Mission

The mission of Nazareth University’s 60-credit Master of Science in Art Therapy program is to provide an innovative, holistic, and experiential education that prepares students to become professional, effective, and authentic clinicians. Graduates are equipped to work collaboratively and ethically in service to their communities.

Vision

The vision of Nazareth University’s Art Therapy program is to be nationally recognized for integrating theory, research, and clinical practice to support evidence-based art therapy, while also contributing to the development of forward-thinking therapeutic models.

 Program Goals

Nazareth University’s Art Therapy program is guided by three core goals that support its mission and vision:

• Goal #1 – To prepare students to become competent entry-level art therapists, demonstrating the necessary skills, knowledge, and professional behaviors for post-graduate certification and licensure eligibility as Creative Arts Therapists in New York State.

• Goal #2 – To develop proficient, ethical, and collaborative clinicians grounded in best practices, committed to serving and advocating for their communities.

• Goal #3 – To foster an open, creative, and supportive environment where students grow into passionate, curious, self-reflective, and dedicated art therapists.

Educational Approach

To fulfill these goals, the Nazareth Art Therapy program provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes diverse coursework, rigorous clinical supervision, hands-on clinical experience, and ongoing professional development. Informed by aesthetic, ethical, and holistic principles, students are trained to engage in the clinical practice of art therapy across a range of media, populations, and settings.

The program emphasizes the use of diagnostic and assessment skills to determine the appropriateness of treatment modalities, including individual, group, and family art therapy. Concepts learned in the classroom are applied directly in real-world clinical settings, enabling students to develop confidence and competence as clinicians. By graduation, students are well-versed in assessment techniques, clinical documentation, and professional presentation, including written reports, lectures, and workshops.

Clinical Foundation

A hallmark of the Nazareth program is its strong clinical emphasis, incorporating multiple theoretical approaches and exposure to a broad spectrum of client needs and mental health diagnoses. Each student completes a minimum of 700 internship hours, working with diverse client populations. Graduates enter the workforce with hands-on experience, professional confidence, and a deep understanding of art therapy practice.

Nazareth’s on-campus Creative Arts Therapy Clinic serves both children and adults and offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration through co-treatment with Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Music Therapy. This model enhances both clinical skill development and the quality of care provided to the community.