Overview

The Art Therapy programme at George Washington University provides students with a rigorous clinical foundation that merges the visual arts with therapeutic psychological practices. This advanced degree prepares graduates to utilise creative processes as a primary tool for healing and mental health support within diverse communities. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, the curriculum ensures a high standard of professional readiness.

Students engage in a curriculum that emphasises the ethical application of art as a diagnostic and therapeutic medium. The training focuses on understanding human development, trauma-informed care, and the nuances of the patient-therapist relationship.

Why Art Therapy at George Washington University?

George Washington University offers a distinctive learning environment that benefits from its location in a major cultural and political hub. The institution provides access to a vast network of clinical sites and professional partnerships, allowing students to gain diverse experience. The faculty consists of seasoned practitioners who bring real-world insights into the classroom, ensuring the teaching remains at the forefront of the industry.

The facilities are designed to support both artistic production and clinical simulation, providing a holistic space for professional development. Students benefit from a community that values research and evidence-based practice, helping them contribute to the evolving field of creative arts therapy. This combination of academic excellence and practical resources makes the university a premier destination for graduate study.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 1929 per credit
National fee: USD 1929 per credit
Local fee: USD 1929 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to cover the essential pillars of clinical practice and artistic theory. Modules may include:

Art Therapy Theory
Human Development
Psychopathology
Clinical Assessment
Research Methods
Group Counselling
Ethics and Professionalism
Trauma-Informed Practice
Cultural Diversity in Therapy

Careers with Art Therapy

Graduates of the Art Therapy programme are prepared for diverse roles within the healthcare and education sectors. Many find employment in psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centres, and residential treatment facilities. The skills acquired at George Washington University also allow for careers in correctional institutions, geriatric centres, and private practice settings.

Professional opportunities extend to roles such as clinical art therapists, mental health counsellors, and rehabilitation specialists. Graduates often work within multidisciplinary teams alongside psychologists, social workers, and physicians to provide integrated care. The programme's strong reputation ensures that alumni are well-positioned to pursue licensure and certification in their respective jurisdictions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

History and Theory of Art Therapy
Human Development and Art Therapy
Counseling/Art Therapy Process
Counseling/Art Therapy Theory
Studio/Technique of Art Therapy
Child Art Therapy
Art Therapy with Adolescents
Marital and Family Art Therapy/Counseling
Group Process
Social and Cultural Diversity
Assessment Procedures
Psychopathology/Art and Diagnosis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Washington, D. C., United States

Disciplines

Art Therapy View 67 other Masters in Art Therapy in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Two (2) recommendations

Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript.

A bachelor's degree, with 18 credits in art, including painting, drawing, and ceramics/sculpture/3D/figurative clay, and 12 credits in the behavioral and/or social sciences, including abnormal psychology and human development.

Statement of Purpose

An interview is required
Portfolio

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

57870 USD / year

≈ 57870 USD / year
Out-of-State

57870 USD / year

≈ 57870 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

57870 USD / year

≈ 57870 USD / year

Living costs

Washington, D. C.

United States

1705 - 2975 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Art Therapy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Washington, D. C.

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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