August 13, 2026
This week, AATA submitted proposed revisions to the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) guidelines, which set standards for educational programs in the visual arts and design. NASAD is recognized by the US Department of Education as an accrediting agency responsible for the accreditation of free-standing institutions that offer art/design and art/design-related programs. Since a Master’s degree is the minimum level of education to obtain art therapy credentials, NASAD guidelines for baccalaureate programs in art therapy (or pre-art therapy programs) include preparation for graduate work, development of studio art skills, field experiences, and other pre-professional studies.
AATA’s Undergraduate Education Committee, led by Meera Rastogi, PhD, ATR-BC, LPAT, reviewed the current NASAD guidelines and proposed amendments. AATA, alongside the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE), believe that the proposed updates will align NASAD’s pre-art therapy standards with current expectations in the growing field of art therapy, and better support students preparing for graduate study and professional practice.
