Therapeutic Art Graduate Certificate
College of Creative Arts and Media
The Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Art, offered by the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media, provides additional training for art teachers and new professional opportunities for art educators, students in art education, and fine artists. This certificate is particularly valuable for those who are knowledgeable and versed in therapeutic art concepts and technical skills within their teaching practice in the PreK-12 classroom.
Cost:
$713 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
4 Courses / 12 Credits
Duration:
One year
Dates:
Next Start: August 20, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring
Learning Format:
Online courses
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Art is a two-semester program that engages you in free exploration, art experimentation, group discussion, and personal reflections to learn therapeutic art concepts and theories. By using a variety of advanced art methods and therapeutic art approaches, this program provides advanced instructional study for art educators, fine artists, and students in helping professions on how engagement in art-making can facilitate self-reflection, promote healing, and improve overall mental health and wellness.
- Learn advanced methods to incorporate therapeutic art into your practice.
- Understand how art-making can promote healing and improve mental health.
- Develop skills to help special needs and at-risk student populations.
Curriculum
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.
During this program, you will:
- Learn how therapeutic art integrates with teaching to support the whole child.
- Gain skills to benefit all students, particularly those with special needs or at-risk.
- Understand the field of therapeutic art and its value in art education.
- Improve student learning, behavior, and physical abilities through visual arts.
- Develop new techniques to boost positive behaviors, self-esteem, cognitive abilities, and social skills.
- Engage in art-making projects that focus on expression and technical skills.
The Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Art program will help to provide additional training for art teachers that the Bachelor of Fine Arts and/or Masters of Arts in Art Education currently do not offer. As such, this field offers new professional opportunities to art educators who are trained, knowledgeable, and versed in therapeutic art concepts and technical skills within their teaching practice in the PreK-12 classroom.
- ART 610: Introduction to Visual Arts Therapy, 3 credit hours
- ART 611: Theory of Art Education & Art Therapy, 3 credit hours
- ART 612: Art Methods/Materials for Special Populations, 3 credit hours
- ART 620: Advanced Problems in Art Making, 3 credit hours
Admissions Requirements and Eligibility
To be considered for admission, the applicant must have a bachelors’ degree from a regionally accredited institution in studio art, art education, or a related program accredited by NASAD. Any student currently enrolled in a graduate program of a related field at WVU may also take the Therapeutic Art certificate courses. Students in the post bachelors’ certificate program must maintain a 3.0 GPA to progress.
Admissions Process and How to Apply
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.
Program ContactAnne McFarland
Assistant Professor, CCA Art and Design
Email: anne.mcfarland@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-4077
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
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.
Connect with Our Team
Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-0915 ann.clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Careers and Employment
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.
Career Paths
- Art Therapist
- Art Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- Recreational Therapist