20 Best Schools for a Master’s in Art Therapy Online Degree

Data Points:

• Art therapists are currently licensed* in 14 states across the country. Another 8 states are beginning to educate their legislatures for campaigns in 2025 and beyond.
• There are more than 2,700 art therapy specialists in the United States.
• About 82.5% of art therapists** in the country are women, and 17.5% are men.

Art Therapy is defined as a type of therapy with elements of human services and mental health integrated into a holistic approach toward the enrichment of the lives of individuals, families, and groups.

The process uses diverse methods, including active art-making, human experiences, and applied psychological theory. When used by licensed art therapists, improving cognitive functions, emotional awareness and resilience, and personal confidence is crucial, which translates to enhanced social skills.

Every individual, even those who don’t consider themselves creative individuals or artists, can engage in art therapy as a client! Art therapy encourages a feeling of being in control over your thought processes and emotions while also allowing for greater self-expression.

Through drawing, painting, and sculpting, among other active art-making activities, an art therapist can encourage unfiltered responses from an individual to promote overall well-being. Art therapy can assist students with Autism or those who qualify for Special Education classes.

Art therapy sessions can also be conducted online! Apparently, virtual art therapy sessions encouraged patients to be more open about their experiences and emotions since they felt more comfortable at home. Art therapists used more verbal coaching, too.

Would you rather listen to this article’s summarization?:

Overview:

Earning a master’s degree in art therapy is the first step toward becoming a licensed art therapist, a career that brings numerous rewards, from gainful employment to meaningful contributions to individual and group health.

You can pursue it with an online education while also enjoying a great work-life-studies balance! Graduates of online art therapy programs provide a valuable service to their clients.

Types of Master’s in Art Therapy Degrees

The two master’s in art therapy degrees are built on applying the principles, processes, and art therapy practices of creative arts and psychology in achieving goals. But their specific emphasis is different!

A Master of Arts (MA) in Art Therapy is based on an interdisciplinary approach with a stronger emphasis on art therapy’s creative expressions and processes. A Master of Science (MS) in Art Therapy has a more technical emphasis with more principles and practices culled from psychotherapy, psychology, and research. 

The MA in Art Therapy programs are more numerous among these two types. Among the best MS in Art Therapy, degree programs are offered at Syracuse University (hybrid), Florida State University, and Holy Family University. 

20 Best Online Master’s in Art Therapy Degree Programs

Pennsylvania Western University 

Edinboro University, now part of PennWest, offered the first CAAHEP-accredited art therapy program in the country. Today, its online Master of Arts in Counseling-Art Therapy is among the best programs of its kind. 

Candidates must meet the standards of academic excellence during their studies. The 60-credit curriculum includes: 

• Major courses (e.g., Multicultural Counseling and Assessment & Testing)
• Specialty courses (e.g., Media and Materials in Art Therapy and Clinical & Group Art Therapy) 
• Elective courses (e.g., Trauma Informed Art Therapy and Creativity & Metaphor in Art Therapy) 
• Fieldwork courses (i.e., internship and practicum) 

Graduates possess the intellectual and emotional abilities to become licensed art therapists. The program provides students with the education to qualify for Pennsylvania’s Licensed Professional Counselor credential and the national ATR-P credential.

Syracuse University

Syracuse offers a hybrid Master of Science in Art Therapy program. Here, candidates participate in: 

• A vibrant virtual learning environment; and 
• Two on-campus residencies

The 60-credit program trains students for successful careers in art therapy. Learning approaches used include: 

• Contemporary learning materials
• Hands-on experiences
• Insights into the tools of the trade 

Courses include: 

• Theories and Practice of Group Art Therapy 
• Theories of Counseling and Art Therapy 
• Materials and Techniques of Art Therapy Practice

Students thrive due to the one-on-one mentoring made possible through small class sizes. Every cohort consists of about 12 students.  The small cohort size also promotes productive collaborations and effective support among students. 

Internship placements are also made in their communities, meaning the local culture shapes their experiences. 

