Art (Art Therapy) ,BFA
Art, Art Therapy, Creativity, Expression, Expressive, Psychology, Therapy, counseling
Combine studio art and psychology into a practice that leverages art as a tool to enhance mental and emotional health and wellness.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts program with a concentration in art therapy is the only one of its kind in the Southwestern U.S. This program brings together mental health and artistic practice. You are educated in art therapy concepts, methodologies and fundamental principles, as well as in the history and traditions of art production. Courses include art history, art education, art therapy, psychology, studio art and professional development, including internships, pro-practice, seminars and exhibitions.
All registered art therapists are required to gain board certification, which includes a master's degree in art therapy. The courses offered in this program meet the requirements for entry into credentialed American Art Therapy Association art therapy graduate programs, including the required 18 hours of undergraduate courses in psychology and 18 hours in studio art.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 170 - Precalculus Any math course that meets the MATH designation.
- Math
intensity: General
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, art therapy students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network.
Art therapy majors interested in study abroad are advised to consider programs focused on either psychology or art.
Graduates are well prepared for entry-level positions in community art programs, youth programs and other social service programs, as well as entry-level art therapy positions, including art therapy assistant. Graduates have the guidance and tools to advance their academic careers and pursue professional opportunities, including exhibitions, residencies and grants.
Graduates are also prepared to pursue graduate study in art therapy --- required to become a registered art therapist --- and eventually gain board certification.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
4.2%
|
$114,850
|
|
|
1.7%
|
$78,620
|
|
|
11.5%
|
$77,930
|
|
|
4.6%
|
$56,730
|
|
|
12.6%
|
$50,860
|
|
|
2.1%
|
$46,080
|
|
|
-1.2%
|
$55,490
|
|
|
11.5%
|
$77,930
|
School of Art
|
ART 151
soaadmin@asu.edu
480-965-8521
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
