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What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a type of mental health professional that seeks to restore well-being of clients of all ages through the use of art and the creative processes.  The methods of art therapy can be beneficial for trauma victims, those stricken with physical ailments, dementia, autism, and depression to name a few.  As a means to express oneself and manage conflicts, art therapy can help improve interpersonal skills, reduce anxiety, negate stress, and provide individuals with a sense of accomplishment.  Client goals for those engaged in art therapy schools can include any number of the following desired outcomes in a person:

  • A sense of calm
  • Behavior management
  • Addiction management
  • Emotional conflicts
  • Enhancing self-awareness
  • Reality orientation
  • Social skill development
  • Anxiety reduction
  • Self-efficacy

To become an art therapist, knowledge of sculpture, drawing, creative writing, painting, human development, psychology, pathologies, and counseling theories is a must.  Clients benefiting from art therapy can include individuals of all ages, families, couples, small groups, and organizations.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$79,530

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

53.40%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

89,620

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Art Therapy Schools

New York University's top ranked art therapy degree program promotes scholarly research and evidence-based clinical praxis, cross-cultural competency with the appreciation of social justice, and fluency with evolving technologies. The program prepares students on a competent entry-level art therapist in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains. They will develop a robust knowledge of clinical theory, with a solid grasp of psychodynamics. The institution is a private, nonsectarian, research university and the largest non-profit institution of higher learning in the United States.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Florida State University offers an excellent art therapy program that can be conferred as a Master of Science in Art Therapy and as the Doctor of Philosophy in Art Education, specializing in Art Therapy. The program integrates research-informed practices to foster culturally sensitive graduates who understand and apply the power of the visual arts and therapeutic relationships to promote personal and community wellness. The institution is known for its excellent training in cultural arts and is famous for its extensive collection of fine art in the North American region. The power of art for social justice and societal change is not only infused in their philosophy but is the overarching theme that pervades their curriculum and coursework.

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The degree in art therapy at George Washington University is an academic concentration that combines the expressive use of drawing, painting, and sculpture with psychotherapeutic concepts to aid in healing the mind and body. Students and faculty of the institution have the opportunity to work on projects alongside leaders of politics, science, law, and many other disciplines. They learn through hands-on training guided by their faculty, who are all credentialed art therapists with expertise in clinical practice and research. The program offers a rare combination of international partnerships, internships, and trauma training while providing practical experience through its Art Therapy.            

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Temple University's Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy introduces students to a professional pathway that integrates mental health, human services, and the creative process. Supporting the student's development of a broad range of skills needed to succeed in careers from art therapy to counseling, enriching the lives of individuals, families, and communities. The university has centers and institutes that offer opportunities for faculty and students to engage in multidisciplinary research, scholarship, and service. The program rigorously prepares students who are interested in pursuing advanced studies in art therapy at the graduate level or art therapy-related jobs. They learn communication and collaboration, creative design and planning, critical observation and research and self-awareness, and cultural responsiveness. They gain skills that can be applied in many kinds of work and master's-level study in a variety of fields.

Acceptance Rate

60.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Pratt Institute-Main's Art Therapy and Creativity Development M.P.S. help students and communities reach their full potential. The integration of theoretical and experiential learning forms the basis of the department's educational process and creates a curriculum rich in critical and creative thinking. The program aims to create committed professionals who can utilize the creative process and aesthetic decision-making in their clinical work enabling them to become leaders in the creative arts therapy field. Graduates acquire an increased sense of self and resiliency which is translated to their work as creative arts therapists.

Acceptance Rate

55.5

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Union University's Art Therapy major allows students to follow their path of expression for themselves and others. The program is for undergraduate courses with the intent of further master's study to obtain a degree in Art Therapy. Their pre-professional Art Therapy deeply focuses on providing students with a strong foundation in the studio and while providing select courses in the psychology department. The institution is a nonprofit private college that has a fair number of majors and degree programs available for students to choose from across various disciplilnes. 

Acceptance Rate

52.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

School of the Art Institute of Chicago's Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling program explores the relationship between experiences and artmaking. It prepares graduates for a career helping people gain or recover intellectual and emotional clarity, equilibrium, and power through artistic expression. The goal of the department is to prepare students to practice in specialized settings within a socio-cultural context. Integrating learning in studio art, art therapy, and counseling with hands-on clinical experience. Graduate students complete rigorous coursework in preparation for professional certification with the Art Therapy Credentials Board and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

Acceptance Rate

57.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Nazareth College's Master of Science in Creative Arts Therapy collaborates professionally at the on-site art therapy clinic gaining hands-on experience through consultation, observation, and co-treatment with future professionals in social work. The program qualifies students for the New York state licensed creative arts therapy (LCAT) credential. Graduates have been highly successful in passing the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) certification exam. Graduates find employment throughout the United States in different areas related to the field.

