ART THERAPY PRE-PROFESSIONAL UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

A variety of colleges across the country offer undergraduate coursework or majors in art therapy, as pre-professional information.

While undergraduate coursework or a major in art therapy is not required to apply to graduate art therapy programs, such coursework at this pre-professional level can increase your confidence and provide a strong foundation for future studies. In addition, the courses offer an opportunity to further explore the career and whether it is a fit for you!

Below is a listing of educational programs. It is not a comprehensive list, as new programs are created as the profession grows (Inclusion of a college on this list is not indicative of an endorsement by AATA, but is offered for information purposes.)

Learn more about master’s degree art therapy programs on this page.

UNDERGRADUATE PRE-PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Florida

University of Tampa Scarfone Hartley Gallery, 310 North Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606 Program: BA in Art Therapy Contact: Joseph Scarce, MA-AT, MFT, ATR-BC Phone: (813) 257-3206 Email: Jscarce@ut.edu

Illinois

Millikin University
1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522
Program: BFA in Art Therapy or BA in Art Therapy
Contact: Jonathan Haag, DAT, LCSW, ATR-BC, Assistant Professor of Art Therapy
Phone: 217-424-6227
Email: jhaag@millikin.edu

Maryland

Notre Dame of Maryland University 4701 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210 Program: BA in Art Therapy Contact: Cathy Goucher, ATR-BC, LCPC, LCPAT, Art Therapy Program Director Phone: 410-532-5382 Email: cgoucher@ndm.edu

Massachusetts

Anna Maria College 50 Sunset Lane, Paxton, MA 01612 Program: BA in Art Therapy Contact: David Wackell, Administrative Assistant Phone: 508-849-3450 Email: dwackell@annamaria.edu

Ohio

Ursuline College
2550 Lander Road, Pepper Pike, OH 44124
Program: BA in Art Therapy
Contact: Jennifer Schwartz Mrazek, MAAT, ATR-BC, Department Chair
Phone: 216-484-7030
Email: Jennifer.schwartz@ursuline.edu

Pennsylvania

Mercyhurst University
501 East 38th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16546
Program: BA in Art Therapy
Contact: Heather Denning, M.A., LPAT, ATR-BC, ATCS, LSW, Director of Art Therapy
Email: hdenning@mercyhurst.edu

Seton Hill University
One Seton Hill Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601
Program: Pre-Art Therapy major
Contact: Jennifer Beasley, Program Coordinator
Email: jbeasley@setonhill.edu

Temple University, Tyler School of Art and Architecture
2001 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Program: BA in Art Therapy
Contact: Dr. Lisa Kay, ATR-BC, Program Director
Phone: 215-777-9090
Email: tylerart@temple.edu

South Carolina

Converse College 580 East Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302 Program: BA in Art Therapy Contact: Laura Zeisler, ATR-BC, LISW-CP, Assistant Professor of Art Therapy Phone: 864-596-9314 Email: laura.zeisler@converse.edu

West Virginia

West Liberty University

Department of Art Therapy and Counseling
208 University Drive, West Liberty, WV 26074

Program: BA in Creative Arts Therapy
Contact: Dr. Susan Ridley
Email: susan.ridley@westliberty.edu

Read West Liberty’s Featured Affiliate Member profile

To add your program to this list, or make edits to contact information, please contact the AATA National Staff.

UNDERGRADUATE PRE-ART THERAPY GUIDELINES

The American Art Therapy Association’s Undergraduate Pre-Art Therapy Education Guidelines offer a comprehensive resource for educators and institutions involved in undergraduate art therapy programs. Developed to ensure ethical and relevant practices, these guidelines support a variety of educational formats and help prepare students for graduate-level art therapy studies. They provide direction for constructing and delivering rigorous coursework, serving both prospective students and professionals seeking to develop or teach pre-art therapy courses.

To learn more, watch this recorded discussion led by Heather Denning and Jennifer Schwartz of the AATA Undergraduate Education Committee.

Download the Pre-Art Therapy Guidelines