Art Therapy
Art is a powerful tool that can be a life-changing form of therapy for people experiencing physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges. Creating art is a fun and positive way to express feelings, manage behavior, reduce anxiety and depression, and build self-esteem. If you are artistic and love helping others, art therapy is a rewarding career that could be the perfect choice for you.
Ignite your creativity in the art therapy program at St. Thomas Aquinas College. The curriculum features courses in human development, psychology, fine art, and art therapy field placements offer exciting opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world settings. Many of our students earn preferred placement in highly selective graduate programs in art therapy, counseling, social work, and other healthcare professions.
Join our creative and supportive academic community, learn from a faculty of exceptional practitioners, and develop the skills you’ll need to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others as an art therapist or paraprofessional.
At a glance
- Undergraduate major & minor
- BA
- 4 years
- Main campus
Common Minors
- Psychology
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Visual Art
Only at St. Thomas Aquinas College
Ignite Your Career With Experiential Learning
Art therapy students have many opportunities to build their resumes and gain field experience working with different populations in a wide variety of internships. Learn, give back, and have fun in our active art therapy club that hosts activities, including special events for local charities.
Career Preparation & Mentoring
Small classes make a big difference to students at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Develop strong relationships with faculty-mentors throughout your college years and beyond. As experienced practitioners, we will guide you in achieving your full potential and prepare you to successfully advance into a graduate program or begin your new career.
Keep Exploring
Featured Courses
Get an inside look at art therapy as a profession. This course examines art as an alternative to verbal expression and explores how it is applied in the treatment setting. Through different creative projects, you will see for yourself how art can provide a pathway to greater self-awareness and healing.
Explore effective techniques, materials, and approaches that art therapists may use with specific populations. Observe professionals in the field as they work their magic in real time. This course combines classroom learning with visits to local care centers, such as: Music for Life – a creative arts therapy program for people with developmental challenges, Bristal Assisted Living Program, the Living Museum at Rockland Psychiatric Center, and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.
Choose from a long list of field placements for your 120-hour capstone internship—working with children, teens, the elderly, people with emotional challenges, the medically challenged, or people on the autistic spectrum. Gain valuable feedback and guidance from your personal advisor, a practicing art therapist or other approved clinicians. Build the foundation for your future career.
What Success Looks Like
Career Options
A degree in art therapy will prepare you for graduate programs and/or paraprofessional careers. With a bachelor’s degree, students can find work in roles such as:
- Art Therapy Assistants
- Recreation Therapists
- Activities Therapists
- Teacher’s Aides
The art therapy degree prepares students for graduate study in:
- Art Therapy
- Counseling
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Expressive Therapy
Our art therapy students intern and find full-time employment at many organizations, including:
- ARC
- Bristal Assisted Living
- Music for Life
- North Hudson Academy
- Northwell Health
- Venture
Program options
The BA in Art Therapy provides students with the opportunity to shape their artistic capabilities into a career of helping others and making a real difference, one person at a time. Personally guided by professionals in the field, you will discover your gifts, develop professional experience, and prepare for a rewarding and successful future.
A minor in art therapy hones your creative skills and your knowledge of the therapeutic impact the creative process can have on helping others navigate physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges.