Graduate Overview

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago's (SAIC) Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling program is one of the oldest professional Art Therapy programs in the Midwest. The two-year curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking so that students are actively involved in creating the learning environment, questioning dominant discourses in the field, and taking part in the production of new ideas.

MA in Art Therapy and Counseling candidates are required to complete:

• 60 credit hours of classroom and fieldwork study
• Two fieldwork experiences in approved agencies. This clinical experience must total at least 700 hours under the supervision of registered art therapists and other mental health professionals.
• A scholarly thesis or graduate project
• Participation in the annual exhibition showcasing artwork by MA in Art Therapy and Counseling students and the people they work with at their internship sites

You will emerge from the SAIC Art Therapy and Counseling program with the academic requirements for eventual registration and board certification (ATR-BC) with the Art Therapy Credentials Board and application for the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor exam in the state of Illinois.

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

Academic Year 2022–23
Number of Graduates: 19
Retention Rate: 96%
Positive Employment Placement: 94%

Based on the response from 44.4% of graduates surveyed (knowledge rate).

Academic Year 2023–24
Number of Graduates: 19
Retention Rate: 100%
Positive Employment Placement: 57.9%

Based on the response from 63.2% of graduates surveyed (knowledge rate).

Graduate Admissions Events

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MA in Art Therapy & Counseling Admissions Information
Curriculum & Courses

Visit the graduate admissions website or contact the graduate admissions office at 312.629.6100, 800.232.7242, or gradmiss@saic.edu.