College of the Arts Introduces Arts and Health Graduate Certificate Program

First of its kind in New Jersey, this innovative program is accepting applications for Fall 2016.

The College of the Arts, in partnership with the Atlantic Health System, one of the largest health care organizations in New Jersey, has launched a new Arts and Health Graduate Certificate program, which is designed to merge arts instruction, research, performance and training with the fields of healthcare and the medical humanities. Arts and Health students will be trained to bring the arts experience to patients, health care providers, and the communities they serve.

The first of its kind in New Jersey, the Graduate Certificate in Arts and Health  will prepare a range of professionals to work in the growing field of arts and health. The program came to fruition through the Arts and Health Partnership, which launched in 2013, a collaboration between the College of the Arts’ Office of Education and Community Outreach and Atlantic Health System. It will be co-administered through the School of Communication and Media with Dr. Christine Lemesianou serving as graduate program coordinator.

“The partnership between Atlantic Health System and Montclair State University has led to its first certificate program, which responds to an increasing demand among arts professionals searching for career development within the health care field,” said College of the Arts Dean Daniel Gurskis,” as well as medical professionals interested in exploring ways that the arts can be used in comprehensive health care and community wellness.”

“As the arts and health care continue to complement one another in new ways, there will be a growing demand for career education that reflects both of these aspects,” said Maria Lupo, manager of Healing Arts at Atlantic Health System. “Montclair State University’s College of the Arts has truly embraced this growing field, and we are proud to partner with them.”

Students will explore special topics in arts and health such as advocacy, cultural diversity and communities, arts marketing and administration, health literacy and ethical issues in arts and health. Instructors will guide students in best practices for arts-based programs in community and healthcare settings in addition to the application of evidence-based methodologies to assess them.

The academic program for the certificate consists of five 3-credit graduate-level courses, which are delivered, in a hybrid format with in-person meetings at the start and end of each course. The final course is a supervised practicum experience at a University approved location. Students may also register for individual courses for continuing education credits without pursuing the completion of the certificate program..

The certificate program is not intended for those who require full professional training for licensure or certification in any of the Expressive Arts Therapies or related disciplines, current data shows that there is demand for professionals with experience in arts and health initiatives, and an understanding of how current health or community practices can be elevated through the arts. Candidates for the certificate may work in clinical or healthcare settings, schools, social service agencies, arts organizations or other environments that support health and wellness.

The application fee is currently waived for Fall 2016 admissions.

For more information please visit the Arts and Health Certificate Program page.

To attend an upcoming information session, please visit the event page for the June 30th session.