The Best Undergraduate Degrees in Art Therapy Ranked by Affordability

A Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Art Therapy is available at the University of Indianapolis. Students in the Pre-Art Therapy program will take art and psychology courses with a focus on learning to work creatively with individuals as part of rehabilitation teams. Students are encouraged to develop a personal art style as they work towards their undergraduate degree. Graduates will be prepared to apply to graduate school in the field of art therapy and work towards professional careers as art therapists in settings such as: hospitals; nursing homes; schools; shelters; and substance abuse recovery centers.

Introduction to Creative Digital Practices; Beginning Drawing; Freshman Experience in Art; Fundamentals of Three Dimensional Design; Introduction to Art Therapy; Introduction to Psychology; Community Immersion in the Art; Ceramics; Digital Photography; Teaching Elementary School Art; Lifespan Development; Personality and Sociocultural Factors; Adult Development and Aging; Abnormal Psychology.

Edgewood College offers an Art Therapy major. Students who complete the undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy will be well prepared to use their skills in community programs (such as schools, hospitals, senior centers, and rehabilitation centers) and/or to apply to graduate school for a master's degree in Art Therapy. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, supporting students in developing strong teamwork skills, fostering individual creativity, and communication skills.

Edgewood College's Art Therapy major has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for civic engagement.

A Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy Preparation is offered at Carlow University. Offered on the main Oakland Campus students will complete 51 credits of major requirements. Examples of courses include a class in the introduction to art/visual culture and a course in abnormal psychology. The program emphasizes a bio-psycho-social approach and designs coursework to integrate art and psychology to support students in learning to use art to understand and treat psychological disorders.

One faculty member, also practices as a child and family therapist providing therapeutic services to children and families with the integration of art therapy. She utilizes her clinical experience to make coursework relevant.

Trinity Christian College provides a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy. Students who are interested in art and psychology while learning from a Christian perspective will find this program to be a good fit. Students in this program will benefit from the Colleges intimate and small class sizes while also having the benefits of a big city with downtown Chicago just 25 miles away! Graduates will have a strong understanding of how to therapeutically use creative outlets to support the growth and healing of children and adults across the lifespan.

Art History: Art and World Religions; Intercultural Communication; World Poverty and Economic Development; Beginning Painting; Beginning Sculpture; Beginning Photography; Introduction to Psychology; Basic Research Skills; Lifespan Development; Creative Art Therapy; Psychopathology; Theories of Personality; Field Education; and Seminar in Professional Development.

A Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Art Therapy is offered at Kansas Wesleyan University. Students will have the opportunity to complete internships with local businesses and organizations. This pre-professional program prepares students to successfully apply to graduate school in Art Therapy. Students can also use this degree to explore other career opportunities before or during graduate study in Art Therapy in areas such as teaching, working in museums and galleries, publishing, and film and television.

Foundation of Graphic Applications: Drawing; Ceramics; Sculpture; Arts and Culture; Theories of Counseling; Abnormal Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Introduction to Group Counseling; Principles of Counseling Practice; Introduction to Art Therapy; Professional Ethics of Psychology; and General Psychology.

The School of Creative Arts at the University of Saint Francis offers a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Art Therapy. Students in the program will have the opportunity to take courses in art, psychology, sociology, and social work leading to a well-rounded education with a focus on art therapy. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience through internships and service projects. These internships and service projects will help students gain an understanding of the type of art therapy career they are interested in building. Graduates will be prepared to pursue graduate school in art therapy or a related field.

ceramics; crafts; drawing; painting; photography; printmaking; sculpture; or a combination of areas.

Mount Mary University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy. This pre-professional program focuses on training students in art and psychology with a focus on community building. Students are encouraged to be leaders in the classroom and to develop strong and supportive relationships with fellow students. The classroom environment is conducive to relationship building as students get to know themselves and each other through the art-based curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to engage in diverse field experiences in settings ranging from summer youth programs to elder care facilities and everything in between. Additionally, students who are interested in studying abroad have the opportunity to explore art around the world.

