Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Art

Art making and viewing works of art have the capacity to offer hope, usher in calm, dignify sorrow, expand one’s imagination, and stretch the powers of empathy leading to greater self-awareness and connection across communities and cultures. 

By using a variety of advanced art methods and therapeutic art approaches, the Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Art at West Virginia University provides advanced instructional study for art educators, fine artists, and students in helping professions on how engagement in art-making can facilitate self-reflection, promote healing, and improve overall mental health and wellness. 

In this two-semester graduate certificate program, students will engage in free exploration, art experimentation, group discussion, and personal reflections to explore therapeutic art concepts and theories and apply learned methods to personal and professional practices. The certificate is offered exclusively online and can be completed in one year. 

To be considered for admission, the applicant must have a bachelors’ degree in studio art, art education from a program accredited by NASAD with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Any student currently enrolled in a graduate program of a related field at WVU may also take the Therapeutic Art certificate courses. Students in the post bachelors’ certificate program must maintain a 3.0 GPA to progress.  

Curriculum