Trauma occurs every day and in every person’s life. However, those with less resiliency, fewer resources, a past of adverse experience, or who are in the beginning stages of development, are more debilitated by traumatic experiences and are highly susceptible to traumatic disorders. A person that suffers from a trauma disorder carries that disorder everywhere; there is no discarding it at the door of a church, a playground, a babysitter’s, or a school. When children with traumatic disorders are in school, they are surrounded by triggers (any sensory event that may remind the person’s brain or body of a past traumatic experience) and may become reactive or dissociative in response to a trigger.

While not every student comes in contact with a mental health professional, nearly every child in America comes in contact with a teacher and educational professionals. When educators have learned to recognize signs of developmental trauma, and how to respond, more children are served, and it is more possible to provide a solid education.

This degree is offered by AU New England.

Program Overview

The Trauma Informed Education concentration is a six-course online, asynchronous concentration within the Experienced Educators program. It examines trauma in the context of the learning environment. The courses are introductory in nature thus, the approach is to understand broad issues related to trauma-informed education rather than a deep, detailed examination of this important field. The concentration program is intended for individuals who seek a basic understanding of how to best support and work with children affected by trauma.

The first two courses, Becoming a Trauma-Informed Educator (A & B), focus on recognizing the behaviors associated with childhood trauma and offer strategies for practitioners to use. The developmental effects of trauma and the ramifications of those effects on the academic setting of the child and their peers and teachers are explored in the third class. The interaction of the child within the community is the focus of the fourth class. In the fifth class, The Trauma-Sensitive Learning Environment, students focus on adapting existing school environments to maximize learning opportunities for affected children.  The concentration concludes with a course focused on Leadership and Well-being.

Degree Requirements

Length of Program:

• This 33 -credit program can be completed in 5-7 semesters.
• fully online  
• 2-3  courses per term

Required Courses:

• Introduction to Becoming a Trauma Informed Educator-A
• Introduction to Becoming a Trauma Informed Educator-B
• Physiological, Psychological and Developmental Effects of Childhood Trauma
• Connecting the Community with Those Affected by Childhood Trauma
• The Trauma Sensitive Learning Environment
• Leadership and Well-being:  Trauma Informed Supervision
• Philosophy of Education and Change
• The Developing Mind or Childhood and Nature 
• Practicum: Equity & Change
• Practicum: Child Study
• Practicum: Curriculum

For detailed curriculum, degree requirements, and course descriptions, please visit the course catalog.

Career Outlook

Upon completion of this certificate and depending on state requirements, students can perform work as a:

• PK-3 Teacher
• Trauma-Informed Supervisor

Learning Outcomes

Candidates will understand the basic principles of trauma-informed education.  Candidates will demonstrate the implementation of these principles in their own classrooms/schools.

Interact with children in intentional, constructive, and creative ways that focus on children’s capabilities, competencies, and interests. Foster a learning environment that is based on relationships, reciprocal learning, and reflection to build a more stimulating and inclusive classroom. The Reggio Emilia Approach (REA) is grounded in the belief that children are active protagonists of their own growth and development process, and learning is a process of individual and group construction. In order to accomplish this, the classroom environment must be organized to provoke and support learning.

This degree is offered by AU New England.

Program Overview

Antioch University New England is proud to offer experienced education professionals the opportunity to obtain an M.Ed. in Foundations with a concentration in the Reggio Emilia Approach. The Reggio Emilia Approach refers to the philosophy of early childhood education that originated in Reggio Emilia, Italy and was founded by Loris Malaguzzi. Many educators (e.g., Dewey, Piaget, Vygotsky, Gardner and Bruner) inspire and inform the Reggio Emilia Approach.

This REA is grounded in several key principles (e.g., Children are active protagonists of their growth and development process; Learning is a process of individual and group construction and the environment is organized to provoke and support learning).

Antioch University provides its students with an experiential approach to learning that emphasizes understanding of both theories and sound educational practice

Degree Requirements

Length of Program:

• This 33 -credit program can be completed in 5-7 semesters.
• fully on-line and low residency options available
• 1-2  courses per term

Required Courses:

• Introduction to Reggio Emilia Approach-A
• Introduction to Reggio Emilia Approach-B
• The Learning Environment as the Third Teacher
• Making Learning Visible through Observation and Documentation
• The Atelier and Learning – Arts Integration
• Comparative Approaches to Early Childhood Education
• Philosophy of Education and Change
• The Developing Mind or Childhood and Nature 
• Practicum: Equity & Change
• Practicum: Child Study
• Practicum: Curriculum

For detailed curriculum, degree requirements, and course descriptions, please visit the course catalog.

Career Outlook

Upon completion of this certificate and depending on state requirements, students can perform work as a:

• PK-3 Teacher
• Director of Reggio Emilia inspired preschool program

Learning Outcomes

Candidates will understand the principles and values of the Reggio Emilia Approach. Candidates will demonstrate the implementation of these values in their own classrooms.

Design Your Degree.

Earn your MA in Individualized Studies (IMA) in less than 24 months online.