Graduates qualify for professional licensure and other credentials in art therapy, including the License in Creative Arts Therapy (LCAT). 

Wayne State University

WSU’s CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counseling – Art Therapy Concentration program is an excellent jump-off point for aspiring art therapists. The program features high licensure pass and job placement rates. 

Candidates attend both online and in-person courses. The program’s 60-credit curriculum features rigorous courses in, among others: 

• Counseling Skills 
• Studio Art Therapy
• Art Therapy with Children and Adolescents: Assessment and Practice
• Art Therapy with Adults and Families: Assessment and Practice

Candidates also complete counseling and art therapy internships. 

As an alternative, WSU also offers a Master of Education in Art Therapy. The 48-credit program combines art education and art therapy. Note that teaching certificates and eligibility for LPC registration aren’t part of the program. 

Your choice between the two depends on your current credentials and career goals. If you’re already a certified art teacher, the MEd degree is an excellent choice. But if you’re planning on registration and licensure, consider the MA degree. 

Edgewood College

The hybrid Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling program at Edgewood College provides access to its students into its studio facilities, too. The curriculum consists of 8-week and 16-week courses. This means students can register for 2-3 courses or up to 15 credits every semester.

Students must attend two in-person, in-clinic residencies. This is the equivalent of 700 hours of supervised practicum and clinical internship. These hands-on experiences feature weekly supervision and participation in supervision groups under the guidance of a licensed art therapy supervisor. 

This is a two-year program, but students can work with their academic advisor to extend their stay. The maximum time to completion is seven years from the first matriculation. Students thrive in a cohort-based learning environment where class size is limited to eight students only.

The 60-credit program includes didactic coursework that interweaves art, psychology, and art therapy into a cohesive knowledge base and a capstone research project. 

Graduates are eligible to apply for the ATR-P credential, which the ATR-BC credential can follow after gaining post-graduate training hours and passing a national certification exam. 

Antioch University

Students in Antioch’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Concentration in Art Therapy program receive intensive professional education and clinical training.  Antioch’s emphasis on social justice means its learning environment integrates social responsibility, cultural diversity, and ethics. The curriculum, of course, also emphasizes contemporary art and psychology coursework.

Notable courses in the 66-credit program include: 

• Art Therapy in Diverse Settings
• Techniques and Practices in Art Therapy
• Developmental and Treatment Models in Art Therapy  

This is designed as a full-time program with a start date in the fall term. Students progress through the program as a cohort and complete it in 3.5 years. Classes are conducted online but students must attend two separate week-long, in-person clinical residencies.  

The practicum component consists of 100 hours of service in a clinical setting. This is equivalent to about 7-10 hours per week for a minimum of one semester. The three internship semesters satisfy the 700-hour requirement for licensure. Students can choose between the same practicum site and other sites. 

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

SMWC’s Master of Arts in Art Therapy with an Emphasis in Counseling program trains students to become a positive influence in people’s lives through holistic healing. Due to the college’s Roman Catholic and liberal arts roots, its program of study has a strong emphasis on ethics, professional competence, and personal empathy. 

As a cohort, students complete their online courses, communicate with their professors, and interact with their peers through Brightspace, a learning management system.

The three-year program also has three annual on-campus residences scheduled at the start of every semester and lasts between four and six days. During these on-campus residencies, professional seminars, student-faculty in-person interactions, and group art workshops. 

There are also three supervised clinical experiences: 

• 100-hour supervised practicum during the second year
• First 300-hour internship in the third year
• Second 300-hour internship during the final fall semester

The program has a three-year time-to-completion.  

Pratt Institute

Pratt’s low-residency Master of Professional Studies in Art Therapy and Creativity Development program a 2.5-year time-to-completion. Candidates tackle rigorous didactic courses and internship requirements during their stay. 

Before becoming interns, students attend their online and in-person classes in the spring and summer. The in-person classes are conducted on Pratt’s Brooklyn campus. Every term, they take 1-2 online courses including: 

• Creative Arts Therapy 
• Group Creative Arts Therapy 
• Materials in Creative Art Therapy

Students engage in practicum/internship during the fall and spring terms. The internship period is spread over 30 weeks of about 16 hours per week, equivalent to 480 hours.

