Art Therapy Major | Temple University

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

Art History Minor

Related Graduate Degrees

Master of Education in Art Education

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 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $17,976.00 per year
Out-of-state: $32,376.00 per year

Our Advisors

Tyler’s academic advising team offers every Tyler student one-on-one, personal and academic guidance, beginning at Orientation right through to graduation. The academic advisors help you chart your course through your degree program and major, and ensure you are on a clear educational path.

Advisors are available to discuss registration, study abroad and staying on track to graduate, as well as policy and procedures and navigating other available resources across the university.

Appointments with the advising team can be made by visiting the Student Tools tab in TUportal. General questions can be submitted to the team’s virtual front desk during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Academic Advising Office
Tyler 212
2001 N. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Program Contact

Student Clubs & Organizations

Joining a student organization can enrich your coursework, help you build meaningful networks with peers and gain leadership experience. Below are examples of student clubs and organizations that can help you grow academically, creatively and professionally.

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization. AIAS provides unmatched programs, information and resources on issues critical to architectural education.
National Organization of Minority Architecture Students at Temple University serves minority architecture students, enhancing their educational experience by providing them with ample opportunities to explore facets of design and community-building outside of the classroom.
American Society of Landscape Architects, Student Chapter at Temple’s Ambler Campus works to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, education and fellowship.

See a full list of student organizations.

Study Away

Exposure to diverse cultures, environments and mindsets is essential for art, architecture and design students. At Tyler, you are encouraged to broaden your perspective and explore unique environments through study away programs.

Programs to study in Rome, Tokyo and Venice are offered throughout the year.

For a half-century, Temple Rome has been a center for hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, where the “Eternal City” is the classroom, the studio and the campus. It offers extensive experiences for art and architecture students, with courses in architecture, art history, drawing, liberal arts, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.

Temple University Japan offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a Digital Media concentration. Students may also take individual digital photography, art history and architecture courses on the Japan campus.

The Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office is available to answer questions.
Email: study.abroad@temple.edu
Phone: 215-204-0720

Accreditation

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s degree programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s architecture and environmental design programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.

National Architectural Accrediting Board (Master of Architecture)
Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture)
Planning Accreditation Board (Master of Science in City and Regional Planning)
International Facilities Management Association (Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management)

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Additional Program Information

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