The GW Art Therapy Program combines the expressive use of drawing, painting and sculpture with psychotherapeutic concepts to aid in healing the mind and body. Founded in 1971, the fully accredited program is one of the first of its kind in the United States. It offers a rare combination of international partnerships, internships and trauma training while providing practical experience through its Art Therapy Clinic. The program also supports students' artistic pursuits, with frequent exhibits in a modern gallery space.
Students learn through hands-on training guided by our faculty, who are all credentialed art therapists with expertise in clinical practice and research. The academic program offers master’s and combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees that facilitate professional licensure upon graduation.
Join the Graduate Programs Open House: October 21–November 1
Registration is now open for GW's Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) Graduate Programs Open House! The event features program-specific information sessions and opportunities to interact with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team.
The Art Therapy Department will host an in-person information session for prospective graduate students on Friday, Oct. 25 at 12:00 p.m. EDT. Attendees will receive an application fee waiver.
Undergraduate and graduate students, including art therapy master’s student Bianca Batar, displayed their scholarly work at the 2024 CCAS Research Showcase.
Offering training from experts, the curriculum enables students to study trauma theory in the classroom and then apply those lessons to real-life client work.
GW's program is unique in the field for our international focus, offering research and study abroad opportunities in India, Hong Kong, Croatia and more.
Students complete nearly 1,000 hours of clinical training, many of which may be applied toward professional licensure in art therapy after graduation.
“Not only has this program provided me with a deeper understanding of the field of art therapy, but it has helped me to foster a deeper understanding of myself. By cultivating more self awareness and strengthening my own identity as an aspiring art therapist, I feel better equipped to enter into the helping profession with confidence.”