The internships serve distinct client populations, too. Students benefit from the diversity of clinical experiences. The practicum experience consists of: 

• Leadership of art therapy
• Expressive movement creativity groups

Graduates are eligible to apply for New York State licensure. The program has American Art Therapy Association approval. 

Lesley University

Lesley’s Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Art Therapy Concentration is a low-residency program. The low-residency and on-campus programs feature the same rigorous curriculum. 

Candidates can earn the degree in three years of full-time study. To do so, candidates take 6-9 credits every semester for nine consecutive semesters including the summer term. 

Residents of Arkansas, Kentucky, and Nevada, among other states, are currently not accepted into the program. 

The  60-credit curriculum consists of: 

• Required art therapy courses (e.g., art therapy theory and studio) 
• Required core courses (e.g., expressive therapies theory, research, and practice) 
• Elective courses
• Field experience 

The field experience includes a supervised internship and clinical practicum. These consist of more than 1,100 hours in community-based clinical settings. There’s also a 3-week summer residency every year. 

The program of study trains students to become competent and compassionate art therapists. Their competencies include promoting healing and well-being through art activities. 

Prescott College

Prescott’s post-master’s certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy program complies with the standards set by the CAAHEP and the AATA. Graduates are then eligible to apply for art therapy registration.

Students can choose between registration as an: 

• Art Therapist (ATR) via the Art Therapy Credentials Board; or 
• Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) via the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA)

The 30-hour online program offers courses including: 

• History and Theory of Expressive Art Therapy
• Applications of Expressive Art Therapy

Their hands-on training includes: 

• A supervised practicum and internship
• Participation at an Expressive Arts Therapy Summer Institute Residency
• A capstone project 

Students acquire the specific skill sets that enable them to provide expressive art therapy services to individuals and groups. Their training includes the interdisciplinary applications of visual art with music and dance, poetry and performance, and other forms of creative arts.

Nonetheless, their main goal is similar to those in art therapy programs – to promote healing, well-being, and wellness through therapy. 

Albertus Magnus College

Albertus Magnus College’s Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling program features a student-centered learning approach. Candidates receive one-on-one mentoring and other exceptional student support services.

The intensive coursework establishes a robust foundation in art therapy. There’s a strong emphasis on positive impact on clients’ overall wellness. Ethics, social awareness, and cultural sensitivity are emphasized, too. Candidates, of course, develop the technical skills that every effective art therapist possesses. 

Candidates complete the 60-credit curriculum consisting of: 

• Didactic courses (e.g., Foundations of Art Therapy, Techniques in Art Therapy, and Art Therapy in a Multicultural World)
• Fieldwork observation (100 hours) 
• Supervised internship (625 hours) 

Full-time students can complete the program in eight semesters or two years. Admissions are selective, with under 20 students admitted per year. The program starts during the fall term with a July 1 deadline for applications. 

Graduates meet all the academic requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Clinical Licensed Art Therapist (CLAT) licensure in Connecticut. There’s also the option of earning a national registration and certification as an art therapist (ATR-BC) with the Art Therapy Credentials Board.

Ottawa University

Ottawa’s Master of Arts in Counseling online program features a 48-credit curriculum consisting of: 

• Didactic courses (39 credits) 
• Practicum/internship (9 credits) 

Candidates gain a strong foundation of counseling principles and practices in preparation for their respective specializations. 

The Expressive Arts Therapy concentration teaches students the effective identification, application and evaluation of artistic methods and media for therapeutic purposes. Students learn the best practices in psychotherapy and counseling in relation to expressive arts.  As a result, they can assist clients in their healing through self-expression and self-discovery.

The expressive arts therapy courses include: 

• Applications and Integration of Expressive Arts
• Clinical Issues in Expressive Arts
• Principles, Techniques, and Practice in Expressive Arts Therapy  

Courses are conducted in accelerated 8-week terms. 

