The New School offers a nine-course (27 credits) certificate program in creative arts therapy. This curriculum integrates art, dance, drama, and music into the practice of psychotherapy. Courses are both didactic and experiential and are grounded in the latest developments in psychology and mind-body healing, and the program culminates in a practicum. Field work and internship opportunities are available in diverse settings.
Students in the New School Bachelor’s program may be able to incorporate this certificate into their degree program provided they take care to meet the credit distribution requirements of the bachelor’s program with respect to liberal art and non-liberal arts courses. Most creative arts therapy courses are open to non-certificate students, provided space is available, and bachelor’s program students interested in clinical psychology or social work may be able to take creative arts therapy courses without applying to the the certificate program. Note however that CAT courses taken before admission to the certificate program normally will not be applied retroactively to fulfill the certificate requirements.
Students who have at least 30 college credits including courses in psychology or social work and music, drama, dance, and/or fine arts are eligible to apply to the creative arts therapy certificate program. Applicants with professional experience in the arts and/or professional clinical experience may be admitted with fewer credits and can complete the academic prerequisites while they earn the certificate. For complete description of the program, go to the Creative Arts Therapy Certificate Program.