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healing the mind and body
Through the therapeutic power of art.
Art Therapy Program
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 Virtual Open House: October 19–30
Registration is now open for GW's 2026 Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) Graduate Programs Open House! The virtual event features program-specific information sessions and opportunities to interact with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team. Attendees will receive an application fee waiver.
The Art Therapy Program will host a virtual information session for prospective graduate students on Wednesday, October 28, at noon.
Art Therapy by the Numbers
95.2%
Average Retention Rate
2025: 96.8%
2024: 96.3%
2023: 92.6%
95.2%
Average Graduate Employment Rate*
2025: 94.1%
2024: 95.2%
2023: 96.2%
*Positive placement within six months
100%
Knowledge Rate*
2025: 100%
2024: 100%
2023: 100%
*The percentage of verified employment data
MA in Art Therapy Info Session: September 16
Join us online for an information session discussing the field of art therapy and the GW Master of Arts in Art Therapy program.
In the News
What We Offer
Comprehensive Trauma Training
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.
In-House Clinical Training
In the GW Art Therapy Clinic, students gain experience alongside registered, board-certified faculty while giving back to the local community.
International Opportunities
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.
Professional Licensure Preparation
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.”
Bo Hundley
MA '20
Accreditation
The Art Therapy Program at the George Washington University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of ACATE.
CAAHEP manages the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE) accreditation process.