Healing Through the Power of Art
Earn Your PhD in Art Therapy
PhD in Art Therapy
As one of only two PhD Art Therapy programs in the country, Dominican's PhD Art Therapy program attracts a diverse student body from throughout the United States and overseas. Graduates are contributing to the local, national, and international development and recognition of the profession, and are leaders in advancing the theoretical, research, and clinical foundations of Art Therapy.
Program Highlights
- A vibrant alumni network and connections with organizations such as the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (CAMFT), and the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).
- Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Training
- Training for clinicians, researchers, and leaders in the field
- Small class sizes and individual faculty advising prepare students for successful careers.
The graduate art therapy programs offer robust education with a special emphasis on clinical practicum, art-based research, cultural humility, and international art therapy.
Gigi Gokcek, Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Education
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PhD in Art Therapy
Students may apply to enter the PhD in Art Therapy for the fall semester, every other year and should meet the following requirements:
(Students need to have met all or most all of the academic requirements to become an ATR.)
- Master's degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution is required to apply to the Art Therapy PhD program.
- Completion of 18 semester units in studio art (including drawing, painting & clay) and 12 units in psychology (general psychology, abnormal psychology, lifespan development, and personality psychology).
- Completed application for admission
- Two letters of recommendation, professional or academic.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, with one transcript showing a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S., or equivalent academic preparation outside of the U.S. Find complete instructions on how to submit your transcripts to Dominican here.
- Portfolio of original artwork to demonstrate competence with a range of art materials; 10-12 JPEG images are preferred.
- An autobiographical statement, generally, three to four pages.
- Application to apply courses to Dominican’s prerequisites.
- In-person or preliminary online interview
- Published article or scholarly academic writing (the scholarly writing can include a masters thesis)
- Resume
2023-2024 Tuition and Fees
PhD in Art Therapy
| Academic Year 1 | Academic Year 2 | Academic Year 3 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Rate Per Unit | $1,062 | $1,062 | $1,062 | |
| Enrollment | 19.5 units | 19.5 units | 13 units | 52 units |
| Total Tuition | $20,709 | $20,709 | $13,806 | $55,224 |
| Annual Fees* | $780 | $780 | $520 | $2080 |
| Dissertation Filing | $0 | $0 | $250 | $250 |
| Total Cost | $21,489 | $21,489 | $14,576 | $57,554 |
Scholarships
Scholarships and grants are types of aid that do not have to be repaid and that can help to directly reduce your tuition expenses.
To view more information on tuition and aid, click here.
Below you will find some of the courses you would be taking as an Art Therapy student:
- Art as a Way of Knowing: I-V
- Philosophical Foundations
- Theoretical Approaches
- Art Therapy Practices: I-IV
- Practicum: I-VI
- Research: I-VII
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