Adler University

Make an impact by advancing mental health through creative expression.

As one of the nation’s largest and best-known art therapy programs, Adler University offers an intimate learning experience through on-campus classes in Chicago — held in modern studios designed to support artistic exploration and the therapeutic process — or through a flexible online format that combines real-time and self-paced virtual learning.

Program Highlights:

The M.A. in Counseling: 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.
700-hour art therapy practicum focused on the clinical work and principles of art therapy in settings such as schools, mental health centers and community organizations.
Two years of full-time study on our immersive Chicago campus or in a flexible online format.
Preparation for four licensure exams.

Study Online:

The online modality offers flexibility for students who prefer distance learning, with no residency requirements. Courses are delivered through Adler University’s learning management system (Canvas) in 15-week cycles.

The program blends asynchronous learning — with weekly assignments, readings, and discussions — and scheduled live virtual classes, held eight times per course during the semester for real-time interaction with faculty and peers.

Program Experience:

The Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy program prepares students to integrate the creative process into counseling practice to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Grounded in clinical counseling methodologies and an arts-based approach, the program offers instruction from licensed counselors, psychologists, social workers, couple and family therapists, and art therapists.

Students join a collaborative cohort experience led by faculty who provide artistic guidance and individualized mentorship. Whether learning in bright, spacious studio settings on campus or through dynamic online courses, students gain the skills to set therapeutic goals and apply a thoughtful range of artistic materials and interventions in clinical practice.

Coursework:

The 66-credit curriculum combines theoretical foundations, research, and applied practicum experiences with community partners. Students complete a clinical practicum, gaining hands-on counseling experience under the supervision of a licensed clinician, as well as an additional practicum focused on community-based engagement and applied learning.

Community Psychology.
Biopsychosocial Bases of Health and Dysfunction for Counselors
Assessment and Appraisal in Art Therapy, Counseling and Psychotherapy
Sociocultural and Multicultural Approaches in Art Therapy, Counseling and Psychotherapy
Neuroscience in Art Therapy, Counseling and Psychotherapy: Special Populations

Licensure Preparation:

*The Art Therapy specialization prepares you for a range of licensure examinations after graduation, including the:

Registered Art Therapist (ATR) through the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB), which may be attained upon completing all necessary post-graduate training
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) exam eligibility in the state of Illinois, with the National Counselor Examination (NCE) also available upon program completion
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credential in Illinois, attained upon completing all necessary post-graduate requirements. Students seeking licensure in other states should work with faculty advisors and state licensing boards to plan their curriculum accordingly

* Please note that licensure criteria may change frequently and that some states may require courses and/or training beyond what is currently required by the program. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with your specific state requirements. Details regarding application for these credentials can be found at nbcc.org/directory.