Want to Learn More?
Our distinctive studio-based program—now with both on-campus and low-residency options—primes you for a career that incorporates a passion for art with a compassion for people.
The first of its kind in the Lehigh Valley, Cedar Crest’s Master of Art in Art Therapy (MAAT) program educates students on the theories and applications of art media that facilitate emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth and transformation.
The Cedar Crest College M.A. in Art Therapy program is committed to an arts-based learning process that provides students with opportunities to:
- Cultivate a deep appreciation and understanding of the role of the arts in healing and rehabilitative practices.
- Integrate theories of art therapy and psychology within a studio-model of treatment.
- Develop essential art therapy skills that can be utilized within a variety of settings and with diverse populations.
- Learn independently, think critically, and develop a personal vision, identity, and goals as an art therapist.
- Become part of a learning community that provides foundations for ongoing professional relationships.
The Program Goal
The goal of the MAAT program is to prepare competent entry-level Art Therapists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
The MAAT Program aims to prepare art therapists skilled in the use of visual art media, materials and processes in collaboration with others to enhance emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth and transformation. Students are equipped to seek national registration as art therapist (ATR) and licensure as Professional Counselors (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Cedar Crest College MAAT Program will prepare you to be registered as an art therapist in all 50 states. All our graduates are eligible to sit for the Board Certification exam (ATCBE) and, upon successful completion of the exam and required hours, they can become board certified art therapists (ATR-BC). The CCC program is designed to enable students to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in the state of Pennsylvania.
Program Goals and Outcomes
The Cedar Crest College M.A. in Art Therapy program is committed to an arts-based learning process that provides students with opportunities to:
Program Goal #1
Develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors necessary to enter the field as competent entry level art therapists.
Program Goal #2
Develop a strong professional identity as an art therapist/counselor.
Program Goal #3
Know and apply professional codes of ethics to the clinical and community-based practice of art therapy.
Program Goal #4
Develop collaborative relationships to address inequities and improve outcomes.
Program Goal #5
Commit to an on-going practice of self-reflexivity and growth.
Program Goal #6
Nurture and sustain their connection to art making through continued creative practice.
Program Delivery
The Master of Arts in Art Therapy program is comprised of 60 credits.
The on-campus MAAT program may be completed in no less than two years (five semesters, full-time). Part-time options are available; as a part-time student, program length is dependent on the plan of study and course load.
Students now have the option to enroll in a low-residency track, which may be completed in three years. The low-residency option enables students to maintain their work and family commitments during the year with distance education.
Low-residency students come together for two weeks over the summer for the hands-on learning needed for the in-person profession of art therapy, guided by professors who are innovative and experienced professionals in the field. The two-week residencies will take place in late July or early August.
The MAAT Art Therapy Low-Residency program at Cedar Crest College allows students to complete 60 credits in three years while maintaining work and family commitments through distance education. The low-residency program is unique in that it offers students a chance to build meaningful relationships with their classmates and professors through a combination of online synchronous classes and a two-week in-person summer residency. During the summer residencies, students experience the hands-on learning needed for the in-person profession of art therapy, guided by professors who are innovative and experienced professionals in the field.
The on-campus MAAT Art Therapy program at Cedar Crest College allows students to complete 60 credits in as little as 6 semesters. For flexibility in course delivery, the on-campus program consists of face to face, hybrid, synchronous and asynchronous online instruction taught by experienced art therapy professionals as students are guided through the engagement of hands-on learning needed for the practice of art therapy.
Helpful Links
ATCB – Art Therapy Credentials Board
Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association
American Art Therapy Association
Pathways to Professional Excellence
You may be eligible for a discount on tuition if your employer is a partner in our Pathways to Professional Excellence program.
Dive A Little Deeper
Tuition Reduction
Tuition for the MA in Art Therapy (MAAT) has been reduced beginning in the Fall 2024 semester. Click here to read more about the tuition reductions.
Upcoming Admissions Events
Art Therapy Mission Statement
The art therapy major at Cedar Crest College provides a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that fosters respect for each person and empowerment of the individual through relationship building, leadership development, civic engagement, global connectivity, and health and wellness initiatives. Coursework inspires social awareness, and community advocacy, and prepares students to be compassionate leaders using the healing potential of the arts.
![Cedar Crest Accounting Students in the Classroom](https://www.cedarcrest.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/acc1-615x456.jpg)
How To Apply
Ready to apply as an graduate student?
![Cedar Crest student smiling on campus](https://www.cedarcrest.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/acc3-615x457.jpg)
Accreditation
![](https://www.cedarcrest.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/caahep-logo_2-p-500.png)
The Cedar Crest College Master of Art in Art Therapy (MAAT) Program is accredited by the Commision on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education.
Faculty & Staff
Who’s teaching you is as important as the curriculum you choose.
Let’s put a face to some of the names you’ll be seeing on the course listings!
![Cecelia Wright](https://www.cedarcrest.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/wright_cecelia-308x338.jpg)
![Brian Wiggins](https://www.cedarcrest.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wiggins_Brian-308x338.jpg)
![Laura Teoli](https://www.cedarcrest.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/teoli_laura-308x338.jpg)
Laura Teoli
Dir of the Master in Art Therapy Pr/Asst Prof![William Singleton](https://www.cedarcrest.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/singleton_william-308x338.jpg)
![Jill Odegaard](https://www.cedarcrest.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Odegaard_Jill_Art-308x338.jpg)
![Maggie Mills](https://www.cedarcrest.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mills_maggie-308x338.jpg)
- School of Adult and Graduate Education
- sage@cedarcrest.edu
- P: 610-740-3770
Featured Event
![Blaney Hall](https://www.cedarcrest.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Blaney_Hall_trees-615x410.jpg)