Art Therapy

The University of Haifa’s international master’s degree in Art Therapy is a full-time, one-year program designed to prepare professionals to practice in this new and growing field of therapy. The program takes place over three consecutive semesters, from October until September. The language of instruction is English. During the fall, spring, and summer semesters, students complete their academic coursework at the University of Haifa and receive supervision for their field training.

Upon successful completion of all academic requirements, which include a cumulative final exam and field training hours, students will be awarded a master of arts in Creative Arts Therapies with a specialization in Art Therapy.

Your Professional Future

Art therapists have dynamic careers and professional experiences.
They work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, educational institutions, community mental health facilities, prisons, hospices, day-care centers, and private practices. In therapy, the creative and expressive process of art making is used to enhance and improve the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of individuals of all ages.

Curriculum

The program encompasses 90 ECTS credits* (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) including core courses, specialization courses, three seminars, clinical instructions and supervision, clinical field experience in art therapy, and a cumulative final exam.

Core Courses

• Quantitative Research Methods
• Qualitative Research Methods
• An Integrative Review of Psychotherapy
• Theory and Practice of Group Art Therapy

Art Therapy Courses

• Principles and Practices of Art Therapy
• Materials and Creative Processes in Art Therapy
• Art Therapy Across the Lifespan
• Art Therapy with the Elderly
• Advanced Clinical Topics in Art Therapy

Seminar Courses

• Multicultural Issues in Art Therapy
• Assessment and Projective Diagnostic Techniques in Art Therapy
• Intermodal Art Therapy

Field Training

Field training (or placement) is designed as a “real-life” clinical experience working outside of the university in various settings. The experience allows students to consolidate knowledge, apply skills and techniques, and solidify their clinical competence in their specialization. Throughout the field training experience, students receive individual supervision in the field and group supervision at the university.

Outstanding students with a bachelor’s degree who meet the following requirements and prerequisites may enroll in the International MA in Art Therapy:General Admission RequirementsAn undergraduate degree in the visual arts or social sciences from an accredited institution of higher education in Israel or abroad, diploma and transcript. Students in other disciplines will be considered provided they complete the academic prerequisitesA minimum of 3.0 GPA or equivalent to 80%English Score: (for candidates have not previously studied at an institution of higher education where the language of instruction is English) TOEFL scores: A minimum of 570 (paper-based test), 230 (computer-based test) or 89 (internet-based test).Israeli applicants: a minimum score of 85% on the University's English Entrance Exam.Two recommendations from relevant academic faculty membersCurriculum Vitae/RésuméCopy of your valid passport & six passport-sized photosPersonal statement (500-700 words)Interview (group and/or individual)Medical forms (Not applicable for Israeli applicants)Academic Prerequisites* (18 credits)Introduction to Psychology (2 credits)Physio-psychology (2 credits)Personality Theories (2 credits)Developmental Psychology (4 credits)Psychopathology/Abnormal Psychology (4 credits)Research Methods (2 credits)Statistics (2 credits)Applicants who do not meet the above academic prerequisites may complete missing courses at an accredited institution of higher education. We recommend the University of North Dakota’s Online & Distance Education Division (http://distance.und.edu), but other accredited institutions may be accepted.Art-Based Prerequisites*Candidates must provide documented proof of 300 hours of official training in the visual arts (sculpting, painting, drawing, etc.) and a printed, color portfolio of 15-20 artworks on 1-2 pages of A4 paper, showing a range of visual arts media.Although we do pay attention to an applicant's technical skill, we are much more interested in what your art reflects about you.*Note: Applicants who need to complete missing academic and/or arts-based prerequisites, must include an official confirmation of enrollment in the missing academic and/or art courses with their application. English Language Requirements TOEFL paper-based test score : 570 TOEFL iBT® test: 89

MASA Scholarship Program

The Jewish Agency for Israel in partnership with the Israeli government is proud to offer a scholarship opportunity entitled "MASA," which means "Journey" in Hebrew. The program is designed to provide financial assistance to Jewish students who want to participate in a long-term Israel program (minimum of five months, meaning either fall and spring semester or one semester plus Intensive Ulpan before the start of the semester). Jewish students ages 18-30 are eligible for the scholarship.

Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Cultural and Scientific Relations Division of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers scholarships for the University of Haifa's Intensive Summer Ulpan as well as the year overseas programs or a research grant. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

American Zionist Movement Helyn B. Reich Scholarship

Each year, the American Zionist Movement grants scholarships to a limited number of students who demonstrate past pro-Israel activity and a commitment to future involvement with Israel and the Jewish community. Financial need will also be considered, though more emphasis will be placed on merit.

American Jewish League for Israel

The American Jewish League for Israel provides up to $2,000 for an American student to spend the year in Israel attending one of seven universities, including the University of Haifa. Scholarships are based on merit. To learn more about the scholarship, and to download an application, please visit the website of the American Jewish League for Israel.

Bernice and Gordon Brown Scholarships

This scholarship is open to Montreal residents who have demonstrated academic excellence and community involvement. Students must study for a full year at the University of Haifa. Preference will be given to students who have not been to Israel. Candidates must plan to return to Montreal to participate in the Jewish community. Please see the website for more details.

U.S. Federal Financial Aid

The University of Haifa participates in the United States Department of Education Student Financial Assistance Programs. Students who are enrolled at a US institution of higher education can use their US federal financial aid (Pell grants, Stafford loans, PLUS/SLS loans) to help pay for their education at the University of Haifa.

Need-Based Financial Aid

Each year a limited number of students will be granted financial aid based on need. Students who are in financial need are encouraged to submit an application.

Other Financial Aid Resources

We strongly recommend that students applying to the MA programs explore the following scholarship opportunities:

Accreditation

The University of Haifa was established in 1963 under the joint auspices of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Haifa Municipality.

In 1972 it gained academic accreditation from the Council for Higher Education as a separate institution. Thus, the University of Haifa is a fully accredited university under the auspices of Israel’s Ministry of Education and the Israeli Council for Higher Education.

The University is recognized internationally as an approved site for study abroad, and academic credits earned are transferable to home institutions to be applied toward degree completion. The University of Haifa is also recognized by the UNESCO-based International Association of Universities.