Passion With Purpose
Pack your passion for helping others and join us on the Temple University campus in Philadelphia to earn your undergraduate art therapy degree from the Tyler School of Art and Architecture.
Step One Toward Your Goals
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.
At Tyler, you start gaining the knowledge and skills to bring a transformative experience of art to others. Your degree in art therapy is the beginning of making a difference in the communities you serve and as an agent of change and compassion in the world.
Art has always been a fundamental form of expression. Especially in times of stress, transition and healing, it gives people and outlet. You can help people harness artistic processes, methods and media to reflect their experiences and feelings.
5 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
- Study at a renowned art and design 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.
- Plus, choose an art and design school that’s more affordable than other options.
- Enjoy the small classes and close-knit connections with other creatives in Tyler’s community.
- Plus, make the most of Temple University’s large, urban, public university opportunities in the vibrant and historic city of Philadelphia
- Speaking of Philadelphia! Think of it as your classroom in the world — thanks to the city’s rich arts scene and opportunities for internships and jobs.
Say You’re Interested
Reach out to Tyler’s embedded admissions team with any questions or to get specific information you need.
Art Therapy at Tyler
When you study art therapy here, you live and learn at the intersection of three kinds of work:
- Connecting ideas and methods across art disciplines
- Adding real-world and resumé-building experience through community-based fieldwork
- Committing to self-exploration through your own studio practice
Transferrable Skills and Strengths
Whether you pursue a master’s 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.
- Communication and collaboration
- Cultural awareness
- Creative design and planning
- Observation and analysis
- Research and exploration
- Feedback delivery and acceptance
- Community building and engagement
- Bureaucracy navigation (and patience)
Art Therapy Fieldwork
Tyler also connects you with critical field placements in the Philadelphia community, where you get to apply what you learn. You will complete fieldwork degree requirements during your senior year. Potential fieldwork locations include schools as well as community organizations.
Popular Studio Courses
Thanks to the exceptional facilities and the breadth of creative disciplines at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, you get the chance to take studio art classes in a variety of media and methods:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Glassmaking
- Printmaking
- Fibers and Material Studies
- Ceramics
- Photography
Art Therapy Degree Requirements
Get all the details about the bachelor’s degree in art therapy, including Tyler’s required courses and electives as well as other general education classes available from Temple University.
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?
Tyler maintains fieldwork partnerships with schools, hospitals, long term care facilities, community art centers and community agencies.
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.
Does Tyler offer online or hybrid classes in art therapy?
At this time, Tyler does not offer online or hybrid classes in art therapy.
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 degrees in art therapy typically require between 60-63 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, teaching artists, 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 aides for physical therapy, occupational therapy and applied behavior analysis
Recreational or tourism venues as activities directors
Art Therapy Faculty
Meet the people who teach in Tyler’s art therapy degree program and who support your success and help launch your career in the healing power of art.
Alumni and Student Voices
Hear from our alumni and current students. Let them share how Tyler helped them succeed and grow. Experience their gratitude for earning their degrees here.
"Tyler opened up my world of possibilities by encouraging me to explore tons of different materials. I felt empowered to develop the discipline and craftsmanship skills that comes along with art which helped me create more and expand as an artist. My classmates and teachers were equally inspiring: feeding off their creative energy motivated me to give my all to each class I took. Now that I am an art educator myself, I strive to foster this sense of reciprocal inspiration in my classroom as a driving force for creativity and ingenuity."
G. Benzio
Alum (Art Therapy '22)
"The Art Therapy Program at Temple’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture has provided me with invaluable experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The program allowed me to stay in my hometown, strengthening my bond with the local community and deepening my connection to the people around me. The hands-on approach has been instrumental in helping me gain essential."
Kayla Watson
Alum (Art Therapy, '25)
Tyler Art Therapy News
Read the latest news about the art therapy faculty, current students, and alumni.
Tyler Art Therapy Events
Please spend time in person at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture or with members of our community. We’d love to see you at these upcoming events or on a weekday campus tour!
