How to Apply
Creative Arts Therapy: Art Therapy specialization

1Register & apply

Register (create an account) and complete your application online, which includes submitting a resume, professional statement, portfolio, and two letters of recommendation as detailed below.

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Resume

Include information about your degree(s), employment experience, and specialized skills, training, and/or certification(s).

Professional Statement

In this essential component of the application, explain your reasons for seeking this graduate program. Include any information that will advance your candidacy, such as personal and professional attributes and goals, volunteer and professional experiences related to the program to which you are applying, and other related life experiences. Describe your future academic plans and anticipated contributions to the specific profession for which this program will prepare you.

If you did not have an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher and a B average in your major field, you must also address the following in your professional statement:

  • Explain why your grades were below Nazareth's minimum expectations.
  • Outline specific procedures you will follow to successfully navigate and meet the rigorous requirements of graduate study.
  • Describe relevant experiences and/or activities that demonstrate your ability to successfully complete graduate work at Nazareth University.

The Art Therapy program also requires that applicants answer the following questions in their profession statement:

  1. What are your reasons for being interested in art therapy? What are your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in creative arts therapy with a specialization in art therapy at this time? What are your professional goals?
  2. How has your academic, practical and life experience prepared you for becoming an art therapist?
  3. What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses in becoming an art therapist? What do you consider will be your potential areas of growth in becoming an art therapist?
Portfolio

20-piece portfolio demonstrating competency in two- and three-dimensional work. (Exceptions to this format are by program director approval only.) Applicants may upload images of artwork through the Nazareth online application. Images must be uploaded before the application can be submitted.

Letters of Recommendation
  • In the application portal, provide names and email addresses for two recommenders, who will each be asked to provide directly to Nazareth a professional letter of recommendation.
  • Recommendation letters must address readiness for graduate level education and professionalism.
  • If you would like to provide additional letters of recommendation, email Graduate Admissions, gradadmissions@naz.edu.
Deadlines (Fall start term only)
Preferred January 15
Extended June 1; applications received past this date will be reviewed for the next year's fall term

2Request transcripts

Request official transcripts from each college you attended.

Transcript details
  • If you attended Nazareth, Graduate Admissions will obtain your transcript upon receiving your application.
  • If you didn't attend Nazareth, order your official transcript from each college you attended to be sent directly to Nazareth University, even if you are currently enrolled in courses. Applications will not be reviewed for admission until your official transcripts have been received. (If you have questions about submitting transcripts, please contact gradadmissions@naz.edu.)
  • International applicants: Submit English-translated transcripts, including bachelor's or higher degree equivalency through a NACES-certified evaluation service such as World Education Service, Educational Credential Evaluations, or Josef Silny & Associates. (The evaluation is at the expense of the student.) Also see international admissions requirements.

3Complete prerequisite coursework

  • 18 credits in studio art
  • 12 credits in psychology (including Introduction to Psychology or General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and two electives)

4Interview

The program director will contact qualified applicants for an interview.

Have questions?

Contact Graduate Admissions at 585-389-2860 or gradadmissions@naz.edu.