The 900-hour internship covers seven semesters. Students gain enriching hands-on experiences in preparation for their professional practice. 

Adler Graduate School

Adler’s Master of Arts in Counseling – Art Therapy program features an integrated curriculum. Rigorous didactic courses complement  the candidates’ hands-on experiences in diverse clinical and community settings.

Students complete between 67 and 70 credit hours depending on their preferred licensure track in

• Art Therapy and Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling concentration; or 
• Art Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling 

Both tracks feature a comprehensive curriculum with: 

• Foundational and theoretical courses
• Counseling and art therapy coursework
• Practicum and internship 

The 700-hour program complements the 100-hour practicum-supervised internship experience. At least 350 hours are spent in direct art therapy services. Interns gain the following valuable experiences: 

• Learn assessment, collaboration, and leadership skills
• Participate in treatment plan development, individual and family sessions, and advocacy

Graduates of the CAAHEP-accredited program meet the academic requirements for licensure in Minnesota. These include licensure as  licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC). 

West Liberty University

Earn your Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling degree from WLU and become eligible for professional certifications and licenses. Among these are the:

• Registered Art Therapist (ATR) issued by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) 
• Registered Art Therapist – Board Certified ( ATR-BC) granted by the ATCB, too
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) through state licensing boards  
• Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) via the IEATA 

The 60-credit curriculum consists of: 

• Didactic coursework (51 credits)
• Supervised practicum (3 credits or 100 hours) 
• Supervised internship (6 credits or 700 hours)

The practicum and internship hours meet professional certification and licensure requirements. 

Students must attend the on-campus residency that lasts between three and five years. However, its completion may be achieved remotely under certain conditions.

The low-residency format includes 100% online summer classes conducted via synchronous Zoom meetings in the evening. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same per-credit-hour rate. 

Drexel University

The 90-quarter credit Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling program meets the educational requirements for these credentials:  

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) 
• Registered Art Therapist – Board Certified ( ATR-BC)

The rigorous curriculum covers diverse art therapy and psychotherapy topics including theoretical foundations to practical applications. The coursework includes: 

• Ethics of care
• Counseling micro-skills
• Prevention initiatives 

Students participate in at least two supervised practicum and internship experiences in diverse settings. These include psychiatric hospitals, shelters, and schools. A culminating project is a graduation requirement disseminated via an online community platform. 

Students may choose between: 

• An accelerated program of study that can be completed in two years or seven quarters 
• A decelerated curriculum with a 3-year time-to-degree or 11 quarters 

This is a high-residency program where students must attend on-campus classes during the three regular quarters. But the summer term coursework is done completely online.  

Hofstra University

Start a successful career with Hofstra’s exceptional Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapy Counseling. Graduates are eligible for: 

• Licensure as a  Creative Arts Therapist in New York 
• Registration and board certification as an Art Therapist 

Full-time students have two years to complete the program. Part-time students earn the degree in three years. Financial aid is available for online students. 

Students earn the degree by completing the 60-credit hour curriculum. Hofstra offers a wide variety of electives that enable students to broaden their horizons while also focusing on specialization.

Candidates develop sophisticated skills in, among others: 

• Dance therapy
• Music therapy
• Sand tray therapy 
• Traditional art therapy techniques

Internships start as early as the first year and in diverse institutions in the Big Apple. 

Applicants must submit an art portfolio showcasing their art skills. Completion of prerequisite courses in studio art and psychology is also a must for admission consideration. 

Seton Hill University

Seton’s hybrid Master of Arts in Art Therapy with a Specialization in Counseling program offers flexibility, accessibility, and convenience for working professionals. 

Candidates perform most of their studies online. But attendance in on-campus classes for two to three nights every week is a must. The didactic component lasts for five semesters. The 63-credit curriculum consists of 21 courses. 

Then, candidates enter their internship year with on-site, hands-on experiences in art therapy. These include direct patient interactions. Students complete 700 hours of supervised practicum and internship experiences. The internship lasts for three semesters. 

