Top Art Therapy Schools & Programs

Art therapy is a dynamic and transformative field that combines creative expression with therapeutic practices to support emotional, psychological, and mental health. Through the use of visual arts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and other creative mediums, art therapy allows individuals to process emotions, trauma, and life challenges in a non-verbal, expressive way. It is a growing discipline with applications in various settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private therapy practices. To prepare students for this meaningful profession, numerous higher education institutions offer exceptional art therapy programs. Among these, New York University (NYU), Marywood University, the School of Visual Arts (SVA), and Albertus Magnus College (AMC) are recognized as some of the top institutions offering accredited and comprehensive art therapy education.

New York University (NYU) stands out as one of the most prestigious institutions offering a renowned Master of Arts in Art Therapy program. This program is deeply rooted in history, as it was approved by the New York State Education Department by 1976 and became one of the first five programs to gain approval from the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) in 1979. The NYU Graduate Art Therapy Program is a rigorous and comprehensive program that combines academic study with practical clinical experience. One of the program's most distinctive features is its three-week summer internship abroad, which allows students to immerse themselves in diverse cultural settings while gaining practical, hands-on experience. These internships have been conducted in numerous global locations, including Tanzania, Peru, and South Africa, providing students with a unique opportunity to understand cross-cultural perspectives in art therapy and how therapeutic art practices can address varying cultural and societal needs. NYU’s emphasis on experiential learning, combined with a strong academic foundation, has solidified its reputation as one of the leaders in the field of art therapy education. With its combination of theory, practice, and global exposure, NYU offers students a comprehensive pathway to becoming leaders in the art therapy field.

Marywood University is another leading institution for students aspiring to pursue a career in art therapy. Marywood offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in this specialized field. The undergraduate Art Therapy program offers pre-professional education, allowing students to build foundational skills and knowledge to prepare for further graduate study or careers in art therapy. Additionally, Marywood’s Master of Arts in Art Therapy program is approved by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and provides students with the training necessary to pursue advanced credentials. Graduates of Marywood University’s program are well-prepared to apply for registration (ATR) and Board Certification (BC) with the Art Therapy Certification Board (ATCB), as well as for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania. This program provides students with a blend of theoretical study and clinical practice, ensuring that they gain both the academic foundation and hands-on experience needed to succeed in the art therapy field. Moreover, Marywood University has earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the top-tier Regional Universities (North), emphasizing the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and professional preparation. The combination of Marywood’s strong academic programs and its accreditation by AATA makes it an ideal choice for aspiring art therapists.

The School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City also offers a highly regarded Master of Professional Studies in Art Therapy program. Approved by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), SVA’s program adheres to the established educational standards required for students pursuing careers in the field of art therapy. SVA has a long history of excellence in art education and is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Furthermore, SVA is an institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and is also a member of the International Association of Independent Schools for Art and Design (AIAS). This accreditation ensures that students are receiving a high-quality education that meets both academic and professional standards. The School of Visual Arts focuses on fostering innovative and critical thinking within the context of creative therapeutic practice, blending theoretical learning with hands-on experience. The Master of Professional Studies in Art Therapy prepares students to address a variety of mental health needs through creative means while cultivating professionalism, cultural awareness, and ethical responsibility.

Albertus Magnus College (AMC) offers another exemplary Master of Arts in Art Therapy program. This program has received approval from the Educational Program Approval Board of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and aligns with the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. The program spans sixty credit hours and is designed to ensure that students not only meet but exceed the required educational standards necessary to prepare for professional licensure. AMC’s Master of Arts in Art Therapy program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work as licensed counselors while using creative processes to promote mental health and healing. The program emphasizes both the academic and clinical aspects of art therapy, blending coursework with hands-on practice to create a well-rounded educational experience. Albertus Magnus College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC), a respected accrediting body that underscores the institution’s commitment to academic excellence. With its comprehensive curriculum, students at AMC are provided with opportunities to study diverse therapeutic approaches while preparing for licensing exams and professional certification.

These programs collectively represent some of the most prestigious and innovative pathways into the field of art therapy. They share a commitment to providing students with comprehensive academic foundations, practical clinical experience, and preparation for national certifications and licensure exams. NYU’s emphasis on international internships provides students with a truly global perspective on art therapy, while Marywood University offers a strong balance between undergraduate and graduate study for those entering the profession at different stages. The School of Visual Arts offers students an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to therapeutic creative expression, combining art and mental health studies within a metropolitan, creative hub like New York City. Meanwhile, Albertus Magnus College provides rigorous academic preparation that emphasizes counseling alongside therapeutic art practices.

The demand for trained and qualified art therapists is steadily increasing as more mental health professionals incorporate creative therapies into their treatment plans. The versatility of art therapy allows individuals to address a variety of psychological challenges, including trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and life transitions. As such, students graduating from these programs are well-equipped to enter diverse healthcare, educational, and social service settings. They are prepared to use the transformative power of art to create meaningful change in the lives of individuals and communities.

New York University, Marywood University, the School of Visual Arts, and Albertus Magnus College are top institutions that offer students outstanding art therapy programs. These schools prepare students to become leaders in the profession, equipped with theoretical knowledge, ethical practice, and hands-on experience. Graduates of these programs are well-prepared to make a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of the individuals and populations they serve through the use of creative expression and therapeutic strategies. Through their academic excellence and commitment to experiential learning, these institutions provide the foundation for meaningful careers in the growing and impactful field of art therapy.