Best Art Therapy Degree Programs
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A March 2024 American Academy of Pediatrics study revealed that the percentage of young people in the U.S. taking antidepressants grew dramatically as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although a powerful tool, medication alone cannot always improve people’s mental health. Unique solutions and treatments are becoming increasingly popular.
Therapists specializing in art therapy allow patients to learn more about themselves and manage mental health conditions through creative expression. An art therapy degree can prepare you for graduate study and a career.
Best Art Therapy Degree Programs
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Taylor University
Upland, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$35,050
$35,050
68%
18%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,015
Out of State | $1,015
Credits to Graduate
128
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Established in 1846, Taylor University is a private Christian institution based in Upland, Indiana. Taylor offers a pre-professional bachelor's in art therapy that prepares students for graduate-level work through a curriculum pulling from psychology and art disciplines.
Core classes include topics such as art history, figure drawing, abnormal psychology, and fundamentals of counseling. Before graduation, students complete a practicum in an art therapy setting.
Prospective students can apply through the Common Application and must establish their Christian faith in an essay or verbally. While Taylor does not require standardized test scores, those opting out must submit additional application information.
$12,700
$12,700
85%
2,173
Private
Yes
$35,050
$35,050
Upland, IN4 yearCampus + Online
$35,050
$35,050
68%
18%
$12,700
$12,700
85%
2,173
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,015
Out of State | $1,015
Credits to Graduate
128
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Established in 1846, Taylor University is a private Christian institution based in Upland, Indiana. Taylor offers a pre-professional bachelor's in art therapy that prepares students for graduate-level work through a curriculum pulling from psychology and art disciplines.
Core classes include topics such as art history, figure drawing, abnormal psychology, and fundamentals of counseling. Before graduation, students complete a practicum in an art therapy setting.
Prospective students can apply through the Common Application and must establish their Christian faith in an essay or verbally. While Taylor does not require standardized test scores, those opting out must submit additional application information.
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN4 yearCampus + Online
$30,860
$30,860
63%
22%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $18,576
Out of State | $18,576
Credits to Graduate
69
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | N/A
Lipscomb University is a Nashville-based, private institution that offers an in-person bachelor's in art therapy. This interdisciplinary degree provides students with a blend of art and psychology classes. Core courses include topics such as lifespan development, introduction to psychology, and art theory. Students also take studio art classes like printmaking, sculpture, and painting.
Prospective students can apply through the Common Application or directly by completing Lipscomb's online application. To gain admission into the art therapy program, applicants must submit an art portfolio.
$18,414
$18,414
83%
4,595
Private
Yes
$30,860
$30,860
Nashville, TN4 yearCampus + Online
$30,860
$30,860
63%
22%
$18,414
$18,414
83%
4,595
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $18,576
Out of State | $18,576
Credits to Graduate
69
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | N/A
Lipscomb University is a Nashville-based, private institution that offers an in-person bachelor's in art therapy. This interdisciplinary degree provides students with a blend of art and psychology classes. Core courses include topics such as lifespan development, introduction to psychology, and art theory. Students also take studio art classes like printmaking, sculpture, and painting.
Prospective students can apply through the Common Application or directly by completing Lipscomb's online application. To gain admission into the art therapy program, applicants must submit an art portfolio.
Northwestern College
Orange City, IA4 yearCampus + Online
$32,100
$32,100
70%
37%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,080
Out of State | $1,080
Credits to Graduate
124
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in Orange City, Iowa, Northwestern College plays home to an art therapy program that integrates both art and psychology coursework. Alongside general education coursework, degree-seekers complete 42 credits of major requirements.
Students tackle art classes like drawing, ceramics, and painting. In addition, psychology coursework includes topics such as psychopathology, developmental psychology, and exploring psychology. Before graduation, students also complete an internship at an approved location.
Alongside standard admission materials, applicants must submit a digital art portfolio documenting past work.
