M.A. in Art Therapy and Counseling
This dual credential, fully online Art Therapy and Counseling program is designed for working professionals. Advance your career in the high demand field of mental health and behavioral health.
Online &
Flexible
The Masters of Art in Art Therapy and Counseling at West Liberty University is designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their skills, advance their careers, and strengthen their leadership capabilities. This academically rigorous yet accessible program builds foundational skills in visual language and talk therapy to prepare students for a career as art therapists and clinical mental health counselors.
At A
Glance
Preparing students to work with diverse populations in a variety of settings through rigorous academic study and real-world experiences.
Total Credits: 60
Format: 100% V
Completion: 2 1/2 years (full-time) if all requirements are met
Licensure: Pursue professional credentials as an art therapist registered (ATR) with the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) and as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in West Virginia and other states. View Licensure Disclosure
Accreditation: The Art Therapy and Counseling department has regional accreditation through The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) which is recognized by the Council for Higher Learning Accreditation (CHEA). The department is also an Affiliate Member of the American Art Therapy Association.
Who This
Program is For
Working Professionals
Those who need a flexible, fully online format that fits full-time work schedules.
Career Changers
Individuals seeking to pivot into a therapeutic role.
Future Leaders
Preparation for roles as community leaders, advocates, educators, and/or skilled clinicians.
Diverse Backgrounds
Program cohorts come from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and work experience.
Prerequisites: An undergraduate degree, 18 credits in studio arts, and 6 credits in psychology is required for this graduate program.
Career &
Outcomes
Graduates in the Art Therapy and Counseling program learn foundational skills in visual language and clinical mental health counselling and how to apply them in real-world experiences to support health and wellness and enrich the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Art Therapy and Counseling students educated at West Liberty University are prepared for diverse career paths, including:
- Day programs and residential care for children and adults with various abilities and disabilities
- Youth services and educational settings including school-based and after-school programs
- Crisis centers and advocacy services
- Clinical practice in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and inpatient facilities
- Criminal justice system and rehabilitation facilities
Employment in Art Therapy and Counseling
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes art therapists in broader categories of “Therapists, All Other,” specialized programs consistently report high employability and stable career growth. Employment for art therapists is projected to continue to grow to +14%, much faster than the average for other occupations.
Median annual wage:
Art therapy compensation depends highly on the work setting, credentials, experience, and location. The BLS reports the mean wage for the broader “Therapists, All Other” category as $63,650, with experienced professionals earning $89,000 or more.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Why Earn Your
Masters of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling at WLU?
The online Masters of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling is intentionally designed for working professional and balances academic rigor, affordability, and flexibility—without sacrificing quality.
Program highlights include:
- One of the most affordable art therapy programs available
- Preparing students for dual credential: Art Therapy (ATR) and Counseling licensure
- Fully online delivery with Fall and Spring start dates
- Can be completed in 2 1/2 years (full time) if all requirements are met
- No GMAT or GRE required
This program meets the needs of working professionals, ensuring that graduates are well prepared to enter the profession with confidence and credibility.
Tuition, Cost
& Affordability
Detailed tuition and cost information is available online.
Designed to be one of the most affordable art therapy programs available.
Compatible with employer tuition assistance programs.
Program
Format
The Masters of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling is 100% virtual through synchronous zoom and online classes. This virtual format allows working professionals to further their education and professional development.
Program delivery highlights include:
- Cohort model for additional support and peer learning opportunities
- Virtual Fall residency
- No on campus requirements
- Completion in 2 1/2 years (full time) if all requirements are met
- Ability to adjust pace as professional and personal needs change
- Practicum/internships can be completed in your home state (with approval)
This structure allows students to maintain work-life balance while progressing toward their degree.
What
You’ll Learn
Graduates of the Art Therapy and Counseling program are prepared for careers in a variety of community, education, and healthcare settings, while supporting personal and professional growth and lifelong learning.
Creative and Clinical Skills
- Develop proficiency in both visual language and talk therapy and apply these concepts and principles into therapeutic practice
- Gain real-world experience through supervised practicum and internships
Professional Development
- Cultivate skills for multiple career pathways including community services, educational programs, clinical practice, and advocacy
- Preparing students for dual credentials: art therapy (ATR) and counseling licensure
Critical Thinking & Growth
- Apply evidence-based practices and ethical decision-making
- Engage in lifelong learning and professional development
Curriculum
Overview
The 60 credit Art Therapy and Counseling program consists of 51-credit hours of coursework, 3-credit hours of supervised practicum, and 6-credit hours of supervised professional internship. Students may complete their practicum/internships at their place of work, with approval of the Practicum/Internship Coordinator.
- Courses are aligned to art therapy (ATR) and counseling licensure requirements
- Additional electives are available if needed for counseling licensure
- Both CAAHEP/ACATE (art therapy) and CACREP (counseling) education standards are integrated into courses
- Ability to slow down and adjust pace as professional and personal needs change
Career
Pathways
The Art Therapy and Counseling program provides pathways for students to enhance their careers including two postgraduate Certificates in Art Therapy for those with a master’s degree and professional credentials.
Postgraduate Certificate in Art Therapy (18 credits)
The Postgraduate Certificate in Art Therapy is for students with a graduate degree (fine arts, education, etc.) interested in enhancing their knowledge about the use of art to facilitate self-reflection, promote healing, and improve health and wellness.
Postgraduate Certificate in Art Therapy – ATR Track (36 credits)
Build leadership, operational, and organizational skills to manage teams, drive performance, and lead through complexity across industries.
Art Therapy (ATR) Credentials
Preparing students for Art Therapy credentials (ATR) with the Art Therapy Credential Board (ATCB) which is nationally recognized.
Art Therapy/Counseling Licensure
Preparing students for art therapy licensure (if available) or State licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in West Virginia and other States.
Admissions
Requirements
- Official transcripts of any bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a 3.0 GPA.
- 6 credits in psychology with at least a B in each
- 18 credits in studio art with at least a B in each
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Writing sample
- Personal statement
- Art portfolio
- Resume or curriculum vitae
Deadlines: Fall semester (July 1); Spring semester (Nov 1)
International Applicant Notice
The graduate Art Therapy and Counseling program is delivered 100% virtual and does not qualify for F-1 visa eligibility. International applicants requiring an F-1 visa are not eligible for this program. We cannot accept international student applications for this virtual program.
Ready to Advance
Your Career
The online Masters of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling at West Liberty University fosters the development of competent, ethical professionals who think critically, utilize evidence-based practices, engage in creative problem-solving, and deliver quality services to diverse populations in a variety of settings.