Drawing; Ceramics; Painting; History of Art; Women in Art History; Gender, Race, and Class; Introduction to Conflict Transformation; Basic Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Behavioral Science Statistics; Psychopathology; Interpersonal Communication; Intercultural Communication; Introduction to Art Therapy; Responding to Life's Calling; Multicultural Arts; Service Learning; Art and Spirituality; Special Topics in Art Therapy; Creative Community Development; and Professional Development in Art Therapy.

St. Thomas Aquinas College offers an undergraduate degree in Art Therapy. This program focuses on teaching students the skills to meet the physical, emotional, and mental challenges that individuals across the lifespan may experience while helping people to understand feelings, reduce challenging symptoms, and increase overall well being. The program meets requirements outlined by the American Art Therapy Association for acceptance into a master's level art therapy program.

Students in the Art Therapy Program at St. Thomas Aquinas College have had the opportunity to spend a week abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia where they used their therapeutic and art skills to work with children at an orphanage.

The Art and Design Department at West Virginia Wesleyan College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Art Therapy. The program emphasizes teaching students both professional and practical skills. Students will learn the skills sought after in multiple industries such as problem-solving and developing and maintaining working relationships. Graduates will find they are ready to enter the workforce in a range of disciplines and/or pursue a graduate degree in art therapy or a related field.

Students in the Pre-Art Therapy program at West Virginia Wesleyan College will have the opportunity to select specialized psychology courses based on if they want to focus on working professionally as an art-therapist with children or with the elderly.

Lipscomb University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy. Students completing this undergraduate degree will take foundation courses during their first two years of study followed by advanced classes focused on their major. The Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy requires students to also complete a minor in Psychology. Lipscomb University emphasizes integrating Christian faith throughout their academic programs that include over 145 areas of study. Students in this program will benefit from small class sizes with a student-to-teacher ratio of 13-1.

Foundation Studio; Conceptualization and Presentation; New Media Studio; Fundamentals of Printmaking; Fundamentals of Photography; Fundamentals of Ceramics; Fundamentals of Sculpture; Introduction to Psychology; Lifespan Development; Behavioral Statistics; Social Psychology; Personality Theories; Drugs and Behavior; and Abnormal Psychology.

A Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy is offered at Concordia University- Nebraska. The program focuses on providing students with the foundational skills in both art and psychology to support the process of helping individuals improve their mental and physical health. Students will find that they are well prepared for graduate school in order to pursue careers in a variety of fields that emphasize healing. Students in the Art Therapy program at Concordia University will benefit from supportive relationships with their instructors with a 5 to 1 student to faculty ratio.

Tools, Materials and Safe Process; Introduction to Psychology; Visual Studies; Drawing; Introduction to Statistics; Water-Based Media; Basic Digital Photography; Ceramics; Art History; Lifespan Development; Art Therapy; Painting; Sculpture; Introduction to Counseling; Personality Theory; Collage and Mixed Media; Abnormal Psychology; and Methods of Art Education.

The School of Arts and Sciences at Ursuline University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy. Ursuline was one of the first Catholic women's colleges in the United States and the first in Ohio. Students at Ursuline have the opportunity to choose between graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy or to enter the bridge program. The bridge program sets students up for matriculation into the Master of Arts in Art therapy and Counseling Program. This efficient option will be a good fit for students who know they want to pursue a professional career as an art therapist.

Introduction to Art Therapy; Art Therapy Applications; Introduction to Fiber Art Therapy; Media and Methods; Imagery and Meaning; and Field Placement.

The Department of Art in the College of Arts and Sciences at Union University offers several undergraduate programs of study including the Pre-Professional Art Therapy program. The curriculum is designed for students to progress from in classroom study to service projects, trips, and events. Union University's Art Program works to integrate faith and art. Faculty members engage easily with students and focus on their own art with a personal on-campus studio space. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities to engage in their own artistic process.

Major in Bachelor of Arts in Art (31 credits); Primary Emphasis Courses (12 credits); Secondary Emphasis from Studio (6 credits); and Psychology Requirements (24 credits).

Concordia University Chicago offers an Art Therapy program with a focus for undergraduate students in Pre-Art Therapy. Students in this program will complete coursework in art and psychology. Psychology coursework will have a focus on counseling-related courses. Because the program is located in Chicago, students will benefit from having access to major medical centers and social service agencies for volunteer and internship opportunities for practical skill development. Throughout their time in the program, students will engage in creating an art portfolio which will be useful for applying to graduate school.

