Expressive Arts Therapy 49 credits

The professional major in Expressive Arts Therapy is designed for students interested in learning about the theory and philosophy of expressive arts therapy and how professionals utilize expressive arts therapy modalities of dance/movement, drama, creative writing, music, poetry and the visual arts in working with children and adults in a variety of settings.

This major prepares students for entry-level positions in a number of human services settings, such as social service agencies, child care programs or specialized school programs, and other community settings. It is also designed to prepare students for entry into a professional Master of Arts degree program in Expressive Therapies. This program combines pre-professional courses in the human services with a minor in psychology.

Choose 9 credits in one category Choose 3 credits in another category

Expressive Arts Therapy Dual Degree Program
Bachelor of Science /Master of Arts in Expressive Therapies & Mental Health Counseling*

The Dual Degree Program in Expressive Arts Therapy is an honors program designed for exceptional students. The integrated B.S./M.A. program is developed for Lesley College students who are interested in accelerating their educational experience in a program combining the curriculum of the Undergraduate Expressive Arts Therapy major and a graduate program in Expressive Therapies and Mental Health Counseling.

The program is designed for students who demonstrate a high level of maturity and academic potential. Essentially an honors program, the integrated program demands that students be able to achieve the academic rigor of graduate education by the time they reach their junior year of traditional undergraduate study. Students in this accelerated program must be able to achieve a level of introspection and cultural awareness necessary to engage in clinical work at a relatively young chronological age. Qualified students apply in the fall of their junior year and must be accepted for admission into the Expressive Therapy Division, Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences.

The qualities looked for upon admission include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to empathize and be compassionate within an educational and therapeutic environment
• Demonstrated psychological strength to work with different clinical populations
• Well-organized, independent, motivated, takes initiative
• Ability to handle complexity
• Works well under stress
• Ability to integrate theory and practice
• Demonstrated conceptual literacy
• Willingness to take creative risks
• Proficiency and disciplined commitment to an arts practice
• Evidence of a range of experience using a variety of art forms

Students are advised jointly in their junior and senior year by the Coordinator of the Undergraduate Expressive Arts Therapy program and a Graduate School Advisor designated for the dual degree program.
 

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA FOR DUAL DEGREE EXPRESSIVE ARTS THERAPY CANDIDATES

1. 3.3 GPA
2. 3 credits in Abnormal Psychology and  3 credits in a Developmental Psychology course with grades of B or better
3. 12 credits of arts courses
4. Evidence of some form of creative expression – this should be presented either as a CD of music, dance or dramatic performance, a portfolio of visual art work, and/or a collection of poetry or examples of creative writing. Applicants should have a basic familiarity with the full experience of the creative process in at least one art form.
5. A letter of academic support from the undergraduate faculty advisor, the undergraduate expressive arts therapy program coordinator, or from core faculty in the professional studies division in consultation with the expressive arts therapy program coordinator.  
6. Successful completion of an admissions interview and review process through the Expressive Therapies Division, Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences.
   
   

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION INFORMATION:

Electives - 12 Credits
Students may choose 12 credits of elective coursework in consultation with their faculty advisor.

*  Taken concurrently with 150-hour practicum, Students will be advised by their  graduate advisor about their readiness for field placement.  It can be taken in the next year if it is determined students are not ready.
**  Taken concurrently with 900-hour internship
***  Must be taken within 1st 4 years – prior to GEXTH 7719 in 5th year
Note: Students pursuing licensure must have their program of study approved by the Program Advisor in the Division of Expressive Therapies.

Course Descriptions 

CEXTH 2623

CEXTH 3623

CEXTH 4623

CHMSR 1551

CHMSR 2551

CPSYC 1401

CPSYC 3405

CSOCS 3444