About
WHEAT Institute
Dual Diploma in Art and Expressive Arts Therapy
The Dual Diploma in Art and Expressive Arts Therapy at WHEAT Institute is an intensive program spanning the course of two summer immersions, one spring immersion, online coursework over 16 months, practicum experience, ongoing individual and group supervision, and academic and writing support to specialize in an area of personal interest through the preparation of a final project and a final thesis. Students will complete all of our compulsory courses in this combined program to receive training in both Art Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy! This is a 800+ hour program, in which students will complete the Art Therapy practicum requirement of 700 hours (300 direct client contact hours), plus an additional 200 direct client contact hours to meet the Expressive Arts Therapy practicum requirement. New diploma cohorts launch annually in July, with expected graduation at the end of December of a students' third year (a total of 2.5 years from start to finish).
The combined use of art and expressive arts modalities is becoming much more common and gives greater flexibility to adapt to the creative strengths and preferences of the client. This program provides students a unique opportunity to become a trained Art Therapist in Canada, while also training in Expressive Arts Therapy. This solid foundation in these modalities will allow you to establish a private practice and facilitate individual and group therapy, while also preparing you to work in an agency or program requiring a specialist in the therapeutic use of the arts. You will be trained to work with a diverse variety of populations and have an expanded network of experienced instructors to support you in your transition to the workplace.
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2024 Update: We value the benefits of face-to-face programming and land-based experiences. This summer 2024 will be our last year offering a hybrid option where students who are unable to attend in person can elect to participate online. Starting summer 2025 we will have mandatory in person spring and summer immersions. The rest of the academic year (September - April) will remain as online classes. Information on accommodation is located HERE
For more information contact WHEAT Institute at info@wheatinstitute.com.
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A copy of our course of study schedule is available upon request.
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Current Requirements
A Bachelor's or Master’s degree is required in counselling, social work, fine arts, or psychology or an equivalent field with a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) completed to determine equivalencies. Students with diverse backgrounds will be admitted upon completion and acceptance of a PLAR.
Prerequisites include Developmental Psychology (3 credits) and Abnormal Psychology or Psychopathology (3 credits). This work may also be completed during the course of study.
As part of their learning process, students will be required to receive art therapy prior to or during the program for 25 hours. Ongoing engagement in the arts is recommended as part of the Studio Art requirement.
Current Application Process
Application deadlines: There are a limited number of seats available and spots will be reserved as applications are received. Register now for the 2025 cohort launching July 2025.
Application process: Applicants are selected based on past academic records, a 500-1000 word letter of intent and three letters of recommendation. Applicants must also submit: Documentation of previous art-making experience, current Resume (reflecting experience in clinical, rehabilitative and/or educational settings), Child Abuse Registry, and Criminal Record Check. Registration fee of $225 is due at that time. A selection committee will interview potential students. Confirmation of acceptance to the Diploma Program will occur within two weeks of application.
Training completion fund of $157.45 plus supply fee of $200 are due upon acceptance and signing of the Student Enrollment Contract.
Current Fees - Dual Diploma
There is no GST on any of our fees or tuition. All fees are listed in Canadian (CAD) dollars. Training is tax deductible, see more information here.
Dual Program in Art Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy $31,490.00 CAD
Enroll in both the Art Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy programs to receive diplomas in both Art Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy! This program can be completed between 2 - 3 years. Students will complete the Art Therapy practicum requirement of 700 hours and an additional Expressive Arts Therapy practicum requirement of 200 hours. Tuition term payments will be calculated on the course hours completed in the given period. An estimate will be provided to each student upon acceptance. For further information on registration and fees please email info@wheatinstitute.com
Term 1 due June 15
Term 2 due September 30
Term 3 due January 15
Term 4 due June 1
Term 5 due September 30
Term 6 due January 15
Term 7 due June 1
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Additional Fees:
$225.00 CAD Non-refundable Registration Fee due upon registration (part of the application process)
$200.00 CAD Non-refundable Supply Fee due upon acceptance
$157.45CAD Non-refundable Training Completion Fund (TCF) fee due upon acceptance. See details of the purpose of this fund here.
$50.00 CAD Graduation Fee due in final term
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Practicum and/or Thesis Extension for all Diploma Programs:
Students will be considered graduates following completion of their Practicum as well as having completed and received a passing grade on their Final Project or Thesis. There is an additional fee of $100 per supervision hour for any supervision required beyond that included in the program. There is a fee of $1000 for students wishing to extend their Final Project or Thesis for an additional year. This will be accompanied by additional research support.