Two-Dimensional Basic Studio; Three-Dimensional Basic Studio; Drawing Studio; Professional Strategies for the Visual Artist; Painting; Digital Photography; Ceramics; Introduction to Art Therapy; General Psychology; Developmental Psychology Lifespan; Interpersonal Skills; Group Dynamics; Statistics; Abnormal Psychology; Theories of Personality; Psychology of Gender; and Cross-Cultural Psychology.

Bluffton University offers a Pre-Art Therapy Major. Students who are interested in both art and psychology and the possibility of applying to graduate school and pursuing a career as an art therapist will find this program to be a good fit. Students will have the opportunity to engage in local internships to explore their personal and professional interests. Unique features of Bluffton University are the ability to offer students an intimate experience on-campus with only 800 students, and the connection with the Mennonite Faith.

Introduction to Psychology; Drawing; Painting; Statistics; Developmental Psychology; Personality Psychology; Printmaking Course; Art History; Psychology of Learning and Cognition; Foundations for Teaching Visual Arts; Interviewing; Practicum; Independent Study in Art; Abnormal Psychology; and Portfolio Organization and Review.

The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Houston Baptist University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Professional Art Therapy. This program is designed and supported by a collaboration between the Department of Psychology and the Department of Visual Arts. 100% of classes at Houston Baptist University are taught by faculty rather than teaching assistants. Students will benefit from small class sizes with a 16:1 Student to faculty ratio. Qualified students can apply for scholarships and grants to offset the cost of their undergraduate education. Students interested in learning in a Christian environment while focusing on both academic and spiritual growth will find this program to be a good fit.

Art Methods and Materials; Design; Color Theory; Drawing; History of Modern Art; Abnormal Psychology; Human Growth and Development; Psychology of Personality; Child Psychopathology; Theories of Counseling; Psychology of Learning; Introduction to Art Therapy; Art Therapy with Children; Pre-Professional Art Therapy.

Mars Hill University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy grounded in the Christian faith. Students will learn to work with visual arts to support the therapeutic process with diverse populations. Students will be supported in their personal and spiritual growth as they pursue their undergraduate degree at Mars Hill University. Students will have the opportunity to explore the types of art they may want to use as a professional art therapist. Graduates will be prepared for careers in helping professions or for graduate school in art therapy.

Drawing; Painting; Ceramics; Printmaking; General Psychology; Introduction to Art Therapy; Art Therapy Applications; Behavioral Science Statistics; Research Methods in Psychology; Child Psychology; Adolescent and Adult Development; Abnormal Behavior; and Foundations of Counseling and Psychotherapy.

A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts with a concentration in Art Therapy is offered at Christian Brothers University. Students will have the visual arts training for professional careers as artists, graphic designers, and art educators while also having exposure to the field of art therapy through the program's concentration. Art Therapy concentration courses will provide students with training in areas such as conflict resolution, interpersonal skill development, and stress management. Diverse fieldwork opportunities provide students with hands-on learning in a variety of settings to support the student in getting a sense of their individual areas of interest. Graduates will be prepared to pursue a career focused on the arts and/or to pursue graduate school in art therapy or a related field.

Art Appreciation; Design; Photoshop Essentials; Illustrator Essentials; Drawing; Introduction to Art Therapy; World Art History; Art of the Americas; Figure Drawing; Advanced Design: Mixed Media; Internship for Visual Arts; Introduction to Printmaking; Typography; Advanced Studio; and Special Studies in Art.

Millikin University offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Therapy. Students will complete coursework in art and psychology. Students will also complete practical internship experiences enabling graduates of the program to pursue entry-level positions in a variety of human services positions in settings such as psychiatric institutions, hospitals, correctional facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Graduates will also be prepared to apply to master's level art therapy programs if they wish to pursue a career as a professional and certified art therapist. All students will put together a portfolio for review prior to graduation that they can use for application to graduate school in the field of their choice.

Drawing; 2D Design; Introduction to Psychology; Art History; Introduction to Art Therapy; Art Therapy Internship; Art Therapy Material and Methods; Studio; Psychopathology; Creative Arts and Movement; International Cultures/Structures; Personality Theory; Art Therapy Internship; Lifespan; and Art Therapy Internship.

