Professional Diploma · Advanced training for qualifying degree holders
Professional Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy
A three-year hybrid program for those who already hold a Master’s degree — building advanced expressive arts therapy skills and preparing you to apply for the REAT credential through IEATA. No second degree required.
3 years
Duration
San Diego and online
Residency
1 weekend/month + 1 class/week
Schedule
Professional Diploma
Credential
REAT eligible
IEATA registration
Advanced certification built on your existing foundation
This hybrid, low-residency professional training is designed for those who already hold a Master’s degree in a human services field or other qualifying degree. The program combines weekly online learning with monthly in-person intensives in San Diego, plus a required 5-day summer intensive. Graduates are prepared to apply for the REAT (Registered Expressive Arts Therapist) credential through IEATA.
Who this program is for
The Professional Diploma is designed for practitioners who already hold a Master’s degree and want to deepen their work through advanced expressive arts training — without pursuing a second graduate degree.
Ideal candidates include therapists, counselors, social workers, educators, and other Master’s-level professionals in human services or related fields.
What you’ll study
Our modular coursework is completed over three years and integrates hands-on creative practice with theory and reflection.
- Three years of progressive education, training, and supervision
- Studio-based learning in the 5 art disciplines plus eco-poesis
- Interdisciplinary studies: Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Law & Ethics
- Blend of lecture, discussion, and art-making
- Academic readings, written reflections, and research projects
- Individual and group process work
Module K+ — Intermodal and Polyaesthetic Arts Foundations
The entrance-level training shared by 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
Module F+ — Theory and Philosophy
Prerequisite: Module K+ completion + 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
Module P+ — Practicum & Advanced Study
The final phase: supervised practice and integration — no thesis required.
- 500 supervised practicum hours
- Individual + group supervision throughout
- Advanced supervision and integration — no thesis required
The modular curriculum is shared across all EAI programs. See the full curriculum overview
Advanced study & supervision
After completing coursework, Diploma students enter the advanced supervision phase — focused on integration, professional development, and preparing to apply for REAT registration.
Group seminars
Group seminars and individual support throughout the advanced phase.
Monthly supervision
Monthly advanced supervision sessions focused on integrating practice and professional voice.
REAT preparation
Graduates are prepared to apply for REAT (Registered Expressive Arts Therapist) registration through IEATA.
Hands-on experience
Students complete supervised, real-world practice in community settings. This could include the clinical or professional work you are currently doing — making it possible to integrate practicum requirements into your existing role.
Additional training requirements
Method Specific Training
8 hours
Work one-on-one with an approved expressive arts practitioner to deepen your personal experience of the work.
Master Art Studio
60 hours per year
Deepen your identity as an artist alongside your professional training by studying a chosen art discipline.
Diploma or Master’s — what’s the difference?
Both programs share the same curriculum, schedule, and duration. The key differences are in prerequisites, the summer residency, and the credential awarded.
| Feature | Professional Diploma | Master’s Program |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisite | Master’s degree required | Bachelor’s degree preferred |
| Duration | 3 years | 3 years |
| Schedule | 1 weekend/month + 1 class/week | 1 weekend/month + 1 class/week |
| San Diego summer intensive | 5 days required | 5 days required |
| Switzerland residency | Not included | Three 23-day summers at EGS, Saas Fee |
| Credential | Professional Diploma | Accredited MA (via EGS) |
| REAT eligible | Yes | Yes |
| EGS application required | No | Yes |
Still deciding? Book a free info session and we’ll help you choose the right path.
Admissions & prerequisites
Required before applying
- Completion of the two-day online Introduction to Expressive Arts Therapy course
Required qualifications
- Master’s degree in human services, arts, or a related field
Application materials
- Completed application form
- Letters of recommendation
- Admission interview (scheduled after application review)
The admissions process
Complete the intro course
Attend the two-day Introduction to Expressive Arts Therapy.
Submit your application
Complete the application form and provide letters of recommendation.
Interview
Your application is reviewed and an admission interview is scheduled.
Enroll
Program runs September–May. Begin your first year.
Is this program for you?
You want to deepen your therapeutic work through the arts
You’re seeking professional certification in expressive arts therapy
You value experiential, embodied learning
You need a flexible hybrid program that fits your life and work
You’re ready to integrate creativity, healing, and professional practice
Not sure if this is the right fit? Take the program quiz or book a free info session.
Program faculty
Judith Greer Essex
PhD, LMFT, REAT, ADTR
Founding Director
Trained as a dancer, Judith is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Expressive Arts Therapist, and Academy of Dance Therapists Registered practitioner. A pioneer in the art-based therapy movement and author of Mastering the Practice of Expressive Arts Therapy: A Practitioner’s Guide (2025).
Elizabeth McKim
Poet Laureate of EGS
Visiting Fellow & Co-Founder of the Field
A co-founder of the expressive arts movement and Poet Laureate of the European Graduate School, Elizabeth is senior lecturer in Lesley University’s Arts in Learning program. She has performed internationally, published seven books of poetry, and is a recognized expert in the oral tradition.
The Diploma program gave me the theoretical grounding and hands-on practice I needed to bring expressive arts into my clinical work with confidence.
— EAI Graduate, Professional Diploma Program
Ready to take the next step?
Book a free info session with our team — we’ll answer your questions about the Diploma program, confirm your eligibility, and help you decide if this is the right path forward.
Prefer to explore first? Download the program guide