Antioch University’s Individualized Master of Arts offers a high degree of flexibility in building a program of study that meets your personal and professional needs. Design a degree program to address a particular intellectual interest or study a multidisciplinary issue by combining existing courses from graduate areas of the university.

This degree is offered by Antioch University Online

Individualized Master’s Degrees – 100% Online.

Education on your terms. Antioch’s MA in Individualized Studies (IMA) offers you space to personalize your curriculum, so that you graduate with the education you want and need.

• Transfer up to 15 semester credits, which may include up to 9 credits for your professional experience
• Small class sizes
• Starts in January, May, or August
• Courses meet for 7 or 15 weeks; meeting times determined with students and faculty
• Complete your degree in two years or less
• Work closely with a faculty mentor of your choice with expertise in your specialization
• Save time and money with an Antioch University pathway program – complete your Bachelor’s and MA in Individualized Studies, or complete your IMA while starting your EdD.

Program Requirements

Choose a field of study at the beginning of your journey – Social Sciences or Humanities. Each field of study represents a broad continent of thought and research for you to explore before diving into a specific specialization.

Start with two Foundations courses to learn broadly about the self-design process and how to conduct research in your field of study. In the third foundation course, you will create an individualized degree plan that helps you achieve your personal and professional aspirations. During this time you will select your mentor who will review your degree plan and develop action steps for achieving your goals. You will begin the courses you designed at the latest by your third term.

We host free colloquia three times a year. Recent topics include healing practice, environmental justice, spirituality, women in leadership, music and soul, and mental health. Colloquia are curated spaces where the community of students, faculty, general public, and guest speakers learn together. Show up together Join our learning community

Choose from a variety of specializations in the Social Sciences or Humanities.

Social Sciences

Humanities

Or, create your own specialization!

Program Requirements

To graduate from the program, you’ll complete the following:

• 3 Foundations courses (9 credits)
• 7-8 Specialization courses – Any combination of seminars and individualized courses (courses you design with instructors) (21-24 credits)
• Capstone (3 credits) or Thesis (6 credits)
• 3 Colloquia (0 credits)
• Master’s Portfolio (0 credits)

Empower expression to face life’s challenges.

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Art Therapy concentration expands upon your capability to improve the lives of others. Employing a social justice lens, we prepare graduates to attend to issues of race, equity, diversity, and inclusion in their work with clients. By pairing comprehensive clinical training with a strong theoretical framework, you will be uniquely positioned to leverage art therapy in a clinical mental health setting. Through knowledge, experience, and practice you will empower your clients to express themselves verbally and through visual art in order to treat a multitude of developmental, emotional, psychological, and medical challenges.

This degree is offered by AU New England

Program Overview

By completing Antioch’s Master of Arts program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Art Therapy Concentration you will receive comprehensive clinical training, making it one of the few online degree programs in the U.S. featuring both art therapy and clinical mental health counseling competencies within a social justice lens. 

The learning experience incorporates cultural diversity and social responsibility, giving Antioch a unique edge over other graduate schools in psychology.

Antioch University has held accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, continuously since 1927. The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Art Therapy Concentration program is seeking accreditation with CACREP, The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Art Therapy Concentration program’s art therapy curriculum is designed according to the standards of CAAHEP, The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Mission of the CMHC Program

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Art Therapy Concentration (CMHC) Program promotes the development of professional identity by encouraging an active and continuous examination of one’s self as an individual, one’s self as an art therapist and professional counselor, and one’s self as a social justice advocate. The program is devoted to training students from diverse backgrounds, endorsing the principles of social justice by confronting oppression and injustice, and working with underserved populations. Students are prepared, as art therapists and professional counselors, to work with individuals, groups, and social systems within a multicultural global community to promote mental health and well-being for all.

Degree Requirements

Antioch’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Art Therapy Concentration offers you comprehensive clinical training for a career as a registered art therapist and licensed mental health counselor. With a focus on developing multicultural counseling competencies, you accomplish these goals through a combination of required coursework and supervised internships. 

Program Length

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Art Therapy Concentration program is 66 credits and is designed to be a full-time program, with students entering in Fall. The fall cohort stays together as a rich and connected learning community. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Art Therapy Concentration typically takes students three and a half years (3.5) to complete. Students who enroll in the Online program participate in two (2) separate week-long face-to-face clinical intensive residencies.

Plan of Study

The academic and experiential requirements for the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Art Therapy Concentration are a mix of Art Therapy courses and Clinical Mental Health Counseling courses and include: 

Art Therapy Courses (27-semester credits):                     

