Top 10 Best Art Therapy Schools in the US – Canvas of Success

Top 10 Best Art Therapy Schools in the US

S.No.	Best Art Therapy Schools	Location
1	New York University	New York, NY
2	Drexel University	Philadelphia, PA
3	Florida State University	Tallahassee, FL
4	George Washington University	Washington, DC
5	Temple University	Philadelphia, PA
6	Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville	Edwardsville, IL
7	School of the Art Institute of Chicago	Chicago, IL
8	Pratt Institute	Brooklyn, NY
9	University of Indianapolis	Indianapolis, IN
10	Long Island University	Brookville, NY

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Best Art Therapy Schools in the US

The United States is home to several renowned institutions that offer exceptional programs in art therapy. These programs prepare students to merge their passion for the fine arts with a deep desire to help individuals dealing with mental health challenges. Art therapy schools in the US provide a strong foundation in psychology and studio art while emphasizing practical experience, research, and fieldwork. Here, we present some of the best art therapy schools in the country, each known for its unique approach to nurturing future art therapists and their commitment to making a positive impact on diverse populations in need of therapeutic support.

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1. New York University

New York University, located in the heart of New York City, stands out as one of the top institutions for art therapy education in the United States. NYU’s art therapy program is known for its exceptional graduate offerings, particularly its Master of Arts (MA) program. What sets NYU apart is its commitment to real-world application and research. The program encourages students to apply clinical knowledge to a range of practical contexts and offers opportunities to work with diverse populations, particularly those facing social barriers to obtaining support. NYU boasts a 100% graduation and post-graduate job placement rate, which underscores the quality of education and the prospects it offers to its students. Additionally, the university’s location in New York City provides students with easy access to art museums, galleries, workshops, and a thriving creative community, making it an ideal place to explore the intersections of art and therapy

2. Drexel University

Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a long-standing reputation for its art therapy and counseling programs. Drexel was the first institution in the USA to matriculate art therapy students, and its Master of Arts (MA) program is well-regarded in the field. Drexel’s art therapy program is distinctive for its strong emphasis on field experience. Students can expect to complete practicums in various settings, including psychiatric hospitals, interdisciplinary behavioral health facilities, and foster care centers. This practical exposure enables students to work with a wide range of populations and gain valuable hands-on experience. Drexel’s commitment to preparing students for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Pennsylvania ensures that graduates are well-prepared to embark on a rewarding career in art therapy and counseling. Additionally, the program’s flexibility, combining in-person classes with online courses, allows students to engage in field experiences beyond the Philadelphia region.

3. Florida State University

Florida State University offers a robust art therapy program that consistently ranks among the nation’s best. FSU’s program stands out for its focus on research and experiential education. With an average graduate art therapy cohort size of 16-20 students and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, FSU provides an intimate and personalized learning experience. The curriculum at FSU emphasizes social justice themes, highlighting the disparities in mental health diagnosis and treatment that various marginalized populations face. For those seeking advanced research opportunities, FSU offers a Ph.D. in art education with a specialization in art therapy. This program provides dedicated mentorship and typically takes four to six years to complete, culminating in a dissertation. FSU’s commitment to research and social justice makes it an excellent choice for students passionate about both art and therapy, preparing them to be change-makers in the field of art therapy.

4. George Washington University

George Washington University’s art therapy program is notable for its focus on trauma training, internship placements, and global partnerships. The program stands out through its commitment to preparing students for real-world challenges in the field of art therapy. In the second year of the program, students undergo trauma training, where they work with clients in the GW Art Therapy Clinic, gaining hands-on experience with a range of cases. Additionally, George Washington University provides opportunities for students to engage in study abroad programs in places like Lebanon, Croatia, and Hong Kong, where they can participate in student-led research and trainings. Service learning is a significant component of these programs, allowing students to work with diverse communities experiencing unique mental health phenomena. Moreover, the university offers a combined BA in psychological and brain science and MA in art therapy degree, where undergraduates can complete 12 graduate credits on an accelerated timeline, ensuring a well-rounded education.

5. Temple University

Temple University, through its Tyler School of Art and Architecture, offers a BA in art therapy that uniquely blends therapeutic practice with creative exploration. Undergraduates not only engage in practicums in therapeutic settings but also have the opportunity to create their own art installations, fostering a deeper understanding of how art therapy can aid clients in their creative expression. The program is characterized by projects like “Hope Springs,” where students are prompted to tell a story related to the theme of “hope” using mixed materials, mirroring what they might support future clients in creating through art therapy. Temple’s extensive facilities, including spacious workshops and meeting rooms, provide an ideal environment for student collaboration and artistic exploration.

6. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville places a strong emphasis on art creation in its highly selective MA in art therapy program. Only a limited number of students are admitted each year, allowing for a personalized and focused education. The program exposes graduate students to diverse populations and their mental health needs by offering practicum experiences in settings such as juvenile detention centers, Head Start programs, and schools. Before working with clients in a therapeutic setting, all art therapy graduate students undergo a rigorous first-year review process. In the subsequent years, students dedicate 15-25 hours of weekly on-site work, completing practicums with both children or teenagers and adult clients. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates accumulate a minimum of 800 hours of clinical practicum experience, making them well-prepared for their careers as art therapists.

7. School of the Art Institute of Chicago

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers a distinctive MA program in art therapy and counseling. This program stands out with its emphasis on experiential learning and a comprehensive curriculum. Students take 42 core credits and participate in fieldwork to gain real-world experience. SAIC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in courses like “Disability Studies: Reimagining Bodies,” where students explore the intersectionality of disabilities and other social identifiers. Undergraduates can also engage in introductory-level courses, providing a holistic education in art therapy. The institute’s approach encourages students to develop a versatile “toolbox” for addressing a range of psychological needs through various creative processes. SAIC’s reputation as a leader in the field of art therapy makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a well-rounded education in this area.

8. Pratt Institute

At Pratt Institute, students have the opportunity to pursue an MPS (Master of Professional Studies) in creative arts therapy, specializing in either art or dance movement therapy. This program offers a balanced combination of theoretical and practical applications, preparing students for careers as psychotherapists. Graduate students typically enroll in 15-week courses during the fall and spring semesters while simultaneously participating in internships, helping them gain valuable real-world experience. Pratt’s low-residency option provides flexibility for students who may have scheduling constraints. Notably, students engage in interdisciplinary research studies, investigating various aspects of art therapy and its impact on individuals. The program’s commitment to practical experience and research positions graduates for success in the field.

9. University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis offers an MA in mental health counseling with a specialization in art therapy. Admitted students must have a foundation in studio art and psychology, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the discipline. The program encompasses both daytime and evening classes, and all students complete practicum and internship requirements. The curriculum incorporates various art modalities, such as drawing, ceramics, and painting, equipping students with a broad set of skills to use in their future art therapy practice. Undergraduates can also major in pre-art therapy/studio art, preparing them for field placements in rehabilitation centers, schools, and outpatient treatment facilities. The University of Indianapolis provides a well-rounded education in art therapy, focusing on both clinical skills and psychological foundations.

10. Long Island University

Long Island University (LIU) offers an MA in clinical art therapy and counseling, attracting a diverse international student population. The program’s small class size allows for personalized attention and a strong sense of community. LIU prioritizes experiential learning, with students completing internships from a list of over 100 training sites, ensuring they gain hands-on experience. Additionally, the program emphasizes research, grant writing, and a social action project, providing a well-rounded education in art therapy. The institution’s commitment to holistic learning is evident in its Interprofessional Simulation Center, where students engage in educational simulations and use cutting-edge medical equipment and technology to enhance their skills. LIU’s focus on practical experience and community engagement prepares students for a successful career in art therapy.

How Do These Schools Emphasize Diversity and Inclusion?

Diversity and inclusion are integral aspects of the art therapy programs at many of the best schools in the United States. These institutions recognize the importance of a diverse and inclusive approach to art therapy education, as it aligns with the field’s fundamental principles of providing support and healing to individuals from all backgrounds.

At the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), for instance, a course like “Disability Studies: Reimagining Bodies” highlights the intersectionality of disabilities and other social identifiers. This approach ensures that students gain a deep understanding of the diverse range of experiences that clients may bring to art therapy sessions. SAIC’s commitment to inclusivity extends to its emphasis on creating an accessible and welcoming environment for all.

Pratt Institute offers a similar commitment to diversity by encouraging students to engage in interdisciplinary research and explore various cultural perspectives. Students are exposed to multiple treatment approaches, making them better prepared to work with clients from different backgrounds. This inclusive perspective equips graduates to provide more effective art therapy services.

The University of Indianapolis places an emphasis on the understanding of psychological foundations and is dedicated to preparing students to work with diverse populations. Students in the program gain insight into the mental health needs of individuals from various backgrounds, ensuring that they are well-prepared to address the unique challenges that may arise in their future careers.

Long Island University (LIU) focuses on providing students with a comprehensive education in art therapy, including research, grant writing, and social action projects. Through these initiatives, students at LIU gain a broader understanding of the potential barriers to mental health support that various communities may face. Additionally, LIU’s diverse student population contributes to a rich learning environment where students can engage in meaningful discussions about diversity and inclusion.

These art therapy schools actively incorporate diversity and inclusion into their programs to ensure that future art therapists are well-prepared to work with individuals from all walks of life, fostering a more inclusive and accessible approach to mental health support through art therapy.

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