$6,030
$6,030
76%
1,412
Private
Yes
$32,100
$32,100
Orange City, IA4 yearCampus + Online
$32,100
$32,100
70%
37%
$6,030
$6,030
76%
1,412
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,080
Out of State | $1,080
Credits to Graduate
124
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Based in Orange City, Iowa, Northwestern College plays home to an art therapy program that integrates both art and psychology coursework. Alongside general education coursework, degree-seekers complete 42 credits of major requirements.
Students tackle art classes like drawing, ceramics, and painting. In addition, psychology coursework includes topics such as psychopathology, developmental psychology, and exploring psychology. Before graduation, students also complete an internship at an approved location.
Alongside standard admission materials, applicants must submit a digital art portfolio documenting past work.
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$16,080
$28,992
60%
21%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $687
Out of State | $1,238
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Established in 1884, Temple University is a Philadelphia-based public institution with more than 27,000 undergraduate students. Temple's bachelor's in art therapy requires courses in studio art, art history, and psychology.
In addition, core art therapy classes include topics such as creative process in art therapy, introduction to art therapy, and fieldwork in art therapy. Alongside coursework, students can participate in the active Therapeutic Art Club of Temple University.
In addition to standard application requirements, prospective art therapy students must submit a digital portfolio comprising 10-20 pieces of original work.
$16,956
$23,346
89%
38,794
Public
Yes
$16,080
$28,992
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$16,080
$28,992
60%
21%
$16,956
$23,346
89%
38,794
Public
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $687
Out of State | $1,238
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Established in 1884, Temple University is a Philadelphia-based public institution with more than 27,000 undergraduate students. Temple's bachelor's in art therapy requires courses in studio art, art history, and psychology.
In addition, core art therapy classes include topics such as creative process in art therapy, introduction to art therapy, and fieldwork in art therapy. Alongside coursework, students can participate in the active Therapeutic Art Club of Temple University.
In addition to standard application requirements, prospective art therapy students must submit a digital portfolio comprising 10-20 pieces of original work.
The University of Tampa
Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$27,990
$27,990
45%
0%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $640
Out of State | $640
Credits to Graduate
124
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
The University of Tampa is a private institution that plays home to a lengthy catalog of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a pre-professional bachelor's in art therapy. This interdisciplinary program introduces students to foundational courses in art, art therapy, and relevant social sciences.
Core art therapy classes include introduction to art therapy, arts in health, and art therapy with adults. Before graduation, students also complete a practicum experience and a capstone project.
Prospective students can apply through the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or by submitting an application directly to the University of Tampa.
$11,466
$11,466
77%
9,628
Private
Yes
$27,990
$27,990
Tampa, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$27,990
$27,990
45%
0%
$11,466
$11,466
77%
9,628
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $640
Out of State | $640
Credits to Graduate
124
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
The University of Tampa is a private institution that plays home to a lengthy catalog of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a pre-professional bachelor's in art therapy. This interdisciplinary program introduces students to foundational courses in art, art therapy, and relevant social sciences.
Core art therapy classes include introduction to art therapy, arts in health, and art therapy with adults. Before graduation, students also complete a practicum experience and a capstone project.
Prospective students can apply through the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or by submitting an application directly to the University of Tampa.
Union University
Jackson, TN4 yearCampus + Online
$21,600
$21,600
53%
39%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,150
Out of State | $1,150
Credits to Graduate
128
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
Established in 1823, Union University, located in Jackson, Tennessee, offers a pre-professional bachelor's in art therapy. Degree-seekers take various art and psychology classes. Standard major requirements include courses such as sculpture, photography, painting, experimental psychology, and theories of personality. Before graduation, students also complete an art therapy internship.
Prospective students must hold a high school or GED diploma and submit an application with all relevant fees. Applicants must include official high school transcripts and standardized test scores.
$9,000
$9,000
84%
3,172
Private
Yes
$21,600
$21,600
Jackson, TN4 yearCampus + Online
$21,600
$21,600
53%
39%
$9,000
$9,000
84%
3,172
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,150
Out of State | $1,150
Credits to Graduate
128
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
Established in 1823, Union University, located in Jackson, Tennessee, offers a pre-professional bachelor's in art therapy. Degree-seekers take various art and psychology classes. Standard major requirements include courses such as sculpture, photography, painting, experimental psychology, and theories of personality. Before graduation, students also complete an art therapy internship.
