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    Art Therapy Degree

    Bring your empathy and your love of art and visual communication to the Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s art therapy degree program.

Step One Toward Your Goals 

Pack your passion for helping others and join us on the Temple University campus in Philadelphia. Whether from positive art education in your past or the desire to do better for the next generation, you understand the transformative nature of art therapy. Here, you start gaining the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the communities you serve and as an agent of change and compassion in the world.  

Earning your bachelor’s degree is step one toward your career goals. That’s because becoming a professional art therapist requires at least a master’s degree as well as licensing in some states.  

Reasons to Study Art Therapy at Tyler 

Consider these big reasons to earn your art therapy degree from the Tyler School of Art and Architecture:  

01

Study at a renowned art school, where you can take studio classes to build your own creative talents and practice — rather than a school focused more on education or health sciences.  

02

Plus, choose an art school that’s more affordable than other options.  

03

Enjoy the small classes and close-knit connections with other creatives in Tyler’s community.

04

Plus, make the most of Temple University’s large, urban, public university opportunities in the vibrant and historic city of Philadelphia, including that it’s more affordable than other options.

05

Speaking of Philadelphia! Think of it as your classroom in the world and maybe even a member of faculty thanks to the city’s rich arts scene and opportunities for internships and jobs.  

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See our incredible art studios. Meet our amazing people.

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The Study of Art Therapy at Tyler  

When you study art therapy here, you live and learn at the intersection of three kinds of work:  

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Connecting ideas and methods across art disciplines

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Adding real-world and resumé-building experience through community-based fieldwork

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Committing to self-exploration through your own studio practice

Transferrable Skills and Strengths 

Whether you pursue an additional degree in art therapy after graduation or take a related job in the meantime, you gain several in-demand, transferable skills throughout your coursework at Tyler: 

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  • Communication and collaboration 
  • Cultural awareness  
  • Creative design and planning 
  • Observation 
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  • Research 
  • Feedback delivery and acceptance 
  • Community building and engagement 
  • Bureaucracy navigation (and patience) 
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Art Therapy Fieldwork

Tyler also connects you with critical field placements in the Philadelphia community, where you get to practice what you learn. You will complete fieldwork degree requirements during your senior year. Potential fieldwork locations include schools as well as community organizations. 

Popular Art Studio Courses

Thanks to the incredible facilities and the breadth of creative disciplines at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, you get the chance to take studio classes in a variety of media and methods: 

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  • Painting  
  • Drawing 
  • Glassmaking 
  • Printmaking 
  • Jewelry making 
  • Ceramics 
  • Photography  
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Art Therapy FAQ

Here are a few answers to common questions about the art therapy BA degree from the Tyler School of Art and Architecture. 

Where can I do my community fieldwork?

Potential fieldwork locations include schools as well as community organizations. Here are the types of places art therapy majors complete their fieldwork: 

  • Artz Philadelphia 
  • Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia 
  • Living Branches 
  • SpArc Services 
  • Aspira Bilingual Cyber Charter School 
  • Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley 
  • Cristo Rey High School 
  • The U School 
  • Frankford High School 
  • Widener Memorial School 
  • Vaux School 
  • Andrew Jackson Elementary School 
  • Green Trees School and Services 
  • Friends Select School 
  • Inglis Innovation Center 
  • UARTS Counseling Center 
  • Fleisher Art Memorial 
  • Philadelphia Healthy and Safe Schools (PHASeS) TU, Center for Urban BioEthics 
  • Center for Creative Works 
  • The Barnstone Art for Kids 
  • Moss Rehabilitation Hospital 
  • Magee Rehabilitation Hospital 
  • Magee Rehabilitation Outpatient 
  • Jewish Family and Children’s Services 
  • Tuttleman Counseling Center 
  • Parent to Child and Spark Art Therapy in Schools 
  • Wedge Recovery Center 
  • Temple University Hospital Episcopal Center 
  • Moonrise Art Therapy Collective 
  • Wellness Resource Center/TU 
  • Settlement Music School 
  • Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders 
Is there a club for art therapy majors?

Yes, there’s an Therapeutic Art Club you can join! You can also connect with classmates at Temple University through other types of student groups and organizations.

Therapeutic Art Club Groups + Organizations

Is there financial aid for art therapy majors?

Look for financial aid information and application details in this section of the Temple University website.

Why do I need to go to graduate school too? What’s that like? How long does that take?

The credentials required to become a licensed art therapist include a master’s degree and state licensure in many states. It’s a demonstration of advanced knowledge and academic achievement.  

Graduate degree programs typically total between 30-44 credits, depending upon the university and program. Generally speaking, it takes around 2 academic years to complete a master’s degree full time. Some schools, though, do offer accelerated graduate degree programs that run all year so that you graduate faster. Some also offer at least some online courses or hybrid courses.

What if I don’t want to go to graduate school right away?

Tyler students often take meaningful roles in related fields like these before continuing their studies: 

  • Mental Health Technician: Supporting therapists and clients in clinical settings 
  • Behavioral Health Assistant: Working with individuals in schools, hospitals, or community programs 
  • Case Manager: Assisting clients in accessing mental health and social services 
  • Educator: Serving as teacher’s aides, art instructors, or special education support staff 
  • Program Assistant or Coordinator: Organizing creative and therapeutic activities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nonprofit organizations 
What kinds of art therapy jobs are available?

Graduates from art therapy degree programs often work in these fields: 

  • Schools and educational settings, including special education  
  • Community centers and organizations for people of all ages 
  • Allied health roles, including occupational therapy and applied behavior analysis 
  • Recreational or tourism venues as activities directors