Admission Requirements

The art therapy graduate program welcomes all gender identities. To be eligible for the Mount Mary University Master of Science in Art Therapy program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have a bachelor’s degree in art, art education, psychology or a related field
• Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Have completed the prerequisite coursework in art and psychology (see details below)
• Submit all required application materials (see details below)

International students: See additional application requirements and procedures or contact your graduate admission counselor for questions.

Prerequisite Coursework

The art therapy profession is founded on art and psychology. All applicants must have sufficient undergraduate preparation in these areas, per guidelines from the American Art Therapy Association. You must complete prerequisite coursework before full admission to the program is granted. The following is the prerequisite coursework:

• Studio Arts (minimum of 18 credits): This includes courses such as design, drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, 3-D design or other electives in studio art.
• Psychology (minimum of 12 credits): This includes courses in general psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, personality (recommended) or electives in psychology.

Application Deadlines

A limited number of students are accepted each year to begin in the fall term.  The application deadline is January 15. Applications completed by January 15 will be reviewed and qualified candidates will complete an interview with art therapy faculty.  Admission decisions will be made after completion of the interview. Applications completed after the January 15 deadline will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis dependent upon program capacity. 

How to Apply

1. Complete and submit the online Graduate Student Application.
2. Submit the nonrefundable application fee ($45 for domestic students). You can submit the payment online by credit card or e-check through the application portal. Note: The application fee is waived for Mount Mary alumni. Contact your graduate admission counselor to obtain the waiver code for alumni.
3. Submit your official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. You will need to contact each institution (typically the registrar’s office) to have your transcript sent directly to Mount Mary University. If you are in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree, send your current transcript at the time of application and then send your final transcript once your degree is conferred. If you previously attended Mount Mary, you do not need to request Mount Mary transcripts, but you should provide transcripts from other schools, if applicable. Official transcripts can be submitted via mail or electronically to:
   • Graduate Admission Office, Mount Mary University, 2900 N. Menomonee River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI 53222-4597
   • mmu-admissop@mtmary.edu 
4. Submit three letters of recommendation. The recommendations should be a reference person who can speak to your potential for graduate study. Recommendation forms and instructions are included in the Graduate Student Application.
5. Submit an artwork portfolio. The portfolio should include 15-20 images (submitted via flash drive, web-based portfolio, PDF, or PowerPoint) in at least three studio areas confirming your range of media competence and creativity and should include work in two-dimensions, three-dimensions and color.
6. Write and submit a career goals statement. The two- to five-page statement should specify your professional skills, your reason for pursuing professional education in art therapy and past experiences contributing to your decision to pursue this course of study. Please include your name on the statement. Using APA format for publication is advised.
7. Provide a sample of written academic work. Submit at least one academic paper for review. A paper in art therapy or a related art such as psychology or education is acceptable.

 Application materials can be uploaded via the application portal or sent via postal mail or email to:

• Graduate Admission Office, Mount Mary University, 2900 N. Menomonee River Parkway, Milwaukee, WI 53222-4597
• mmu-admissop@mtmary.edu

The Art Therapy program director will contact qualified applicants to schedule an interview. Final admission decisions will be made after all application materials are received and the interview is completed.

Contact your graduate admission counselor with application questions.