The Master of Arts in Art Therapy at NDMU is the only master's art therapy program in Maryland that prepares graduates to become professional art therapists. The program dives into advanced courses blending counseling and therapeutic techniques with theory and methodology of art therapy as a unique psychotherapeutic practice, as well as advanced courses in mixed media studio practices, ceramics, and photography.
What to Expect Studying at Notre Dame of Maryland University
Small class sizes and personal attention enhance the student expertise while the curriculum is designed to align with licensure requirements.
Internship Opportunities
You will complete clinical hours at off-site practicum and internship placements in order to gain valuable experience and also meet the requirements to pursue licensure.
Art Therapy Careers
Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches lives through a combination of active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.
Licensed art therapists can work in a variety of settings:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Veteran's Clinics
- Private Practice
- Psychiatric & Rehabilitation Facilities
- Community Based Settings
- Senior Communities
Accreditation
The Art Therapy (MA) program at Notre Dame of Maryland University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of The Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
www.caahep.org
25400 US Hwy 19N, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL. 33763.
727-210-2350
Employment Outcomes of Master of Arts in Art Therapy at NDMU
| POSITIVE PLACEMENT BY GRADUATION YEAR | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| # Graduated | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| % Attainment of Maryland graduate license in art therapy (LGPAT) within 6 mos. of graduation* (license requires successful passage of ATCB certification exam) | 100% | 83% | 80% |
| % Employed in field of study within 6 months of graduation** | 100% | 100% | 100% |
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*Based on departmental data updated annually; % does not reflect failure but one 2023 grad not having made application for LGPAT and one 2024 grad moving out of state NB: Those attaining the LGPAT have all been employed within 6 months of graduation |
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| RETENTION BY GRADUATION YEAR | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| # Initially Enrolled | 11 | 10 | 12 |
| # Due to Non-Academic Reasons | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| # Due to Academic Reasons | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| # In-Progress | 2 | 4 | 12 |
| # Graduated | 6 | 5 | 8 |
| Retention Percentage | 90.9% | 80% | 100% |
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Additional Info
1. Application (Due by November 1st)
- Free Application: Applications are for Fall entry (beginning at the end of August). There are no spring or summer admissions. The MA in Art Therapy program admits only 16 each year, in keeping with NDMU’s commitment to individualized, supporting learning and high-quality instruction.
- Transcripts: Send official transcript(s) from all previous institutions to processing@ndm.edu or mail to:
Graduate Admissions Processing Center
Theresa Hall 001
4701 North Charles St.
Baltimore, Maryland 21210
A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.
Must have completed a minimum of 18 credit hours in Studio Art including Drawing (3), Painting (3), and 3D Materials (3) and a minimum of 9 credit hours in Psychology including Introduction to Psychology (3), Abnormal Psychology (3), and Child/Adolescent or Human Development (3). *
*If you are a good fit but need to fulfill a prerequisite, we may offer conditional acceptance, as long as the course is completed before the Fall entry. You will need to submit final official transcripts upon completion of the course(s) to be formally admitted.
- Additional Materials: The following materials should be uploaded to one’s Personal URL page by November 1st. Questions can be directed to Art Therapy Administrative Assistant, Darian Barton, at dbarton@ndm.edu:
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose: APA-formatted essay and writing sample expressing your intentions in pursuing the master’s in art therapy and affinity for working with others. If you have experience teaching or volunteering in a helping profession, please include this in your statement.
- 15-piece studio art portfolio highlighting different works and mediums
2. Interview (November – March)
- Following completing of application, applicants will be invited to meet with the Art Therapy department. Interviews may be conducted in person or via Zoom.
- During or immediately following this interview, we will request two professional letters of recommendation.
3. Enrollment Decision (March – May 31st)
- Following the interview, the program director and faculty will meet and provide a decision via email within four weeks.
- If accepted, submit your enrollment decision via PURL
- Apply for FAFSA
- Apply for housing
The MA in Art Therapy program hosts a unique, in-person Shadow Night in late October/early November each year, as well as specific Art Therapy Information Sessions on campus in March and July of each year. These three enrollment events provide the most robust student “feel” for our time-and-self-intensive, art-centered, community-engaged graduate training program. Applicants are encouraged to attend at least one of these events prior to or during the application process.