Antioch University

Programme overview

This Master of Arts pairs comprehensive clinical mental health counseling training with an art therapy concentration, emphasizing cultural diversity, social responsibility, and work with underserved populations. The program is offered by Antioch University’s New England campus and holds CACREP accreditation for the CMHC component as well as CAAHEP accreditation for the art therapy component (upon recommendation of the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education). Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

What you'll study

The curriculum is a blend of Clinical Mental Health Counseling coursework and Art Therapy courses; art therapy coursework totals 18 semester credits. The full program requires 66 credits. Practicum experience is part of the training and introduces students to fieldwork with a minimum of 100 hours of service.

• Combination of CMHC and Art Therapy courses
• Art Therapy courses totaling 18 semester credits
• Practicum with at least 100 service hours
• Academic and experiential requirements designed to support licensure preparation
• Participation in week-long face-to-face clinical intensive residencies (program materials reference participation in two (2) or three (3) separate residencies)

Entry requirements

Students enter the program in the Fall and may enroll full-time or part-time. The program supports a cohort model for Fall entrants. Applicants should note that criminal background results can affect licensure eligibility and should consult state licensing boards if they have concerns. Specific admissions criteria beyond scheduling and enrollment options are handled through Antioch’s admissions process.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to function as art therapists and professional counselors working with individuals, groups, and social systems and to address developmental, emotional, psychological, and medical challenges. The program is designed to lead toward state licensure, but licensure requirements vary by state and the program cannot guarantee licensure. Graduates of this CACREP-accredited program are eligible to pursue National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification after passing the National Counselor Examination (administered in April of the final year) and completing required applications. The program reports a self-reported NBCC exam pass rate of 80%.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The President’s Merit Scholarship is available to new master’s students who meet academic and experience criteria (minimum 3.40 GPA). Awards of $6,000 are disbursed equally over the first two academic years; recipients must remain enrolled full-time and complete each registered course to retain the award. For additional funding opportunities, students are directed to Antioch’s Scholarships and Grants resources.