Marywood University'scombines studio art coursework with behavioral and social science theory. This combination prepares students for master's-level study of art therapy, which often hones in on the demands of professional practice in a way undergraduate programs do not. Students participate in hands-on art and art therapy activities under the guidance of board-certified art therapists.

The BA2MA 5-Year Accelerated Program Track at Marywood University combines the school's undergraduate and graduate art therapy programs into a single five-year program. After completing at least 90 credits of the undergraduate degree, students can apply to the accelerated plan and move directly into master's-level work.

Basic Drawing; Two-Dimensional Design and Color; Three-Dimensional Design; Basic Ceramics; Sculpture; Introduction to Arts and Health; Approaches in Art Therapy; General Psychology; Developmental Psychology; and Abnormal Psychology.

Caldwell University offers a double major with an Art Therapy Concentration with the Bachelor of Arts in Art and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Students will complete coursework through both the Art and Psychology Departments with focused coursework in Art Therapy. Caldwell University offers a Catholic liberal arts education with an emphasis on supporting students in strengthening critical thinking skills, appreciating diverse cultures, and community service.

Drawing; Design; Color Theory; General Psychology; Sculpture; Painting; World Art; Introduction to Art Therapy; Psychology of Personality; Adolescent Psychology; Psychopathology; Child Psychology; Experimental Psychology; Introduction to Catholic Theology; Art Therapy Methods; and Art Therapy in Practice.

A Bachelor of Arts with a major in Art Therapy is offered at Capital University. Students will complete four years of study in areas including studio art, psychology, and art therapy. Capital University works to provide students with diverse learning opportunities by providing a variety of lectures, workshops and seminars, and the chance to engage in internships in professional settings. Students in the program can select from majors or minors in varying areas in a Clinical Track or a Studio Track depending on their individual and professional goals.

Introduction to Art Therapy; Assessment in Art Therapy; Art Therapy Techniques and Methods; Clinical Applications in Art Therapy; Art Therapy Portfolio; Imagery and Metaphor; Foundations in Studio Art; Drawing; and Art Therapy Senior Project.

A Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy is available at Seton Hill University, a Catholic Liberal Arts University. The Art Therapy program emphasizes a focus on how to use art and creative expression to promote change and growth in individuals and to make a difference in the world. This program will support students in preparing for graduate school in art therapy and/or in navigating different career opportunities in community arts.

History of Western Art; Drawing; Figure Drawing; 2-D Design; 3-D Design; Clay; Painting; Professional Practice for Visual Arts; Introduction to Visual Art Therapy; Arts for Community Change; Art with Diverse Groups; Introductory Psychology; Infancy, Childhood, Adolescence and Lab; Adult Development; Introduction to Counseling; Abnormal Psychology; and Personality Theory.

Mercyhurst University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy. Students will complete coursework, research, and service learning designed to teach how to use art to reach goals and solve problems. Art will be explored as a tool for healing and self-reflection. Graduates will be prepared to pursue graduate school and/or to enter the human service field and provide direct services to diverse populations. The Art Department is able to offer scholarships ranging from $2,500-$10,000 to qualified students!

Drawing; Art Therapy; Painting; Ceramics; Art History; Introduction to Psychology; Child Psychology; Personality; Human Growth and development; Abnormal Psychology; Psychology of Exceptional Children; Introduction to Sociology; or Social Psychology.

A Bachelor of Science in Art Therapy is available at Springfield College. The curriculum is comprehensive and offers a number of unique electives for students to select from based ontheirindividual area of interest and professional aspirations. Students in the program have the opportunity to work with and observe artists, art therapists, and professionals in the field. The program values providing students opportunities to work directly in the community for both the students' skill development and the contribution to the community. Graduates will be prepared to successfully apply to master's level programs in art therapy.

Introduction to Art Therapy; Introduction to Psychology; Art Therapy with Special Needs Populations; Pre-Practicum in Art Therapy and Art Education; Multicultural Issues in Art Therapy; Art Therapy Seminar; Studio in Painting; Studio in Ceramics; Human Development; Abnormal Psychology; Psychology of Art and Artists; Integrating Arts in the Classroom; Art in the Community; Art Therapy and the Elderly Client; and Dance and Somatic Movement Therapy.

