COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
M.A. DEGREE PROGRAMS
Below are descriptions of all the courses in the degree programs. Courses are listed in alphabetical order and do not reflect the sequence of coursework for each program. The curriculum and sequence of coursework for individual programs is listed on the following links:
MA in Counseling
MA in Art Therapy/Counseling
Creative Modalities/Electives
AT 500-level
2 units each
These courses explore expression in art, drama, movement and music. Students learn to use their creativity for self-awareness and personal growth. The courses introduce basic facilitation skills using creative modalities.
(Required for all programs)
Theories of Art Therapy
CN/AT 510
4 units
This course provides an overview of the profession of art therapy. Included are origins of the field, differentiation of art therapy from other mental health and educational approaches, major theories and practical applications.
"The program is attentive to each individual's spirit, and challenges each of us to be the best we can be."
Sujata Handelman
Counseling
(Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)
Applied Theories of Human Development
CN/AT 522
4 units
This course focuses on the psychosocial, cognitive, bio-social and spiritual theories which help us understand the nature of human development over a person's life span. Students are encouraged to utilize the theories in understanding and promoting their development and transformation as well as to consider the application of each theory to the professions of counseling and art therapy.
Prerequisite: Developmental Psychology
(Required for all programs)
Archetypal Psychology
CN/AT 523
4 units
This course focuses on archetypal psychology and its application to counseling and art therapy. Students use symbols as keys to group process and multicultural awareness. Course projects enliven and empower one’s inner sense of purpose through the discovery and use of relevant personal and universal symbols.
Prerequisite: CN/AT 522
(Required for all programs)
Psychology of Consciousness I: Ontology
CN/AT 530-2
5 units
This course explores the nature of Being and Reality using models, lineages and turning points in history. Students explore the psychology of consciousness and lifestyle. History is viewed as a metaphor for understanding personal development and cultural evolution.
(Required for all programs)
Psychology of Consciousness II: Paradigm Shifts and Change Agents
CN/AT 531-2
5 units
This course develops an understanding of the dynamics of paradigm shifts. Through the psychology of change, students learn how archetypal, personal and collective patterns work through consciousness. The course examines change agents as catalysts for social and cultural transformation.
Prerequisite: CN/AT 530-2
(Required for all programs)
Counseling Theory and Practice
CN/AT 542-2
4 units
This course introduces the counseling process. Students study theories of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, systems and transpersonal viewpoints. Through experiential learning, students develop self-awareness, basic helping skills and the ability to give and receive feedback.
Prerequisite: Abnormal Psychology
(Required for all programs)
Group Dynamics
CN/AT 543
4 units
This course examines the relationships among individuals and their influence on group interaction. The class is a laboratory for studying groups and group dynamics. Distinctions among types of groups are examined including therapy, process and support groups.
Prerequisite: CN/AT 542-2
(Required for all programs)
Addiction Assessment and Treatment
CN 550
3 units
This course focuses on understanding the nature of alcoholism and other chemical dependencies. Topics include assessment and intervention strategies at various stages of the recovery process and the impact of chemical dependency on others, including the therapist.
Prerequisite: CN/AT 542-2
Multicultural Issues in Counseling
CN 577
4 units
This course explores the impact of cultural diversity on the counseling process. Students examine their cultural assumptions and learn how to work effectively with clients of different racial backgrounds, cultural traditions, gender identities and sexual orientations.
Psychopathology
CN/AT 581
3 units
This course explores the nature of psychopathology as a creative response to madness. Five theoretical perspectives for explaining the origins of pathology are examined. Students study the psychopathologies present in a variety of creative personalities.
Prerequisite: Abnormal Psychology
(Required for all programs)
Art Therapy Techniques: Studio Art
AT 592-2
4 units
In this course, students learn various art therapy techniques and interventions. The course examines art therapy processes and approaches appropriate for different diagnostic and presenting problems.
Prerequisite: AT 630-3, 643-2
(Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)
Independent Study
CN/AT 595, 695
variable units
Students design and complete their own independent course of study with the supervision and approval of a faculty member.
Multicultural Art Therapy with Diverse Populations
AT 596
4 units
This is a study of the practice of art therapy in the context of cultural diversity. Students learn about various assessment tools, therapeutic strategies and creative interventions appropriate for different populations.
(Required for Art Therapy)
Foundations in Human Science Research
CN/AT 598-2
4 units
This course introduces students to qualitative and quantitative research methods as they are applied in counseling and art therapy.
(Required for all programs)
Creative Modalities/Electives
AT 600-level
2 units each
These courses provide students with an introduction to work with specific populations using art, movement or drama. Art Therapy students are recommended to take select courses taught by registered art therapists.
(Required for all programs)
Career and Life Development
CN/AT 625
4 units
Career development theory, assessment and practice are set in the context of adult life development. Client career issues and transitions bring to the surface many counseling issues vital for exploration and transformation.
(Required for all programs)
History of Art Therapy: Founders & Foundations
AT 630-3
2 units
This course identifies the major individuals and programs that have contributed to the development of art therapy as a profession. It covers the history of art therapy from the turn-of-the-century to the present, including the formation of national
professional associations and the advent of credentialing.
(Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)
History of Art Therapy: Current Trends
AT 643-2
2 units
This course covers current professional issues impacting the profession of art therapy. Students examine contemporary theories developed by art therapy educators and clinicians and develop an overview of contemporary art therapy.
Prerequisite: AT 630-3
(Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)
Advanced Counseling I: Diagnostic Skills, Techniques and Practicum
CN 650
5 units
This course examines psychopathology and diagnosis, the counseling process and the nature of the therapeutic relationship. Students complete a minimum of 20 hours of practicum. They receive supervision of their practicum activities in class.
(Required for Counseling)
Advanced Counseling II: Group and Relationship Counseling Techniques and Practicum
CN 651
5 units
This course examines group and relationship counseling. Students complete a minimum of 20 hours of practicum which is presented and critiqued in class.
Prerequisite: CN 650
(Required for Counseling)
Advanced Counseling I: Standards of Practice, Individual Art Therapy
AT 652-2
3 units
This course examines the nature of the therapeutic relationship in working with various client populations using art therapy. The course emphasizes brief counseling skills, crisis intervention and individual counseling.
Co-requisite: AT 652-2L
(Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)
Individual Practicum: Standards of Practice
AT 652-2L
2 units
This is a supervised practicum comprised of at least 20 hours of individual art therapy. Students receive supervision of their practicum activities in class.
Co-requisite: AT 652
(Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)
Advanced Counseling II: Group and Relationship Art Therapy
AT 653
3 units
This course examines group and conjoint art therapy. The course emphasizes brief counseling and referral skills in a group setting.
Prerequisite: AT 652-2, Co-requisite: AT 653L
Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)
Group and Relationship Practicum, Art Therapy
AT 653L
2 units
This is a supervised practicum comprised of at least 20 hours of group and relationship art therapy. Students receive supervision of their practicum activities in class.
Co-requisite: AT 653
(Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)
Professional Ethics
CN/AT 660-2
4 units
This course explores the philosophical origins and clinical applications of professional ethics. Students examine professional guidelines for art therapists and counselors.
(Required for Counseling)
Theory and Practice of Family Counseling
CN 663-2
3 units
A review of systems theories and family counseling. Students develop the ability to map family systems and to practice interventions used to promote system-wide change.
Assessment in Art Therapy
AT 664
4 units
In this course, students become more familiar with diagnostic criteria as they relate to the art image. The course introduces art therapy assessment tools as part of clinical diagnostic profiles.
(Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)
Assessment in Counseling
CN 664-2
4 units
An introduction to the process and methods of clinical assessment. Students examine various assessment tools used in counseling, including objective and projective measures of personality, interests, aptitude and intellect.
Addiction Assessment and Treatment in Art Therapy
AT 665-2
3 units
This is a review of the forms of diagnosis and treatment of addictive disorders used in the field of art therapy.
(Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)
Clinical Skills
CN 667
3 units
This course presents in-depth coverage of one approach to the counseling process. Examples of different approaches are object relations, gestalt therapy, jungian analysis, cognitive behaviorism and psychosynthesis.
(Required for Counseling)
Applied Models of Counseling
CN 672
3 units
In this course, practicing professionals present applied models of counseling and psychotherapy enabling the student to develop and articulate a personal model of counseling.
Prerequisite: CN 651 (may be taken concurrently)
(Required for Counseling)
Clinical Art Therapy with Families
AT 697-2
2 units
In this course students acquire a working knowledge of family art therapy and key issues in its practice. Students explore a variety of models of family therapy and learn methods and techniques experientially.
(Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)
Art Therapy Internships
AT 698-2, AT 698-3L
6 units
Students gain professional experience in supervised clinical settings. Art Therapy students complete 350 hours in each internship experience.
Prerequisite: Completion of all coursework
Co-requisite: AT 698-2 or AT 698-3
(Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)
Counseling Internships
CN 698-2L, CN 698-3L
6 units
This is an intensive professional experience in mental health counseling. Students select a professional setting where they complete 300 hours of supervised practice in each internship.
Prerequisite: Completion of all course work
Co-requisite: CN 698-2 or CN 698-3
(Required for Counseling)
Professional Seminar in Art Therapy: Case Consultation
AT 698-2
2 units
This course is taken concurrently with the internship. Students receive advanced training and supervision in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and intervention using art therapy with clients.
Co-requisite: AT 698-2L
(Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)
Professional Seminar in Counseling: Case Consultation
CN 698-2
2 units
This course is offered concurrently with the internship. Supervision of the intern’s caseload provides advanced training in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
Co-requisite: CN 698-2L
(Required for Counseling)
Professional Seminar in Counseling: Professional Orientation
CN 698-3
2 units
This course is offered concurrently with the internship. It provides an understanding of legal aspects of providing client care as well as continued case supervision.
Prerequisite: CN 698-2
Co-requisite: CN 698-3L
(Required for Counseling)
Professional Seminar in Art Therapy: Professional Orientation
AT 698-3
2 units
This course is taken concurrently with the internship. Students develop advanced knowledge of ethics, interventions and occupational credentialing as applied by the art therapy profession through continued case supervision.
Prerequisite: AT 698-2
Co-requisite: AT 698-3L
(Required for Art Therapy/ Counseling)
