For those interested in using art as a therapeutic platform for mental health and psychological trauma, art therapy could be an excellent career path. Art therapy is a growing field that employs over 5,000 nationwide and can be a great alternative for those that prefer other more tactile methods outside of traditional therapy.
Art therapists work with clients to help understand how art and the art they create reflect on their life, their mental health, and their goals for the future. These sessions can also help clients find the appropriate coping mechanisms and strategies to address daily challenges with mental health.
To become an art therapist, professionals typically need to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in psychology and complete an art portfolio that demonstrates their skill-set and applicability to the psychology sector. Many schools require a practicum that allows students to gain real-world experience and build their portfolio before entering the workforce, which can provide an excellent first glance at the field. This career path lends itself well to students with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the USNew York University offers 1 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 10 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 10 Master's degrees.
Drexel University offers 1 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 15 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 15 Master's degrees.
George Washington University offers 1 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 19 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 19 Master's degrees.
Union University offers 1 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 1 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 1 Bachelor's degree.
Long Island University offers 2 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 18 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 10 Master's degrees, and 8 Bachelor's degrees.
Florida State University offers 1 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 13 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 13 Master's degrees.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville offers 1 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 12 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 12 Master's degrees.
Dominican University of California offers 2 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 7 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 7 Master's degrees.
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus offers 1 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 16 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 16 Certificates.
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis offers 2 Art Therapy/Therapist degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 27 Art Therapy/Therapist students graduated with students earning 16 Certificates, and 11 Master's degrees.
School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
---|---|---|---|---|
New York University New York, NY | 20 : 1 | 59,144 | ||
Drexel University Philadelphia, PA | 21 : 1 | 22,344 | ||
George Washington University Washington, DC | 22 : 1 | 25,939 | ||
Union University Jackson, TN | 14 : 1 | 2,731 | ||
Long Island University Brookville, NY | 41 : 1 | 15,737 |