Art Therapy Program | Columbian College of Arts & Sciences

healing the mind and body

Through the therapeutic power of art.

A GW Art Therapy student coloring a painting

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.

What We Offer

Graphic of four hands overlapping.

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.

Graphic of two people seated in chairs across from each other at a table.

In the GW Art Therapy Clinic, students gain experience alongside registered, board-certified faculty while giving back to the local community.

Graphic of a globe with a pencil.

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.

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Students complete nearly 1,000 hours of clinical training, many of which may be applied toward professional licensure in art therapy after graduation.

Bo Hundley

MA '20

“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.”

Art Therapy by the Numbers

"800+ therapy hours per year conducted through community clinic" with a graphic of a ruler, pencil, and pen side by side.

"24,000 service hours per year conducted by art therapy students" with a graphic of a paintbrush and board.

"100+ internship sites in psychiatric, educational, medical and community settings" with a graphic of a pencil in a dotted circle.