Most students can maintain satisfactory academic progress even with a part-time or full-time job during the didactic phase of the program. However, the level of commitment in time and energy during the internship period means students are well-advised to focus more on their studies. 

Graduates are eligible for the ATR-BC and Pennsylvania LPC credentials. 

Southwestern College & New Earth Institute

SWC & NEI offers an online Master of Arts in Art Therapy/Counseling program. Candidates benefit from the vibrant exploration and art therapy experiences in rehabilitation, community, and clinical settings. Visual arts, such as drawing and painting, become more effective when they’re in the hands of a trained art therapist. 

The low-residency program consists of: 

• Online classes 
• A four-day residency at the Santa Fe campus

The on-campus residency occurs halfway through the program so students have time to prepare. 

The program features a 90-quarter unit or 60-semester credit curriculum. Notable courses include: 

• Studio Art
• History of Art Therapy
• Assessment and Techniques of Art Therapy

SWC & NEI’s practicum site is the Tierra Nueva Counseling Center. Online students, however, may choose between: 

• A local site in their state; and 
• The state where they want to practice 

Students may also choose a concentration in: 

• Consciousness in Action
• School Counseling

Graduate certificates are also available including: 

• Applied Interpersonal Neurobiology
• Trauma, Grief and Renewal
• Abuse and Recovery

The program’s completion rate ranges from 2.5 years to 3.5 years. 

Cedar Crest College

The low-residency Master of Arts in Art Therapy program trains students for a successful career as art therapists. Candidates gain the vital competencies for success through an intensive program of study. There’s an equal emphasis on passion for the arts and compassion for patients. 

Candidates tackle their coursework online. But there’s a two-week, in-person summer residency in late July or early August. Here, professors guide students in the principles and practices of art therapy. Candidates also enjoy social interactions and networking opportunities. 

Applicants must submit the following documents for admission purposes: 

• An art portfolio with 12-16 works of art in different media
• Official transcripts for a bachelor’s degree
• Proof of prerequisite coursework completion
• personal essay
• Resume
• Letters of recommendation 

Students can complete the 60-credit program in three years. During their stay, they can still meet their personal and work responsibilities. 

California Institute of Integral Studies

The hybrid Master of Arts in Expressive Arts Therapy program uses an interdisciplinary approach. The program of study integrates visual and expressive arts for therapeutic purposes. These range from painting and poetry to dance to music and drama. 

Academic excellence is as important as hands-on learning in the program. Students engage in experiential learning opportunities through group work, volunteering, and supervised practicum.

The year-long supervised practicum includes direct patient interactions. This also involves the integration of lessons learned during the first two years in the program. 

Full-time students finish the program in three years. There’s a part-time option with a 5.5-year time-to-completion. All students benefit from the vibrant engagements with their peers and professors and the collaborative projects throughout the program. 

The number of credits earned differ depending on the type of credential, namely: 

• Marriage and Family Therapist – 60 credits 
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor – 69 credits 

Application requirements include a bachelor’s degree with at least 3.0 GPA. 

Naropa University

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Transpersonal Art Therapy Concentration program has many unique features. For one thing, it’s founded on studio art, mindfulness meditation, and transpersonal theory. For another thing, it also emphasizes a contemporary clinical foundation. 

Candidates then gain a holistic education in clinical mental health counseling and art therapy.  Their training combines the visual arts, counseling skills, psychology, and behavioral sciences.

The program’s 63-credit curriculum consists of didactic coursework with 190 hours of hands-on experience in studio art. Graduates are eligible for licensure in Colorado and practice clinical mental health counseling.

What do Art Therapists do?

Art therapists use the principles and practices of art and psychology to achieve their clients’ goals. On the one hand, they assess every client’s unique needs and use their assessments in designing a customized art therapy program. No two clients, whether individuals or groups have the same art therapy program for this reason. 

