PhD Preparation Track · In partnership with the European Graduate School (EGS)
PhD Preparation Track
For those who already hold a Master’s degree and feel called to continue into doctoral-level study in expressive arts. This hybrid, low-residency track prepares you to apply to the EGS PhD program — deepening both your creative practice and academic foundation.
Master’s required
Prerequisite
San Diego and online
In-person component
Includes Year 1 of Master’s
Curriculum
EGS Q-AGS certificate
Credential
REAT eligible
IEATA pathway
A pathway into doctoral study
This track is designed for those who already hold a Master’s degree and are considering doctoral-level research in expressive arts. The hybrid, low-residency program combines weekly online learning with monthly in-person intensives in San Diego. Supervision is provided throughout.
PhD Prep and the Master’s program
The PhD Prep track includes Year 1 of EAI’s Master’s program (Module K+) — the foundational curriculum shared across all programs.
If you completed the Master’s program at EAI, speak with admissions about how your prior coursework may apply. If you hold a Master’s from another institution, the PhD Prep track provides the EGS-required arts-based foundation for doctoral application.
What you’ll study
The PhD Prep track includes all of Year 1 (Module K+) — EAI’s foundational intermodal training — along with individualized supervision and practicum work oriented toward doctoral readiness.
- Foundational intermodal training across the 5 art disciplines plus eco-poesis
- Experiential, studio-based learning
- Interdisciplinary study integrating philosophy, theory, and artistic practice
- Individual and group process work
- Supervision throughout
- Final exam
Module K+ — Intermodal and Polyaesthetic Arts Foundations
The entrance-level training in intermodal expressive arts — shared across all EAI 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
The PhD Prep track covers Module K+. The full three-module curriculum is covered in the Master’s and Diploma programs. See all programs
The destination
The European Graduate School PhD program
The PhD Prep track at EAI is designed as a gateway to the European Graduate School’s doctoral program in expressive arts. Upon completing the track, students earn the EGS Q-AGS certificate and are prepared to submit their application to the EGS PhD program.
Complete PhD Prep at EAI
Earn the EGS Q-AGS certificate and build your arts-based foundation.
Apply to the EGS PhD program
Submit your doctoral application to the European Graduate School in Saas Fee, Switzerland.
Doctoral study at EGS
Pursue original research in expressive arts at the doctoral level.
European Graduate School
Saas Fee, Switzerland
Founded by Paolo J. Knill, pioneer and co-founder of the field of expressive arts therapy.
Fully accredited Swiss university.
Practicum & supervised experience
Practicum and internship requirements for the PhD Prep track are individualized — structured around each student’s existing professional context and doctoral research interests. Individual and group supervision is provided throughout.
- Individualized practicum/internship requirements
- Individual + group supervision provided
- Opportunities in a variety of community settings
What “individualized” means
Unlike the fixed 500-hour requirement in the Master’s and Diploma programs, PhD Prep practicum is structured to fit your specific professional context and academic goals.
Your admissions interview and early conversations with faculty will shape what your practicum looks like.
Additional training requirements
Method Specific Training
TBD
Work one-on-one with an approved expressive arts practitioner. Hours to be confirmed — contact admissions for current requirements.
Master Art Studio
60 hours
Deepen your identity as an artist alongside your doctoral preparation by studying a chosen art discipline.
Prerequisites & admissions
Required before applying
- Completion of the two-day online Introduction to Expressive Arts Therapy course
Required qualifications
- Master’s degree in human services, fine arts, or a related field
Application materials
- Completed application form
- Letters of recommendation
- Admission interview (scheduled after application review)
A separate application to the EGS doctoral program is required after completing the PhD Prep track. The EAI admissions process covers entry to the track only.
The admissions process
Complete the intro course
Attend the two-day Introduction to Expressive Arts Therapy.
Submit your application
Complete the EAI application form and provide letters of recommendation.
Interview
Your application is reviewed and an admission interview is scheduled.
Enroll in PhD Prep
Begin the track — including Year 1 curriculum and supervised practicum.
Apply to EGS
Upon earning the Q-AGS certificate, submit your application to the EGS doctoral program.
Is this pathway for you?
You already hold a Master’s degree
You’re considering doctoral-level study in expressive arts
You want to deepen both your creative and academic practice
You need additional arts-based training before applying to a doctoral program
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.
Ready to take the next step toward doctoral study?
Book a free info session with our team — we’ll answer your questions about the PhD Prep track, the EGS doctoral pathway, and whether your background and goals are the right fit.
Prefer to explore first? Download the program guide