• COUC 5405        Art Therapy in Diverse Settings: Individual and Group Therapy (2-semester credits)
• COUC 5402        Techniques and Practices in Art Therapy (2-semester credits)
• COUC 5043        History and Theory of Art Therapy (2-semester credits)
• COUC 5401        Developmental and Treatment Models in Art Therapy (2-semester credits)
• COUC 5510         Art Therapy Research in Individual and Family Therapy I (2-semester credits)
• COUC 5406         Pre-Internship Practicum I (1-semester credit)
• COUC 5406         Pre-Internship Practicum II (1-semester credit)
• COUC 6402         CMHC/AT Internship & Case Consult 250 HRS (2 semester credits)
• COUC 6402         CMHC/AT Internship & Case Consult 250 HRS (2 semester credits)
• COUC 6402         CMHC/AT Internship & Case Consult 250 HRS (2 semester credits)
• COUC 6401         Master’s Project (1-semester credit)
• COUC 6401         Master’s Project (1-semester credit)
• COUC 6401        Master’s Project (1-semester credit)
• COUC 6510         Advanced Art Therapy Research in Individual and Family Therapy II (2-semester credits)
• COUC 6530         Advanced Art Therapy Assessment (2-semester credits)
• COUN 5110         Symbolism, Metaphor, and Creativity (2-semester credits)

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Courses (27-semester credits):                          

• COUN 5002        Group Counseling Clinical Intensive (0-semester credits)
• COUN 5002        Foundational Counseling Skills Clinical Intensive (0-semester credits)
• COUN 5142        Assessment and Testing (3-semester credits)
• COUN 5222        Career Counseling Development (3-semester credits)
• COUN 5262        Human Growth and Development (3-semester credits)
• COUN 5502        Diagnosis and Treatment (3-semester credits)
• COUN 5542        Counseling Theories (3-semester credits)
• COUN 5902        Foundational Counseling Skills (3-semester credits)
• COUN 6102        Creative Approaches to Trauma-Informed Practice (3-semester credits)
• COUN 6122        Addictions Counseling (3-semester credits)
• COUN 6752        Crisis Counseling Interventions (3-semester credits)

 Art Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Courses (12-semester credits):                    

• COUN 6030         Group Counseling (3-semester credits)
• COUN 6032         Professional Orientation & Ethics (3-semester credits)
• COUN 6062         Social and Cultural Diversity (3-semester credits)
• COUN 6422         Couple and Family Counseling (3-semester credits)

Program requirements and course offerings are subject to change.

Practicum and Internships

Practicum introduces you to work in the field with a minimum of 100 hours of service at a clinical site, including a minimum of 40 hours working directly with clients. You will learn agency policies and the role and responsibility of the mental health counselor. You spend approximately 7 to 10 hours a week in practicum for at least one semester. Before beginning, practicum students must pass a candidacy review assessing their readiness to begin supervised fieldwork.

Following practicum, there are three internship semesters. These may continue at the same site as the practicum or take place at a new site. You spend approximately 15 hours a week at your clinical site and provide approximately 250 hours of service each semester, including approximately 120 hours of direct service to clients during each of these internship semesters. Students are required to acquire a total of 700 internship hours. State requirements for pre-degree internship hours vary. Review your state requirements for more information.

 All students incorporate an art therapy internship in a professional setting. This experience will enable you to practice the theoretical knowledge you acquire in the classroom as you develop your identity as an art therapist and clinical mental health counselor. 

Students complete their learning in a diverse variety of clinical settings. There are many internship possibilities at community agencies, residential facilities, shelters, in-patient psychiatric hospitals, college counseling centers, city/state social service agencies, and more. The Practicum and Internship Coordinator will assist you in the process of matching your interests with potential sites in the community. Students are responsible for securing their own practicum and internship sites.

Program Objectives (also referred to as Learning Outcomes)

• Ethical Practice: Students will demonstrate principles and standards of professional ethics in counseling and ethical decision-making informed by social justice.
• Social and Cultural Diversity: Identify strategies needed to address institutional and social barriers that impede access, equity, well-being, and success for clients.
• Human Growth and Development: Students will demonstrate knowledge of lifespan development and the capacity to integrate knowledge of developmental theory into practice.
• Career Development: Identify career development strategies that incorporate a focus on social justice and advocacy.
• Counseling and Helping Relationships: Demonstrate an understanding of theories of counseling and development of case conceptualizations and treatment plans that are underpinned by social justice
• Group Counseling and Group Work: Integrate into their practice of MHC the awareness of the influence of social and cultural contexts on groups
• Assessment and Testing: Students will demonstrate a broad understanding of different types of assessments, the selection and use of assessment tools, client assessment and diagnosis, trauma assessment, and the assessment of self-inflicted harm and danger to others.
• Research and Program Evaluation: Demonstrate and apply their professional identity as a clinical mental health counselor through an individual philosophy of practice grounded in critical analysis and research and interpretation.
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialty Area: Clinical Mental Health Counseling students will demonstrate an understanding of foundational knowledge, demonstration of competence in clinical mental health practice, knowledge of social justice issues, and a focus on wellness.
• Professional Dispositions: From admission through exit, students will demonstrate the attitudes, characteristics, and behaviors defined by the program as characteristic of exemplar counseling professionals.

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a strong need for mental health counselors. Counseling is projected as one of the faster growing mental health professions — increasing over the next 7-10 years.

Graduates will have the knowledge, skills, and professional disposition required to function as a professional art therapist and as a clinical mental health counselor. They will be prepared for employment in a variety of settings and able to meet licensure standards as mental health counselors, through education in a CACREP accredited program and will meet registration and certification requirements as an art therapist through a CAAHEP accredited program.