Using their professional understanding of how art, including its techniques and media, influences people, art therapists work with their clients in their creative activities. A client, for example, can be asked to draw elements of their past that they want to change and the future they envision for themselves. Making art is therapeutic. It involves discussions that enable clients to express themselves in ways that non-art activities can’t. 

Art therapists may use one medium or a combination of many media depending on a client’s capabilities and needs. Clay sculpting is considered more suitable for people with concentration challenges, while painting enables individuals to release their emotions through colors, patterns, and strokes. 

On the other hand, art therapists use their knowledge of psychology to understand clients and to help clients understand themselves, including their trauma, motivations, and aspirations. The art therapist and the client work together to achieve the latter’s goals, such as coping with trauma or handling life’s stressors better. 

Art therapists engage clients in discussions about their artworks, usually through personal reflections. Clients explore the meanings and implications of their artworks to process their emotions, experiences, and thought processes. In many cases, they cannot put these elements into words but can express them through art. 

But art therapists aren’t magicians either since clients may not be willing and ready to talk! But when they are ready, art therapists use applied psychology to find effective ways of addressing their issues. These ways may include developing coping skills for dealing with everyday stressors or strategies for changing behavior in the face of trauma-related triggers. 

Art therapists, however, can only diagnose, treat, and provide advice on client cases in which their education, training, and experience warrant. Their profession doesn’t cover the diagnosis of mental health issues and prescription of medications, among other duties that psychologists and psychiatrists are most qualified to perform.

However, art therapists work with these healthcare professionals when professionally appropriate in the best interest of their clients. 

The specific roles and responsibilities of art therapists include: 

• Assess the unique needs of their clients through observations and discussions as well as medical records, when applicable, and work with other healthcare professionals and the clients’ families in the assessment 
• Develop treatment plans including the applicable media and techniques, duration and number of sessions, and goals according to the client’s needs and interests 
• Create and implement art-related interventions that meet each client’s goals 
• Engage patients in art-related therapeutic activities, such as drawing, painting, and sculpting 
• Assist clients in coping with stress, depression and anxiety, as well as in learning social skills and special education 
• Monitor and evaluate each client’s progress, including its documentation and analysis 
• Evaluate the interventions and activities for effectiveness and implement the appropriate changes 

Art therapists also perform administrative functions in their practice, such as marketing their business, ordering supplies, and billing clients. 

Children, adolescents, adults, groups, and families benefit from art therapy. Its principles and practices are useful in the assessment, treatment, and management of a wide range of issues, including: 

• Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and nervous breakdown 
• Mental illnesses like schizophrenia 
• Addictions, including substance abuse 
• Domestic violence and abuse 
• Family and personal relationship issues 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder, personal trauma, and loss 
• Physical, neurological, and cognitive disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease and dementia) 
• Social, mental, and psychosocial challenges related to illness, injuries, and disabilities 

Being an art therapist has several rewards, the foremost of which is the satisfaction and fulfillment of witnessing clients’ transformation!

You will see how clients become more empowered and centered, calmer and happier, as they slowly but steadily gain a new perspective of themselves and the world. You will also benefit because your life skills will be enhanced, and your personal growth will become evident, thanks to your interactions with clients and their families. Plus, art is fun! 

But there are a few – and minor – disadvantages of being an art therapist. You will inevitably come across clients whose personal struggles and traumatic past experiences will shake your being to its core.

You may also encounter aggressive clients, which can result in unsafe situations. Your work may not also be well-known in comparison with, say, occupational and physical therapists. 

Steps To Become a Licensed Art Therapist

While there’s no specific bachelor’s degree to become a licensed art therapist, you may want to consider a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Art Therapy. This way, you have a strong foundation in art therapy that will prove useful when pursuing a Master’s in Art Therapy. Edinboro University, Carlow University, Shawnee State University, and Russell Sage College are among the best institutions offering the baccalaureate degree. 

The bachelor’s in art therapy degree will establish foundational skills in studio art, such as drawing and painting, working with clay and other sculpting media, and creative arts. Students also study the principles and practices of psychology as these apply to art therapy treatment.

