Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapy

From Joan S. Bloomgarden, Ph.D., ATR-BC, CGP, LCAT, MHC

Dear Prospective Student or Interested Colleague,

We recognize that future Art Therapists come to this profession with diverse backgrounds and with different intentions. This discipline is rich in special interest areas and Hofstra's programs are responsive to that. We are proud to present a varied education of excellence.

Our Creative Arts Therapy (CAT) program awards students a Master's Degree, (M.A.) It is currently licensed by New York State (NYS) and approved by the American Art Therapy Association. Since we are in the School of Education and Allied Human Services (SOEAHS) and in the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation, Special Education and Research (CRSR) our students have the unique opportunity to take courses in related licensed programs while enrolled in the creative arts therapy program. All students, regardless of their individualized Plan of Study have the same core courses so that students with different interests take their creative arts therapy courses together with the same faculty members.

Students regularly take counseling courses. Under special advisement by the director, students may also take special education courses. Some students continue to complete a Master of Science in Inclusive Special Education, (MSED). Others obtain a certificate in Gerontology along with their degree in creative arts therapy. This is possible by completing a certificate program within the Gerontology program. Students who hold a provisional degree in Fine Arts Education and need to obtain a master's degree as a step toward licensure, the Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapy satisfies NYS for permanent teaching certification.

We anticipate current creative art therapy trends so that new courses and additional programs are always being developed. This year, in addition to our electives in clinical expressive therapies (drama, movement, music, poetry, dance) we are offering a course in Play and Sandtray Therapy. Individualization is encouraged and strengthened by the diverse faculty members and by our active student club activities. Our student club, Creative Arts Therapy Club (CATCH) at Hofstra sponsors a student art show in the fall, guest speakers throughout the year and events driven by student needs.

For further information visit my website at: http://people.hofstra.edu/faculty/joan_s_bloomgarden/.

Hofstra University is only a 30 minute train ride to Manhattan. Hofstra students may attend events sponsored by NYATA, the New York chapter of the American Art Therapy Association, as well as recreational and cultural activities.

To learn more, and to have information mailed to you, please email or call the office of the Creative Arts Therapy Director at (516) 463-5300. For appointments for an interview, call Andy Concilio at (516) 463-5752.