This 60-credit Master of Arts program in Art Therapy prepares graduates to become a licensed creative arts therapist in New York State. Coursework integrates psychotherapy and visual arts practice to engage the creative power of art for clinical assessment and treatment. The curriculum promotes scholarly research and evidence-based clinical praxis, cross-cultural competency with appreciation of social justice, and fluency with evolving technologies. Students are required and encouraged to study a wide range of psychological frameworks through a variety of courses to become familiar with a range of theoretical approaches. Well versed in visual arts and psychology, students synthesize key principles in art therapy interventions and adapt the use of art materials and the creative process to effectively respond to diverse physical and psychological needs. Through studio courses, clinical fieldwork and internship, students develop an identity as both an art therapist, prepared to become a member of a multidisciplinary team in the diagnosis, planning, and treatment of individuals and groups, and a practicing artist.
Internships
Every summer the program offers students a unique internship opportunity to experience and practice clinical applications of art therapy in specific cultural contexts, such as in Tanzania, Peru, South Africa, Brazil, India, Ghana, and Bolivia.
Career Opportunities
Art therapy has grown rapidly over the past few decades, broadening the therapeutic potential of the arts in diverse settings. It has continued to be recognized as an effective treatment when traditional psychotherapy approaches are unable to effectively overcome barriers associated with trauma responses, developmental challenges, cultural stigma and/or language proficiency. NYU trained art therapists have led innovative treatment for participants across the developmental spectrum, publishing outcomes and presenting findings globally. Art therapists frequently work in such settings as hospitals, community mental health centers, shelters, prisons, nursing homes, and schools.
The program fosters continued growth and development of art therapists through post-master’s courses of interest to working professionals, such as ARTT-GE 2150 Techniques/Supervision in Art Therapy. In addition, lecture series and symposia featuring speakers from the fields of art, neuroscience, psychology and psychiatry are offered. These special programs allow art therapists and related professionals to expand their knowledge and experience.
Doctoral Studies
NYU Steinhardt offers a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences for students with a background in art therapy. See Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD) for program details.
Accreditation (CAAHEP)
New York University’s Master of Arts in Art Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE).
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:
Demonstrate understanding of the historical and social-cultural antecedents that impacted the development of the art therapy profession.
Demonstrate knowledge of developmentally and culturally appropriate art therapy assessment tools as well as diagnostic categories of mental illness to inform art therapy treatment planning.
Demonstrate understanding of art therapy theoretical approaches and theories from psychology, neuroscience, and related fields.
Demonstrate understanding of diverse art therapy research methods and the application of ethical, social, and cultural considerations in conducting an art therapy thesis study.
Apply ethical/legal standards and principles of cultural humility to develop effective and culturally-appropriate therapeutic relationships with clients.
Integrate the theories of family dynamics, group work, and child and adolescent development to facilitate developmentally-responsive art therapy practices.
Demonstrate understanding of the roles and responsibilities of art therapists, engaging in personal creative practice, self-care, and advocacy.
Policies
Program Policies
Grade Minimum/Repeat Policies
Art Therapy students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain in good academic standing. Any student whose minimum cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 will be reviewed by the Committee on Student Progress (COSP) for Notice of Academic Alert or Notice of Academic Concern.
Effective Fall 2026, students must obtain a B- or higher in any required core ARTT-GE courses to count toward their degree progress. These courses can be attempted twice. Attempts include final grades of B- or lower in ARTT-GE required courses as well as course withdrawals; term withdrawals/leaves of absence do not factor into the number of attempts.
Students who obtain a grade lower than B- in required ARTT-GE courses will be reviewed by COSP for Notice of Academic Alert or Notice of Academic Concern. Students who are not able to complete and pass required ARTT-GE courses with at least a B- grade after two attempts will be reviewed by COSP for Notice of Academic Concern or dismissal.
Art Therapy students are not allowed to take any of their required courses pass/fail.
Elective Transfer Policies
Art Therapy students must complete 9 credits of electives in order to graduate. Elective credits can be taken at NYU or at other institutions with approval from the advisor and program director. If elective credits are taken outside of NYU, they must be completed before the final semester in order to be transferred in.
Internship Policies
Students must take at least 6 credits of Internship in Art Therapy (ARTT-GE 2302) before taking Art Therapy Thesis and Research (ARTT-GE 2280).
In order to receive work authorization and receive any form of payment (including hourly wage, travel reimbursement, and stipends), international students must apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) via the NYU Office of Global Services (OGS).
Grading
Art Therapy MA students are awarded credit using the following scale:
A = 4.0 credits/units
A- = 3.7 credits/units
B+ = 3.3 credits/units
B = 3.0 credits/units
B- = 2.7 credits/units
C+ = 2.3 credits/units
C = 2.0 credits/units
C- = 1.7 credits/units
F = 0.0 credits/units
Fieldwork Placement
Be advised that fieldwork placement facilities that provide training required for your program degree, and agencies that issue licenses for practice in your field of study, each may require you to undergo general and criminal background checks, the results of which the facility or agency must find acceptable before it will allow you to train at its facility or issue you a license. You should inform yourself of offenses or other facts that may prevent obtaining a license to practice in your field of study. NYU Steinhardt will not be responsible if you are unable to complete program requirements or cannot obtain a license to practice in your field because of the results of such background.