Acceptance Rate

64.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Indiana Wesleyan University offers a Pre-Art Therapy is a combination of Art and Psychology courses. The program is used to develop social skills, heal emotional conflicts, and identify the root of certain family and social problems. Students gain some of the very best of both the Fine Art program and their Psychology program.  Graduates from the program are highly equipped to pursue graduate studies in art therapy in preparation to apply counseling skills and art skills. The institution is a nonprofit private school that has a large selection of degrees available for students to choose among.

Acceptance Rate

67

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Harding University has a robust Art Therapy degree program that can be found in the course catalog under its Art & Design Department. Offering a selection of specific majors that focus on painting, three-dimensional work, graphic design, interior design, and art education. They aim to produce graduates who are knowledgeable, creative, and engaged professionals deeply rooted in Christian values. Their faculty strive to embody these qualities through a Christ-centered approach to creative expression, scholarship, mentoring, teaching, and service, which carries out this mission. The institution is a nonprofit private school that has many majors available for students to choose from ranging from undergraduate to graduate. 

Acceptance Rate

61.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Taylor University has a Pre-Art Therapy academic concentration that combines core psychology courses with a broad range of art and art education classes. The program is designed to teach students about the therapeutic uses of art and how to lead others in artistic exercises. They have the opportunity to gain experience with a variety of artistic mediums. Building a psychological understanding of people and their varying needs for therapy. Their art courses focus on drawing, painting, photography, two and three-dimensional design, and ceramics.

Acceptance Rate

68.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Springfield College's major in Art Therapy prepares students to work with individuals of all ages who have varying degrees of need. They have the opportunity to work alongside artists, art therapists, and other professionals to get a deeper sense of how they will utilize their knowledge in the field. Their curriculum is a unique blend of fine art, psychology, and community engagement. Providing them with the skills necessary to be successful in the field and understand how to engage and improve the communities.

Acceptance Rate

68.06

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Lipscomb University has a top tier Art Therapy program provides students the chance to explore their talents in the visual arts and their compassion for others will go hand in hand. Learn multiple ways to bring about healing and help many reach their full potential through art. Their small class sizes will bring them in-depth, hands-on insight into the field of art therapy. Under great guidance from its innovative faculty. Students are prepared spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically for life and eternity.

Acceptance Rate

63.11

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Mount Mary College offers a Masters degree in Art Therapy is designed to integrate the student's artistic inquiry with art therapy and counseling theories and techniques so they can develop a sophisticated professional identity as an artist-therapist. The program is where the students and faculty share a commitment to meaningful graduate-level academic, aesthetic, clinical, intrapersonal, and interpersonal study. It is grounded in a profound belief in the healing power of the arts and the creative process. Providing an experiential and depth-oriented program where they can learn to implement theory and practice in a wide range of clinical contexts. Currently, the institution offers a liberal arts education along with spiritual guidance.

Acceptance Rate

57.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Christian Brothers University's degree program in Art Therapy combines the study of psychology and visual arts. Students gain insight into how art may be used as a therapeutic practice as it applies to conflict resolution, interpersonal skill development, stress reduction, and self-awareness. They gain a deeper understanding of how art contributes to the rapidly changing world. Offering field-study work at local museums, elder care facilities, and local schools providing a hands-on learning experience. The institution provides a variety of program options for students to assist them in their growth and development.

Acceptance Rate

50.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Lewis & Clark College has curated a highly regarded Art Therapy program helps students in improving or restoring a client's functioning and his or her sense of personal well-being. The program requires knowledge of the visual and creative process, as well as of human development, psychological, and counseling theories, and techniques. Art Therapy uses art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem. The institution's mission is to provide liberal arts education that encourages students to explore and prepare for leadership roles.

Acceptance Rate

72.16

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The art therapy degree concentration at the University of Tampa Art is a well-rounded educational experience that immerses students in the theory and practice of therapeutic arts. Students have the opportunity to learn how to use the creation of art to resolve emotional conflicts and foster self-awareness and personal growth through education, rehabilitation, and psychotherapy. Incorporating psychology, art, and therapeutic techniques to provide a creative alternative to conventional therapies. The institution provides a variety of educational opportunities for students to assist them in their growth and development.

