Therapeutic Art Graduate Certificate

College of Creative Arts and Media

Make a Change Through Expression

The Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Art from WVU’s College of Creative Arts and Media empowers art educators, fine artists, and helping professionals to integrate therapeutic art practices into their work. This two-semester, online program blends creative exploration with evidence-based approaches to support mental health, emotional growth, and student well-being.

• Therapeutic Art Integration: Learn how to incorporate therapeutic art into PreK–12 classrooms and other educational or care settings.
• Support for Diverse Learners: Gain tools to better serve special needs and at-risk student populations through creative expression.
• Wellness Through Art: Explore how art-making fosters self-reflection, healing, and improved mental health.
• Hands-On Learning: Engage in personal art projects, group discussions, and reflective practices to deepen your understanding.
• Professional Growth: Enhance your teaching or creative practice with advanced methods that promote cognitive, emotional, and social development.

This graduate certificate offers an integrated approach to understanding and mastering therapeutic art methods and practices. It emphasizes the connection between teaching art and the overall well-being of students.

Learning Outcomes

During this program, you will:

• Provide an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to understanding and mastering Therapeutic Art systems, methods, and practices that place emphasis on the interdependence between teaching art and the whole being of the child;
• Integrate concepts and skills from Therapeutic Art to benefit all students, but especially those coming from special needs and at risk student populations;
• Help practicing art educators gain a foundational understanding of the current field of Therapeutic Art in order to understand how it complements the therapeutic value of art within art education;
• Widen practicing art teachers’ perspectives of the visual arts to help improve student learning, interpersonal skills and behavior, and/or physical abilities within the education environment;
• Supplement practicing art educators with new skills that enhance positive student behaviors, increase self-esteem, augment cognitive abilities and improve social skills through visual arts therapy approaches, art activities, assessments and evaluation;
• Engage current practicing art educators in exercise and project level art-making that focuses on expression, while still considering technical skills and concepts.

Step 1

• Complete the WVU Online Graduate Application
• Upload a current resume/CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Two Letters of Recommendation

Step 2

• Apply to both the WVU Graduate School and the School of Art and Design Graduate School "WVU MFA Art and Design/MA Art Education Graduate Online Application"
• Complete the Essay/Writing Sample. Writing sample should be submitted to the WVU School of Art and Design.

Note: Admission criteria are subject to change.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.

• Learn More about Tuition and Financial Aid
• Explore All WVU System Tuition and Fees
• Understand Restrictions on University Tuition Waivers

This graduate certificate provides additional training for art educators that their undergraduate or graduate degrees may not offer. Roles in this field vary depending on location, experience, and additional qualifications. Some professionals work as art therapists in clinical settings, while others may focus on community-based programs, private practice, research, or teaching.