The Art Therapy program at St. Ambrose is a concentration within our BA in Art and Design degree. Our Art Therapy program explores the connection between art and psychology to support healing and personal growth. It provides an understanding of art therapy principles and techniques in clinical and community settings. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to become competent art therapists. With a focus on integrating art with psychological principles to address challenges, graduate and make a positive impact on clients to support their mental and physical well-being.
What is an Art Therapy degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a degree in Art Therapy?
Art Therapy students will have the opportunity to access both the Psychology and Art programs offered at St. Ambrose University. This will engage students in the creative process of art generation, partnered with clinical knowledge to understand what someone may be experiencing.
Small studio classes
Benefit from one-on-one instruction in a 1,600 square-feet, beautifully-lit studio space.
Free admission to the Figge
Each student receives a free membership to the Figge Art Museum, which provides access to world-class exhibitions, events, and lectures.
Professional practice
Our capstone course prepares all art majors with interviewing skills, resume and portfolio building, and assistance with graduate school applications.
On-campus galleries
The Galvin Fine Arts Center features two public galleries – the Morrissey and Catich – where students exhibit their work.
Graduate with a portfolio
Students graduate with a full portfolio tailored for use in graduate school applications.
What you’ll learn in your Art Therapy program
Our Art Therapy concentration within our BA in Art and Design degree encourages the blend of creative expression and therapeutic skills. While also learning a wide range of art techniques and history through core art classes, art therapy students at St. Ambrose also explore counseling, child psychology, and more. Some examples of course content include:
- The interpretation and application of the basic principles of three-dimensional design
- The theory, history and practices of art therapy
- Principles of value, color theory, color expression, composition, and paint handling
- Different psychological theories and the different counseling strategies used in these approaches
- Child and adolescent development
Explore Art Therapy courses
- This degree requires you to complete a total of 120 credits.
- You will complete 39 gen ed credits, 30 core Art or Psychology credits, 28 Art Therapy credits, and 23 elective credits.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AD 120 | 3D Design | 3 credits |
| AD 215 | Art Therapy | 3 credits |
| AD 270 | Painting I | 3 credits |
| PSYC 342 | Theories of Counseling | 3 credits |
| PSYC 384 | Child & Adolescent Psychology | 3 credits |
How much does a degree in Art Therapy cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By Semester | By Year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,189 | $36,378 |
| Housing** | $4,019 | $8,038 |
| Food*** | $2,670 | $5,340 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $25,018 | $50,036 |
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone. The cost of your housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
How do Art Therapy faculty support their students?
Both St. Ambrose University’s Art and Psychology faculty will provide a one-on-one experience for students in the art therapy program. Art faculty will facilitate a journey through multiple forms of creative expression and help students find the ways in which art can serve as an emotional release.
Art program faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to succeed. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for a degree in Art Therapy?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Art scholarships
Undergraduate art majors and minors can access up to $3,000 in scholarships each year. Applicants submit a portfolio including 10-12 original works of art or design. Portfolios are reviewed by faculty in the art department. Preference is given to applicants who submit before March 10. Learn more about art scholarships.
Merit-based and institutional scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Don’t let cost hinder your future
"The Ambrose Advantage allowed me to come to college without much worry about debt in my future."
-Caleb Gillmore, Monticello, Iowa
What’s on campus for Art Therapy students?
St. Ambrose University’s Art Department and student art facilities are housed in the Galvin Fine Arts Center. Our main drawing and painting studio is 1,600 square-feet of beautifully-lit open space.
Galvin is also home to two galleries. The Catich Gallery hosts contemporary art exhibits featuring the work of regional and national artists as well as faculty and seniors graduating with honors. The Morrissey Gallery offers a unique exhibition opportunity to local and regional artists.
Join SAU’s Art Club to participate in events at local museums where they interact with artists and meet new people through regular events at local museums. During "teaching nights" a member teaches participants an artistic skill so they can build on and expand their talent and abilities.
A strong foundation for your career
“St. Ambrose was actually the first college I visited and I fell in love with it. Meeting with the faculty in my department during my visit was a big help, especially since my dad didn’t know much about the college process. As a first-generation student, I felt that St. Ambrose was able to guide me and my family through the process.”
-Samantha Sancen ‘23, Political Science and Theology
What are the admission requirements for a bachelor's degree in Art Therapy?
Here are the admissions requirements for our Art Therapy program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with an Art Therapy degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our art therapy program could achieve.
Potential job titles
- Activities director
- Art educator
- Child care worker
- Life skills counselor
- Mental health technician
- Rehabilitation assistant
Potential employment settings
- Hospitals
- Veterans clinics
- Schools and universities
- Private practices
- Psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities
- Crisis centers
Traits of an art therapist
- Active listening
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Emotional intelligence
- Empathy
- Creativity
- Cultural awareness and understanding
Industry facts
- The fine arts field is growing steadily with the need for artists expected to rise 4% through 2032.
- The median wage for alternative therapists was $60,800 in May 2022.
For more information on financial employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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