Acceptance Rate

44.75

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Art therapy at Arcadia University helps to prepare students for graduate study in art therapy by familiarizing them with the general principles and concepts applicable to the field. The program assists students in making an informed choice regarding art therapy as a career. Allowing them to develop studio art skills, include pre-professional studies in the behavioral and social sciences, and meet the requirements of the American Art Therapy Association for graduate school entrance prerequisites. The institution is a nonprofit private institution providing a large number of degree programs for students.

Acceptance Rate

65.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

School of Visual Arts' MPS in Art Therapy program integrates experiential learning with a comprehensive framework of academic theory, clinical application via an internship program, and art practice. Offering a robust program of lectures, conferences, workshops, exhibitions, and special projects, as well as opportunities for international study and studio time. The opportunity to study with a diverse group of students as far as age, cultural background, and work experience. Providing opportunities and financial support including part-time options and scholarship opportunities.

Acceptance Rate

72

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Eckerd College offers qualified students a human development program that is an interdisciplinary major spanning several key areas of study.  This academic concentration integrates various aspects of psychology, education, sociology, anthropology, gerontology, communication, ethics, and other disciplines. Graduates develop a strong foundation for entering work in the helping professions and many types of careers were working effectively with people is important. The program has an interactive study, hands-on coursework, and much-applied research. Graduates go on to being licensed mental health professionals, creative arts therapists using the expressive arts, animal-assisted therapy for older adults with Alzheimer's disease, just to name a few.

Acceptance Rate

67.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Notre Dame of Maryland University's Master of Art Therapy is the only master's art therapy in Maryland that prepares graduates to become professional art Therapists. The program dives into an advanced course blending counseling and therapeutic techniques. The institution maintains a Roman Catholic affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Small class sizes and personal attention enhance the student's expertise while the curriculum is designed to align the licensure requirements. Students will complete clinical hours at off-site practicum and internship placements to gain valuable experience.

Acceptance Rate

61.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Webster University's expressive art therapy degree integrates the healing objectives of the fields of art therapy, dance therapy, psychodrama, and music therapy. Offering an introduction to the unique potential to the fine and performing arts to foster healing and increase empathic human connection. Students will apply and practice unique concepts through hands-on activities, demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in two of the four fine arts areas of music, dance, theatre, or visual art, and demonstrate an introductory level of knowledge in psychology. The institution is a nonprofit private university that offers an assortment of program options allowing students to choose which major is right for you.

Acceptance Rate

56.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Trinity Christian College's Art Therapy builds on the strengths of its dedicated Art and Psychology faculty. Students complete their field education through the Psychology department and their Capstone work in the Art department. With their small class sizes, they get to work closely with their professors. For individuals who are passionate about helping others combining the love of art and therapy, this program is fitted for them. They use drawing, painting, and other creative outlets to help children and adults deal with grief and loss.

Acceptance Rate

69.06

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of Cincinnati's Pre-Art Therapy certificate program is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities. The program is facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. It is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change. one of the program's goals is to increase student's understanding and knowledge about the field of art therapy.

Acceptance Rate

76.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Northwestern College offers an Art Therapy academic concentration for qualified students that is highly regarded.  The academic program provides students the knowledge and skills in visual art as well as the application of theories/techniques of human development, psychology, and counseling. The program and supervised training prepare them to work with diverse populations in a variety of settings. Art therapists work with people who are challenged with medical and mental problems, as well as individuals seeking emotional, creative, and spiritual growth. The institution provides a large number of educational opportunities for students.

Acceptance Rate

69.52

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

How to Become an Art Therapist?

Prospective art therapists will need to step through the following 4 phases before working in the field. Variations may exist depending on your starting point and state mandates. However, you can use the guide below to help you step closer to your goal of becoming an art therapist.

Step 1 – Research Arts Schools

To begin, you will need to find accredited colleges offering art therapy programs. You can perform this manually or programmatically. Our degree finder tool below will allow you to quickly sort accredited universities offering art therapy degrees. You can further narrow your search by filtering by state, school type, and degree level.

Integrated within your college search, you will need to learn how to navigate the admissions process. To help, we have created two award-winning guides The Complete Guide to the College Admission Process and Crush the Odds by Getting into Your Top College.

Step 2 – Apply to Art Therapy Colleges

With key admissions information in hand, you will next need to apply to colleges or universities offering art therapy programs. Invest time to fully understand the schools curricular approach, degrees, program requirements, financial aid package, and student services. During your college application process, illuminate all therapy and art related work experience and extracurricular activities to help encapsulate you effectively in an effort to stand out from a crowded pool of college applicants.