The School of Arts and Sciences at The College of New Rochelle offers an undergraduate Art Therapy Program. Students can choose between a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Therapy or a Bachelor of Science in Art Therapy. Students will have intensive training on how to use art to promote and support the physical, mental and emotional healing of children and adults in diverse settings (schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers etc.). Students interested in the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree will submit a portfolio for admission to the program. Students choosing to complete the Bachelor of Science degree are encouraged to submit a portfolio for feedback as well as to apply for an art scholarship.

General Psychology; Psychology of Personality; Developmental Psychology; Abnormal Psychology; Introduction to Dance Movement; Introduction to Dance Therapy; Design Foundation; Fundamentals of Drawing; Figure Drawing; Fundamentals of Painting; Fundamentals of Sculpture; Orientation to Art Therapy; Theory and Techniques of Art Therapy; and Internship.

LIU Post offers a Bachelor of Science in Art Therapy. The program works to provide students with the foundational skills to build on the students creative skills to provide therapeutic services in healthcare environments. Students will learn the foundations of psychological theory and the visual arts in preparation for graduate study in clinical art therapy to be followed by licensure for professional practice as an art therapist. When taking a break from studying, students will enjoy being just a short train ride from New York City and minutes from Long Island Beaches.

Introduction to Art Therapy; Art Therapy Theories for the Handicapped; Art Therapy Workshop: Clinical Methods; Survey in Creative Arts Therapies; Art Therapy Research Seminar; Advanced Photography; Printmaking; Pottery and Ceramic Sculpture; Life Drawing; Watercolor; General Psychology; Principles of Psychology; Developmental Psychology: Childhood; Developmental Psychology: Adolescence; and Abnormal Psychology.

A Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy is offered through the Department of Art and Design at Anna Maria College. Students who complete the program will have advanced skills in one or more art disciplines as well as foundational knowledge of psychology, sociology, and cultural anthropology. The program emphasizes a commitment to training students to understand how individuals and societies are impacted and influenced by ethnic and multicultural issues. Graduates will be prepared to pursue focused graduate study in providing art therapy to diverse populations.

Art Courses; Psychology Courses; Human Services Courses; Art Therapy Courses (with experiential and didactic components): Theory and Methods; Two Art Therapy Internships; and Two Senior Capstone Courses.

Cedar Crest College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy. This studio-based Art Therapy program supports students in strengthening their skills in a studio concentration such as Drawing; Painting; Sculpture; Printmaking; Printmaking; and Book Arts. Students will learn directly from faculty whoare registered and board-certified art therapists and practicing studio artists. The coursework is designed to meet guidelines of the American Art Therapy Association. Students will gain valuable hands-on learning experience through practicum experiences as art mentors at a senior living community and the Boys and Girls Club of Allentown.

Cedar Crest Art Therapy undergraduate students can move straight into the Master's in Art Therapy Program at Cedar Crest College.

An Art Therapy major is offered at Emmanuel College for undergraduate students. This Art Therapy program offers students the opportunity to learn to integrate the artistic process into the helping relationship to better understand, evaluate, problem solve, and promote overall healing for individuals struggling with a variety of life challenges. Located in Boston, Emmanuel College is able to offer students a variety of internship placements at top-rated institutions such as Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Basic Drawing; Visual Language for Design and Communications; Printing; Form Studies; Ceramics; Introduction to Art Therapy; Art Therapy Practicum; General Psychology; Counseling Theories and Techniques; Child Psychology; Adulthood and Aging; and Adolescent Development.

Arcadia University offers a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Pre-Art Therapy. Students can choose to complete the degree they are most interested in but know that the Bachelor of Fine Arts requires more credits for graduation than the Bachelor of Arts. In the Pre-Art Therapy major students will: develop studio art skills; complete coursework in the behavioral and social sciences; and complete the requirements for the American Art Therapy Association for graduate school entrance prerequisites.

Introduction to Psychology; Adult Psychopathology; Developmental Psychology; Introduction to Inclusive Education; Adolescence; Introduction to Art Therapy; Intermediate Art therapy; Art Therapy: Applications and Techniques; Internship in Art Therapy; Introductory Sociology; and Cultural Anthropology.