Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy

Take a journey toward advanced studies in therapeutic art practice and professional pathways that infuse the creative process into mental health and human services with a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy in the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. As a master's degree is required in the professional field of art therapy, the program rigorously prepares students to pursue graduate-level studies in art therapy as well as art therapy-related jobs.

This 120-credit hour Art Therapy BA program emphasizes intersectional and transdisciplinary study with opportunities for self-exploration and unique fieldwork opportunities, enabling students to develop a broad range of skills needed to succeed in careers that involve therapeutic art. Students learn communication and collaboration, creative design and planning, critical observation and research, and self-awareness and cultural responsiveness—skills that can be applied in many work settings and master's-level study in a variety of fields. 

Students examine the important role of art making in promoting resilience in individuals, families and communities, and explore the role that art plays in addressing issues of inequality and injustice. They learn about the history, theories, philosophies and practices of art therapy, and engage in fieldwork placements that amplify coursework, build their confidence to work with people and demonstrate how therapeutic art helps others. Art therapy resources for those with diverse communicative, educational, emotional, physical and social needs are studied as well. 

Students leave our program with skills, knowledge and self-awareness to enter graduate art therapy programs or the workplace, depending on their career goals.
 
The Therapeutic Art Club of Temple University brings together students interested in art therapy for discussions, art making, guest speakers and other events, including self-care nights and mental health awareness workshops. Club programming fosters a close-knit student community and supportive learning environment through therapeutic artistic activities, examination of the goals and achievements of the art therapy field, and applications of therapeutic art practice. 

An image of a professor instructing a student in an art therapy class

Classes & Curriculum  

The Art Therapy BA program takes a multidisciplinary approach that integrates studio art classes and a variety of psychology courses with fieldwork in Philadelphia communities, self-reflective art making and research, teaching students how to explore their identity as artists as well as mental health practitioners. 

Art therapy students follow the Foundations core curriculum that all first-year students take, focused on 2D and 3D studio art practices, art history, and critical writing and discourse. In their second and third years, students refine their skills in disciplines such as painting, ceramics and photography as well as learn about community arts practices, art education, art therapy practice and advanced psychology. In senior year, Art Therapy majors round out their studies with a focus on fieldwork and electives across the university. Students can expect to take some of the following courses.

  • Introduction to Art Therapy 
  • Creative Process in Art Therapy 
  • Fieldwork in Art Therapy 
  • Foundations of Learning and Behavior Analysis 
  • Teaching Artists

Learn more about courses in this program. 

Minors 

Related Graduate Degrees  

Related Graduate Certificates  

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $18,864.00 per year
Out-of-state: $33,912.00 per year

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Additional Program Information