Graduate Certificate In Expressive Arts Therapy

The Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy is a 12-credit online program consisting of four required courses. Courses are delivered asynchronously in accelerated eight-week e-terms, with five e-terms offered each year. Students may complete the certificate in approximately nine months or extend their timeline by enrolling in fewer courses per term.

Please note: this certificate does not lead to professional art therapy licensure. Individuals seeking to become certified art therapists must complete graduate-level training and supervised clinical hours as outlined by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).

The expressive arts therapy certificate includes required coursework that introduces expressive arts theory, facilitation practices, and inclusive approaches to creative engagement.

Graduates of the expressive arts therapy certificate will be prepared to:

• Apply expressive arts theory within educational and community contexts
• Facilitate creative processes that support emotional awareness and reflection
• Develop adaptive art activities responsive to varied abilities and needs
• Use arts-based approaches to encourage engagement, communication, and connection
• Integrate expressive arts practices into existing professional roles

• Educator incorporating expressive arts into classroom or enrichment settings
• Teaching artist or workshop facilitator
• Community arts educator or program coordinator
• Human services professional using arts-based activities
• Recreation or youth program leader
• Artist working in community or educational contexts

• PreK–12 schools and enrichment programs
• Community arts and youth organizations
• Human services and nonprofit agencies
• Wellness and community centers (non-clinical roles)
• Museums and cultural institutions

Applicants to the expressive arts therapy certificate must submit the following:

• Online application
• Application fee: $70
• Campus: Online
• No GRE required

Required materials include:

• Personal statement (maximum 750 words)Describe your academic background, professional experience, and motivations for pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy, as well as how you plan to apply expressive arts approaches in your work or future goals.
• Two professional referencesRecommenders should be familiar with your academic or professional experience and able to speak to your readiness for graduate-level study. References from relatives or friends are not accepted.Once entered into the application portal, each recommender will receive a link to complete an online Endorsement Form.
• Résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)A current résumé or CV outlining your education, professional roles, and relevant creative or community-based experience.
• Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universitiesApplicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from all previously earned degrees.Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded for application review. If admitted, official transcripts must be sent directly from each institution.

Official transcript delivery options:

• Electronic: Sent directly from the institution to graduateadmissions@meca.edu
• Mail:Maine College of Art & DesignAttn: Graduate Admissions522 Congress StreetPortland, Maine 04101

Paper transcripts must remain sealed in the original university envelope.

International applicants:Prospective international students must submit proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or an approved equivalent, unless English is their first language or a documented waiver applies. Because this is a fully online program, it does not qualify for a student visa.

For program-specific application questions, contact online@meca.edu

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

• Fall 2026 priority deadline: July 1, 2026
• Spring 2027 priority deadline: December 1, 2026

Applications submitted after priority deadlines are reviewed as space allows.

• Select the Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy as your intended program
• Upload your personal statement (up to 750 words)
• Upload your résumé or CV
• Enter contact information for two professional references
• Upload unofficial transcripts
• Submit your application and $70 fee

For questions about the program or application process, contact online@meca.edu or schedule a call with admissions.

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• Cost per credit: $720
• Technology fee: $100 per e-term

This program is eligible for Federal Financial Aid.

For financial aid details, visit the Financial Aid Office or contact finaid@meca.edu

Maine College of Art & Design is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The College’s accreditation status was renewed in 2016.

The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) is the regional accreditation agency for colleges and universities in New England, as well as International schools. NECHE accreditation attests to a school's high quality and integrity.

Accreditation, which is voluntary, indicates that an institution has met an external set of criteria for the programs it offers and adheres to threshold standards as a foundation for academic strength and operational integrity. It can be helpful in the transfer of credits from one institution to another.

Inquiries regarding the College’s accreditation should be directed to Melissa Sullivan, Executive Assistant to the President, telephone 207.699.5043 / email msullivan@meca.edu.

Contact

New England Commission of Higher Education
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
Burlington, MA
01803-4514

781.425.7785

info@neche.org

Maine College of Art & Design belongs to the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD), a non-profit consortium of 42 leading art schools in the United States and Canada. This affiliation connects the College’s students and alumni to a broader professional community of artists, educators, and creative leaders.

Expressive arts therapy is a multi-modal, arts-based approach that uses creative processes, such as drawing, movement, storytelling, music, and imaginative play, to support emotional reflection, communication, and personal growth. In non-clinical settings, expressive arts methods help individuals explore feelings, build resilience, and engage in meaningful self-expression.

Yes. The program is built for working adults. The asynchronous online format allows you to complete coursework when it fits your schedule, making it possible to balance full-time or part-time employment, caregiving, or other responsibilities while earning your certificate.

The program allows for flexibility in regard to course offerings. Students can request to transfer in a maximum of one graduate-level course (3 credits) taken outside of Maine College of Art & Design from an accredited college or university (to use towards a Graduate Certificate), with the program director’s approval. Students must have earned at least a “B” in the course. This course cannot be used to fulfill the requirements for another degree.

No. If you are interested in becoming a licensed art therapist, then explore your state licensure requirements and the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (ieata).

Yes, typically, one required course is offered each e-term. This program has a course offered in four of the five e-terms. E-terms are different from the traditional Maine College of Art & Design academic calendar. The e-term schedule includes intensive eight-week courses. There are two e-terms in the Fall, two in the Spring, and one in the Summer. Each course is typically three credits and is an accelerated version of a typical 15-16 week semester course. In other words, the same amount of material is covered, but in a shorter time span.

Students are not required to register for each e-term, and many choose to register for one course each Fall and Spring semester. This means you can register for e-term 1 OR 2 in the Fall and e-term 3 OR 4 in the Spring. However, this will lengthen the time to program completion.

Link to the Online Academic Calendar: HERE