Best Art Therapy Degree Programs

Q: How much do art therapists make?

Art therapists earned a median salary of $50,080 as of 2024, according to Payscale. Experienced professionals can make more than $60,000. Many factors impact how much you can earn, such as your state or city's cost of living (COL). Employers in an area with a high COL may offer higher starting salaries to attract qualified applicants.

Q: Which major is best for art therapy?

An undergraduate art therapy degree program helps you develop your artistic skills while introducing you to psychology fundamentals. Graduate coursework builds on these concepts while emphasizing the psychology topics all therapists must know. Your college may not offer an online art therapy degree. If so, academic advisors can help you select a related major or create a custom-tailored major.

Q: Do you have to be good at drawing to be an art therapist?

Master's in art therapy programs expect applicants to show proficiency in different artistic mediums, including drawing. However, you need not master every medium to become an effective art therapist. Art therapists can often specialize in a medium they prefer.

Q: Is becoming an art therapist hard?

Licensure requirements can make becoming an art therapist more difficult entering than some other careers. Professionals with a master's spend about two years to meet their state's supervised experience requirement. You must also pass one or more exams. Check your state's licensure board website for the latest requirements, fees, and other information.

Art therapists help people improve their mental health through creativity. Learn more about earning an art therapy degree.

Edited by

Updated August 8, 2024

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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.

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In this Article

Best Art Therapy Degree Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

Taylor University

Upland, IN
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

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.

18%

Online Enrollment

$35,050

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

85%

Retention Rate

$35,050

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Students Enrolled: 2,173

Institution Type: Private

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

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.

22%

Online Enrollment

$30,860

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

83%

Retention Rate

$30,860

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 63%

Students Enrolled: 4,595

Institution Type: Private

Northwestern College

Orange City, IA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

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.

37%

Online Enrollment

$32,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

76%

Retention Rate

$32,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Students Enrolled: 1,412

Institution Type: Private

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

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.

21%

Online Enrollment

$16,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

89%

Retention Rate

$28,992

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 60%

Students Enrolled: 38,794

Institution Type: Public

The University of Tampa

Tampa, FL
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

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.

Online Enrollment

$27,990

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

77%

Retention Rate

$27,990

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 45%

Students Enrolled: 9,628

Institution Type: Private

Union University

Jackson, TN
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

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.

39%

Online Enrollment

$21,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

84%

Retention Rate

$21,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 53%

Students Enrolled: 3,172

Institution Type: Private

Springfield College

Springfield, MA
4 year
Campus
Accredited

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.

N/A

Online Enrollment

$38,030

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

86%

Retention Rate

$38,030

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Students Enrolled: 3,110

Institution Type: Private

Marywood University

Scranton, PA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

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.

21%

Online Enrollment

$34,154

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

86%

Retention Rate

$34,154

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 78%

Students Enrolled: 2,679

Institution Type: Private

Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

Marion, IN
4 year
Campus
Accredited

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.

19%

Online Enrollment

$27,296

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

79%

Retention Rate

$27,296

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Students Enrolled: 3,165

Institution Type: Private

#10

Edgewood College

Madison, WI
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

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.

28%

Online Enrollment

$30,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

79%

Retention Rate

$30,600

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 72%

Students Enrolled: 2,038

Institution Type: Private

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

Do you need a master’s degree to be an art therapist?

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.