Step 3 – Attend Art Therapy Program

After deciding on your top college, you will need to complete the orientation process and get registered for classes in the art therapy track. Students will often consult full-time professors and adjust staff to help understand the totality of the majors. Bachelor degree programs in art therapy are typically 4-year programs while masters degrees are 2-3 in addition to an approved undergraduate degree and a PhD is an additional 4-6 years of matriculation including a dissertation.

Step 4 – Graduate, Exams, Certification, & Work

Upon graduating from an accredited college or university with your art therapy degree, you will have additional work to perform. In fact, you may be required by your state to obtain licensure to work as an art therapist. Your state will stipulate the licensing required along with clock hours and exams needed. The Art Therapy Credentials Board or ATCB grants professional credentials to art therapists in three levels:

  1. Registered Art Therapist or ATR Eligible certificate for those art therapists who have completed a CHEA accredited school with a graduate degree and post-graduate work experience
  2. Board Certified Art Therapist or ATR- BC Extended to ATR art therapists passing a standardized examination and maintained via approved continuing education credits
  3. Certified Supervisor or ATCS Earned by ATR-BC art therapists with substantive supervisory qualifications in the field.

American Art Therapy Programs

The length of time it takes to become an art therapist depends on the degree program selected by the student and qualifications in your state of residence.  Generally speaking, the degree programs available and length of time it takes to complete each are:

Art Therapy Bachelor Degree

The bachelor degree online or on campus for an arts therapist will generally take 4 years to complete.  The first two years of the program are heavy on general education courses such as art programs, philosophy, arts therapies, sociology, family art therapy, and English while the second half are heavy on core curricula.

Art Therapy Master Degree

An art therapy master online or physically in class will take students 2-3 years to complete depending on the number of classes taken at a given time and the program requirements.  Programs like NYU edu include art therapy featured in national publications such as Art Therapy Today.

Art Therapy PhD

The doctoral degree is conferred as a PhD in most schools taking 4-6 additional years of graduate work that includes a board-approved dissertation.

Faculty Requirements in American Art Therapy

Art therapy is the process by which art is used to assist individuals. This process can be applied in multiple ways, either through the act of creating art as therapy, the transference of psychological trauma to paper through the creation of art, or a combination of both.

The methods employed vary by the therapist and their specialization. An art therapist must have an understanding of art, psychology, and physiology depending on the style of therapy employed. Typically a minimum of a bachelor's degree is required to begin practicing videos art therapy, though higher degrees can be pursued.

Art therapy curriculum may include:

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Art Therapy Theories
  • Art Therapy Counseling
  • Ethics
  • Conference Art Therapy
  • Art Therapy Practice
  • Psychotherapy Evaluation
  • Human Development
  • Research Methods
  • Internship Experience
  • Expressive Art
  • Psychology of Art
  • Multi-Modal Art Therapy
  • Art Therapy Fundamentals

Employment Programs in Art Therapy Counseling

An art therapist must have a deep understanding of the arts, compassion and patience. Working with individuals, be they young or old, the art therapist must be able to assist the client without coming off as condescending or demonstrating frustration.

Art therapy is a growing field and is expected to grow faster over the next decade as the baby boomer generation ages. Art therapy is one of the methods employed in order to maintain motor skills among the aging population.

Where Do Art Therapists Work?

Art therapists can work in a variety of organizations across a number of industries. Examples of where an art therapist can work include private schools, public schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, psychiatric facilities, wellness centers, senior centers, preschools, trauma wards, mental health clinics, community clinics, crisis centers, forensic institutions, and private practices. An art therapist can work with clients of every age and ability in a one-on-one setting, small group, or large group setting.

How Much Money Can Art Therapists Make?

The amount of money you can make as an art therapist will depend on a variety of factors including your geographic location, work setting, population density, work experience, organization type, and hours worked. The annual median income for an art therapist is currently $56,700 with the top 10% making $95,530 and the bottom ten percent making $33,900.

Top Employers of Art Therapists

  • Health Practitioners
  • Medical and Surgical Hospitals
  • Outpatient Care Centers
  • Public Schools
  • Family Service Clinics

States with the Highest Employment of Art Therapist

  1. Illinois
  2. Indiana
  3. California
  4. New York
  5. Florida

Highest Paying States for Art Therapists

  1. Nevada $90,720
  2. Kentucky $85,200
  3. Washington $71,680
  4. Arizona $70,120
  5. Ohio $68,780

Resources for Art Therapists

Individuals interested in art therapy may also be interested in occupational therapy, dance therapy, and music therapy. Students interested in pursing a career in art therapy may find it beneficial to join a regional or national association. The largest and most popular association in this discipline is the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). Organizations such as the AATA provide education opportunities, career insights, and networking with like-minded professionals within the trade.

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