1 answer
Faith
Student
Verona, Wisconsin
1
Question
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What was your school journey like to become an Art Therapist?
I am a college freshman at a community college, I know it's awhile down the road before I decide what school I will transfer to but I'm curious. What was your major / minor in for your bachelors degree and what school did you attend for your master's degree?
#Spring25
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1 answer
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Faith,
To become an Art Therapist, most people follow a path that includes both psychology and the arts. Since you're a college freshman at a community college, you're in a great position to start building a strong foundation.
Typically, aspiring Art Therapists major in something like Psychology, Fine Arts, or Art Therapy if their school offers it. Some also double major or minor in one of these areas to get a balanced mix of mental health and creative skills. If your community college has classes in psychology, art, or human development, take those to start building relevant knowledge.
After earning a bachelor’s degree, the next step is pursuing a Master’s in Art Therapy or Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy from a program accredited by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). Some well-known programs include Drexel University, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and NYU. These programs typically require coursework in psychology, studio art, and sometimes a portfolio.
During your master's program, you’ll complete both classroom instruction and supervised clinical internships where you learn to apply art therapy techniques. After graduating, you need to get licensed, which usually involves passing an exam and completing a certain number of supervised practice hours.
If you’re already passionate about both psychology and art, you’re on the right track. Keep exploring classes that blend creativity and mental health, and look into volunteering or internships that involve working with people in therapeutic or community settings. That hands-on experience will help you decide if this path feels right for you!
To become an Art Therapist, most people follow a path that includes both psychology and the arts. Since you're a college freshman at a community college, you're in a great position to start building a strong foundation.
Typically, aspiring Art Therapists major in something like Psychology, Fine Arts, or Art Therapy if their school offers it. Some also double major or minor in one of these areas to get a balanced mix of mental health and creative skills. If your community college has classes in psychology, art, or human development, take those to start building relevant knowledge.
After earning a bachelor’s degree, the next step is pursuing a Master’s in Art Therapy or Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy from a program accredited by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). Some well-known programs include Drexel University, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and NYU. These programs typically require coursework in psychology, studio art, and sometimes a portfolio.
During your master's program, you’ll complete both classroom instruction and supervised clinical internships where you learn to apply art therapy techniques. After graduating, you need to get licensed, which usually involves passing an exam and completing a certain number of supervised practice hours.
If you’re already passionate about both psychology and art, you’re on the right track. Keep exploring classes that blend creativity and mental health, and look into volunteering or internships that involve working with people in therapeutic or community settings. That hands-on experience will help you decide if this path feels right for you!