lead more fulfilling lives? A master’s in art therapy will prepare you to make a difference.

• Want to find out more about art therapy at Wayne State? Request more information
• Eager to get started? Apply now

Annual Report

Employment Outcomes of

Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling Graduates

Master of Education in Art Therapy Graduates

 *Employer survey knowledge rate is 64%.

Note: Reporting year is July 1 through June 30.

Professional Licensure Program Disclosure

The University has determined that the curriculum of the Art Therapy program leading to registration as a Registered Art Therapist at Wayne State University in the College of Education meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in all states, as the credential is approved by the Art Therapy Credentials Board.

Accreditation

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

The Wayne State University Art Therapy Program 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.