Most, if not all, programs have a 120-credit curriculum that includes general, required core, studio/survey art and elective courses. Students also typically participate in an internship program in their senior year designed to enable them to transform their knowledge into practical workplace-relevant skills. 

However, there are also other fields of study that you can pursue in preparation for a career in art therapy. Fine work, social work, counseling, and psychology are the best options. You may be able to earn a minor in one of these fields of study alongside your bachelor’s in art therapy degree, thus expanding your knowledge and career options.

For the period between earning your bachelor’s degree and pursuing your master’s degree, you should consider gaining work experience in art therapy settings. By getting a feel for a licensed art therapist’s work, you’re better prepared for the rigors of graduate study and your future career.

You may volunteer in organizations and with populations where art therapists work, such as in children’s wards in hospitals or with cancer patients in clinics. 

Note that there are no shadowing requirements for aspiring art therapists. But if you can gain shadowing experience, it may work in your favor during your master’s degree applications and studies. The practical skills learned while shadowing an art therapist give you a headstart in your career and look great on your resume. 

Entry-level practice as an art therapist requires a master’s degree in art therapy. Aside from the didactic coursework, students must also meet the practical experience requirements for licensure purposes. These requirements are at least 100 hours of supervised practicum experience and 600 hours of clinical internship in art therapy settings. 

During the clinical internship, graduate students are supervised by licensed art therapists in their assessment and treatment of clients. Students also receive instruction in diverse real-world scenarios and the best ways of dealing with them. These practical elements are based on the premise that aspiring art therapists must have the technical and transferable skills for the occupation even before earning their graduate degrees. 

After earning your master’s degree, you should secure a license before you can practice art therapy in a professional capacity. Note that licensing requirements vary by state, so you must contact your state licensing board.

States that regulate art therapy and issue licenses for clinically licensed art therapists, among other related titles, include Connecticut, New Jersey, and Maryland.

States that regulate the practice of art therapy under other professional licenses are Texas (licensed professional counselor with art therapy special designation), New York (licensed creative arts therapist), and Wisconsin (licensed psychotherapist with art therapy registration). 

In addition to a state-issued license, art therapists also hold credentials from the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) in partnership with the American Art Therapy Association (AATS). However, ATCB is an independent organization from both the Educational Programs Approval Board and AATS. The ATCB offers national-level credentials, including: 

• Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P) is a credential suitable for individuals who have earned a master’s degree in art therapy and a professional mentoring/apprenticeship relationship with a qualified supervisor. 
• Registered Art Therapist (ATR), a credential for individuals who have completed a master’s degree in art therapy and met supervised experience.
• Board Certification (ATR-BC) is for professionals who have passed a national examination and, thus, demonstrated their comprehensive knowledge of art therapy, including its clinical skills.
• Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS), a credential for professionals who provide clinical supervision to aspiring art therapists.

Beyond the professional credentials and licenses, the best art therapists possess the following traits: 

• Compassion because art therapists deal with individuals and groups with underlying physical and mental health issues. Kindness in words and deeds combined with empathy is a must! 
• Active listening skills are a must, too, because art therapists must carefully listen to their client’s concerns and issues. This is crucial in developing an appropriate course of treatment for every client. 
• Communication skills, both written and verbal, are vital because art therapists talk to clients and their families and make written plans and reports.
• Patience and persistence are equally important because there will be clients whose personality and personal issues require more time and attention to address. 
• Resourcefulness in an art therapist means finding creative ways to create plans and adapt activities as a client’s needs change with treatment. 

What to Expect in a Master’s in Art Therapy Program

While curriculum and learning outcomes differ between master’s in art therapy programs, these are based on the assumption that active and focused art activities encourage reflections and facilitate learning. The interdisciplinary coursework emphasizes creative arts and applied psychology through courses in: 

• Studio art in psychotherapy and counseling  
• Materials, media, and processes in the arts 
• Theory and practice in art therapy for all ages and populations 
• Ethics and leadership in art therapy 
• Fieldwork and research 
• Use of art therapy in group psychopathology and psychotherapy
• Group dynamics in art therapy 
• Assessment tools and techniques 
• History, including social and cultural foundations of art therapy 
• Professional identity 
• Trauma theory and practice, including counseling and treatment 
• Issues in art therapy

Many programs also offer specializations within the art therapy profession, such as Expressive Arts Therapy, Sculpture Therapy, and Photography & Phototherapy. Specializations may also be in specific populations, such as Art Therapy with Children, or unorthodox topics like thanatology (I.e., the study of death and its various perspectives). 