Prospective students must hold a high school or GED diploma and submit an application with all relevant fees. Applicants must include official high school transcripts and standardized test scores.
Springfield College
Springfield, MA4 yearCampus
$38,030
$38,030
68%
N/A
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,200
Out of State | $1,200
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Springfield College is a private, Massachusetts-based institution dating back to 1885. Springfield's bachelor's in art therapy introduces students to the field while also preparing them for admission into the school's graduate program in art therapy.
Core academic requirements include topics such as art therapy with special populations, multicultural issues in art therapy, and various studio art classes. Before graduation, students complete a hands-on practicum in art therapy.
Applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma, preferably from a college-prep program. Applicants also submit an admission essay, and standardized tests are optional as of July 2022.
$32,190
$32,190
86%
3,110
Private
Yes
$38,030
$38,030
Springfield, MA4 yearCampus
$38,030
$38,030
68%
N/A
$32,190
$32,190
86%
3,110
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,200
Out of State | $1,200
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Springfield College is a private, Massachusetts-based institution dating back to 1885. Springfield's bachelor's in art therapy introduces students to the field while also preparing them for admission into the school's graduate program in art therapy.
Core academic requirements include topics such as art therapy with special populations, multicultural issues in art therapy, and various studio art classes. Before graduation, students complete a hands-on practicum in art therapy.
Applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma, preferably from a college-prep program. Applicants also submit an admission essay, and standardized tests are optional as of July 2022.
Marywood University
Scranton, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$34,154
$34,154
78%
21%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $685
Out of State | $685
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | American Art Therapy Association
Based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Marywood University is a private, Catholic institution that offers a bachelor's in art therapy. Core art therapy classes include topics such as approaches in art therapy, introduction to arts and healing, and various studio art and psychology classes.
In addition to the standard four-year bachelor's, students with 90 credits and a 3.0 GPA can apply to Marywood's master's in art therapy program. This accelerated track allows students to earn their master's in just one extra year.
First-year applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma and submit official high school transcripts. Applicants also submit a short writing sample and a recommendation letter from a teacher or school counselor.
$9,888
$9,888
86%
2,679
Private
Yes
$34,154
$34,154
Scranton, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$34,154
$34,154
78%
21%
$9,888
$9,888
86%
2,679
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $685
Out of State | $685
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | American Art Therapy Association
Based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Marywood University is a private, Catholic institution that offers a bachelor's in art therapy. Core art therapy classes include topics such as approaches in art therapy, introduction to arts and healing, and various studio art and psychology classes.
In addition to the standard four-year bachelor's, students with 90 credits and a 3.0 GPA can apply to Marywood's master's in art therapy program. This accelerated track allows students to earn their master's in just one extra year.
First-year applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma and submit official high school transcripts. Applicants also submit a short writing sample and a recommendation letter from a teacher or school counselor.
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
Marion, IN4 yearCampus
$27,296
$27,296
67%
19%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,062
Out of State | $1,062
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Indiana Wesleyan University is a private, Indiana-based Christian institution with about 10,000 students. Indiana Wesleyan offers a pre-professional bachelor's in art therapy that covers both art and psychology courses.
Degree-seekers complete 30 credits each of art and psychology courses before graduation. Some core requirements include classes such as representational painting, art history, general psychology, and introduction to art therapy.
Applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma and submit official transcripts. Indiana Wesleyan offers rolling admission and does not require standardized test scores or an admission essay.
$13,440
$13,440
79%
3,165
Private
Yes
$27,296
$27,296
Marion, IN4 yearCampus
$27,296
$27,296
67%
19%
$13,440
$13,440
79%
3,165
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,062
Out of State | $1,062
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Indiana Wesleyan University is a private, Indiana-based Christian institution with about 10,000 students. Indiana Wesleyan offers a pre-professional bachelor's in art therapy that covers both art and psychology courses.
Degree-seekers complete 30 credits each of art and psychology courses before graduation. Some core requirements include classes such as representational painting, art history, general psychology, and introduction to art therapy.
