Four programs · One shared curriculum · Hybrid format
Find the program that fits where you are
All EAI programs are offered in a hybrid format — weekly online learning plus in-person intensives in San Diego. Whether you’re building toward a graduate degree, professional certification, or applied coaching skills, there’s a program designed for your background and goals.
Not sure which program is right for you?
Answer 7 questions and we’ll match you to the program that fits your background, goals, and schedule.
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Four paths into expressive arts practice
Each program draws on the same foundational curriculum. The difference is in where you’re starting from, where you’re headed, and how long you’re prepared to commit.
Accredited MA · Hybrid · 3 years
Master’s in Expressive Arts Therapy
An accredited graduate degree earned in partnership with the European Graduate School. For career-changers and practitioners ready for a full academic credential. Includes a San Diego residency and three summer study periods in Switzerland.
Diploma · Hybrid · 3 years · REAT eligible
Professional Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy
Advanced expressive arts training for those who already hold a Master’s degree. Earn the REAT credential through IEATA without a second graduate degree. San Diego summer intensive only.
Certificate · Hybrid · 12 classes · REACE eligible
Coaching Certificate in Expressive Arts
Twelve classes of arts-based coaching training for coaches, educators, facilitators, and helping professionals. Earn the REACE credential through IEATA. Open to a wide range of professional backgrounds.
Doctoral pathway · Hybrid · EGS partnership
PhD Preparation Track
For post-Master’s practitioners considering doctoral study at the European Graduate School. Includes Year 1 of the Master’s program and earns the EGS Q-AGS certificate.
Still deciding? Take the program quiz · Book a free info session and we’ll help you choose.
How to choose
The right program depends on three things: where you’re starting from, what credential you need, and how much time you can commit.
Starting point
- Bachelor’s degreeMaster’s program or Coaching Certificate
- Master’s degreeProfessional Diploma or PhD Prep track
Credential goal
- Accredited MAMaster’s Program
- REAT certificationMaster’s or Diploma
- Coaching credential (REACE)Coaching Certificate
- PhD pathwayPhD Prep track
Time commitment
- 3 yearsMaster’s Program or Professional Diploma
- 12 classesCoaching Certificate
- Doctoral pathwayPhD Prep track
| Feature | Master’s | Diploma | Coaching | PhD Prep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prerequisite | Bachelor’s | Master’s | Bachelor’s | Master’s |
| Duration | 3 years | 3 years | 12 classes | Incl. Year 1 |
| Credential | Accredited MA | Diploma | Certificate | Q-AGS |
| REAT eligible | Yes | Yes | — | Yes |
| REACE eligible | — | — | Yes | — |
| Switzerland | Yes | — | — | — |
| EGS application | Yes | — | — | Doctoral |
Still not sure? Take the program quiz. 7 questions, instant result, no email required.
One shared curriculum — four levels of depth
All EAI programs draw on the same modular curriculum. Where you enter and how far you go depends on your program. Specialization is supported through self-directed study and, for Master’s and Q-AGS students, specialized tracks at EGS.
Module K+
Intermodal and Polyaesthetic Arts Foundations
Entrance-level training in intermodal expressive arts. Required for all programs.
- Community Art, Intermodality & Polyaesthetics
- Intermodal Dance & Embodied Practice
- Intermodal Theater, Storytelling & Narrative
- Intermodal Music & Sound
- Intermodal Visual Arts (2D & 3D)
- Intermodal Poetry & Oral Tradition
- Biography as Resource
- Eco-Poesis & Site-Specific Practice
- Final exam
Completed by: All programs
Module F+
Theory and Philosophy
Prerequisite: Module K+ + 60 hours of master artist training.
- Trauma Informed Practice
- Philosophy & Menschenbild
- Aesthetic Development of the Child
- Human Development Adulthood to Death
- Medical Knowledge & Diagnostic Literacy
- Salutogenic & Resource-Based Approaches
- Social & Political Dimensions of Practice
- Therapeutic Relationship
- Law & Ethics (online only)
- Final exam
Completed by: Master’s · Diploma
Module P+
Practicum & Capstone
Supervised practice and original research or capstone work.
- Master’s & Diploma: 500 supervised practicum hours
- Coaching Certificate: 30 supervised internship hours
- Master’s students: thesis of 75–120 pages
Completed by: Master’s · Diploma · Coaching Certificate (partial)
| Program | K+ Foundation | F+ Advanced | P+ Practicum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Professional Diploma | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Coaching Certificate | ✓ | — | Partial |
| PhD Prep | ✓ | — | Individualized |
How we teach
EAI’s adult learning model is built around doing, making, and reflecting — not passive lecture. Every program integrates studio practice with theory, group process with individual work, and personal growth with professional training. Students are supported to develop self-directed artistic and professional practice within a structured academic framework.
Assessments are oral, experiential, and presentation-based. Students compile a professional portfolio throughout their program.
Experiential, hands-on learning in studio, online, and natural environments
Intermodal and polyaesthetic art practice across all five disciplines
Group process and collaborative inquiry alongside individual work
Integration of body, mind, and imagination throughout
Additional training requirements
Both requirements apply to all programs. Hours vary by program.
Method Specific Training
Individual expressive arts sessions with an approved practitioner.
| Program | Hours |
|---|---|
| Master’s | 8 hrs |
| Diploma | 8 hrs |
| Coaching Certificate | 4 hrs |
| PhD Prep | TBD |
Master Art Studio
60 hours per year studying a chosen art discipline — deepening your identity as an artist alongside your professional training.
Applies to all programs.
Required before applying to any program
All applicants must complete the two-day online Introduction to Expressive Arts Therapy course before admission to any EAI program.
This course is your first step — and the best way to experience EAI’s approach before committing to a full program.
Frequently asked questions
Do all programs include in-person components?
Yes. All EAI programs are hybrid — combining weekly online learning with monthly in-person intensives. All programs require a 5-day summer intensive in San Diego. The Master’s program additionally includes three summer study periods in Saas Fee, Switzerland, 23 days each, through the EGS partnership.
Can I study while working full time?
Yes — all programs are designed around working professionals. The schedule is one weekend per month (Saturday–Sunday, full days) plus one 2-hour class per week during September–May. Practicum requirements can often be integrated into your existing professional work.
What is the Introduction to Expressive Arts Therapy course?
A two-day online course required for admission to all EAI programs. It introduces the intermodal approach and gives prospective students a direct experience of EAI’s teaching style before committing to a full program. The course costs $225. Dates are announced on the events page, where you can join the waitlist for the next one.
Which programs prepare me for the REAT credential?
The Master’s Program and the Professional Diploma both prepare graduates to apply for REAT (Registered Expressive Arts Therapist) registration through IEATA. The Coaching Certificate prepares graduates for the REACE (Registered Expressive Arts Coach/Educator) credential instead. The PhD Prep track also prepares students to meet IEATA’s REAT requirements.
What’s the difference between the Master’s and the Diploma?
Both programs cover the same three-year curriculum and lead to REAT eligibility — but they serve different audiences. The Master’s requires a Bachelor’s degree (preferred) and results in an accredited MA awarded through the European Graduate School, including three Switzerland residencies of 23 days each. The Diploma requires a Master’s degree in a qualifying field and results in a professional diploma — no Switzerland residency, no second graduate degree. If you already hold a Master’s, the Diploma is likely your path; if you hold a Bachelor’s or are making a career change, the Master’s is more likely.
Ready to find your program?
Book a free info session with our team — we’ll answer your questions, help you choose the right program, and walk you through what applying looks like.
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