As previously mentioned, supervised practicum and internship are required for graduate students to earn an art therapy degree and meet the licensing requirements. The programs usually facilitate these with affiliate organizations, such as clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes, but graduate students may also have to look for internship opportunities. 

During your time in a master’s program, you’re well-advised to build a professional-level art therapy portfolio alongside your didactic coursework, practicum, and internship.

Your portfolio can include both your works of art and case studies, a combination that demonstrates your exceptional art and psychology skills. You may start building it as early as in your baccalaureate days to become a large – and impressive – body of work that shows your personal and professional growth. 

At the end of your master’s studies, you should have acquired the following knowledge and skills (i.e., learning outcomes): 

• Make competent investigations into your clients’ creative thought processes and their underlying meanings
• Apply art therapy and psychotherapeutic counseling techniques in assisting them toward the identification and resolution of their mental and emotional issues
• Inspire your clients to make their creative self-expression promote their interests and achieve better overall well-being
• Restore or enhance your clients’ abilities as individuals in the social and professional contexts 
• Assist our clients in explorations of their emotions, resolution of personal conflicts with themselves and others, and improving their self-confidence and self-esteem 

These skills are in addition to the technical and transferable skills outlined above. Indeed, the job of an effective art therapist is a fine balance between being a competent professional and a friend! 

Since a master’s in art therapy is an advanced degree, you should expect rigorous coursework that will demand substantial investments in time, energy, and effort. Time management skills are crucial, as are effective study habits, a strong support system, and coping skills for stress. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the qualities of the best Master’s in Art Therapy programs? 

• Look for the university’s active regional accreditation first. 
• Check the programmatic accreditation for every therapy degree program on your list.  CAAHEP approval is the gold standard but ACATE accreditation is also recognized. 
• Consider the curriculum including the course descriptions, learning outcomes, and internship requirements. Check for the quality and scope of student support services, faculty credentials, and financial aid options. 

Determine the tech requirements and online learning platforms and their suitability to your needs.

What’s their typical time-to-completion?

It depends on the program’s curriculum structure and type of enrollment. Accelerated programs usually have a two-year time-to-completion. Standard programs offer more flexibility with time-to-degree ranging from three to five years.

What are their common admission requirements?

• Complete and accurate application fee with application fee 
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The degree can be in a relevant or related discipline, such as art education, psychology, or counseling.
• Official academic transcripts with minimum GPA 
• Current resume 
• Personal statement with a minimum number of words and addressing specific questions provided by the school 
• Letters of recommendation 
• Art portfolio 

What’s the typical work environment for licensed Art Therapists?

Working a nine-to-five job, or full-time work ranging between 30 and 40 hours a week, is common for art therapists. You may be employed in various settings or establish your practice where you can choose your clients, schedule, and place of work. The typical workplaces include medical and psychiatric hospitals, clinics, and other in-patient healthcare settings, schools, and art studios.

What is the average annual salary of Art Therapists?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t have a separate classification for art therapists. But in its “Therapists, All Other” classification, all other therapists earn a median salary of $ 75,660 per year. An art therapy career is fun and rewarding!

Key Takeaways

• A master’s degree in art therapy is a key requirement in securing a license as a professional art therapist. 
• Aside from a well-paying job, being an art therapist means being able to help others address their mental and emotional health issues and enjoy personal growth. Art therapy graduates have many opportunities to consider.
• Art therapists use a combination of art and psychology to help their clients achieve their goals. 
• Online programs for art therapy are an ideal way to foster your creative process while helping others.