Applicants must hold a high school or GED diploma and submit official transcripts. Indiana Wesleyan offers rolling admission and does not require standardized test scores or an admission essay.
Edgewood College
Madison, WI4 yearCampus + Online
$30,600
$30,600
72%
28%
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Year
In State | $33,550
Out of State | $33,550
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Edgewood College is a private, Catholic institution located in Madison, Wisconsin. Edgewood is home to a pre-professional bachelor's in art therapy that offers foundational knowledge and prepares students for admission to graduate programs.
This 62-credit interdisciplinary program blends studio art, art therapy, and psychology classes. Some core courses include topics such as applied art therapy in a multicultural context, art therapy techniques of practice, and history and theory of art therapy.
Prospective students must hold a high school or GED diploma and can apply online.
$17,856
$17,856
79%
2,038
Private
Yes
$30,600
$30,600
Madison, WI4 yearCampus + Online
$30,600
$30,600
72%
28%
$17,856
$17,856
79%
2,038
Private
Yes
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Year
In State | $33,550
Out of State | $33,550
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A
Edgewood College is a private, Catholic institution located in Madison, Wisconsin. Edgewood is home to a pre-professional bachelor's in art therapy that offers foundational knowledge and prepares students for admission to graduate programs.
This 62-credit interdisciplinary program blends studio art, art therapy, and psychology classes. Some core courses include topics such as applied art therapy in a multicultural context, art therapy techniques of practice, and history and theory of art therapy.
Prospective students must hold a high school or GED diploma and can apply online.
What Does an Art Therapist Do?
Art therapists encourage patients to work in their preferred medium, such as painting, sketching, or clay. They observe patients’ work and ask questions, starting a dialogue resembling traditional talk therapy.
Art therapy features unique advantages, such as relaxing patients and making them receptive to suggestions. Art therapists may treat clients with PTSD, trauma, or depression. Art therapists can specialize in working with children, young adults, veterans, or people with physical or mental disabilities.
Popular Art Therapy Classes
The best art therapy programs feature traditional coursework and in-person experiences. These and other graduation requirements prepare you for graduate study or an entry-level career.
Art Therapy
This introductory class emphasizes the art therapy field’s fundamentals. Topics include the art therapist’s role and potential impact on different groups.
Art in the Professions
Students in art in the professions interview practicing artists in different mediums. Learning how creating art affects people reveals how it may benefit patients with a mental illness.
Art Therapy Field Experience
Many art therapy degrees require up to four in-person field experiences. Responsibilities include shadowing and working under practicing art therapists. Online programs help students find local field placements.
Abnormal Psychology
Abnormal psychology introduces students to the field’s history and latest theories. Research into abnormal psychology prepares learners to identify and treat different mental health disorders.
Media and Methods in Art Therapy
Media and methods in art therapy feature coursework in different modes of creative expression. Professionals use what they learn in this class to analyze patients’ art and draw conclusions.
Art Therapy Certification and Licensure
You need more than a bachelor’s in art therapy degree to work as a licensed therapist. A master’s in counseling with an emphasis or concentration in art therapy can qualify you for licensure.
Master’s degrees in art therapy emphasize coursework in psychotherapy, trauma, multicultural counseling, and other topics.
Beyond a master’s degree, requirements to become a licensed therapist or counselor differ by state. In California, for example, aspiring clinical counselors must complete 3,000 hours of supervised work experience and pass two exams. Art therapists take continuing education classes to maintain their license.
Do not confuse licensure with certification. Private organizations that include the Art Therapy Credentials Board award board certification to professionals who pass an exam and meet other requirements. You can work with college counselors or your employer’s human resources department to find out if art therapy certification can help you launch or advance your career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Art Therapy Degrees
Yes, you need a master’s degree to work as a licensed art therapist. Your master’s program may let you specialize in clinical counseling or marriage and family therapy.
Although states require that professionals have a master’s for licensure, an art therapy degree online bachelor’s program can qualify you for some non-licensure positions. Potential career paths include art educator, recreational therapist, and teacher’s aide.
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