Overview

The Art Therapy M.A. at New York University provides a comprehensive clinical training experience that merges the creative process with psychological assessment and treatment. This programme is designed to develop ethical, culturally responsive practitioners who can navigate the complexities of mental health across diverse settings. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum that balances theoretical scholarship with hands-on therapeutic application.

Why Art Therapy at New York University?

Studying in the heart of New York City offers students unparalleled access to one of the world's most diverse health systems and a vibrant global art centre. The programme is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), ensuring that the training meets the highest professional standards. Students benefit from a cohort-based model that fosters a strong professional identity and provides access to a vast network of field supervisors and renowned clinical settings. The curriculum also emphasises social justice, cross-cultural competency, and the use of evolving technologies in clinical practice.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 55254 per year
National fee: USD 55254 per year
Local fee: USD 55254 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 60 credits, including core art therapy subjects, clinical internships, and psychology electives. The sequence is designed to transition students from foundational theory to advanced clinical interventions. Modules may include:

Art Therapy with Groups
Art Therapy with Children
Art Therapy with Adolescents
Art Therapy with Families
Art Therapy with Adults
Pictorial Analysis for Assessment & Diagnosis
Art for Art Therapists
Ethical Issues in Art Therapy
Cultural Diversity in Art Therapy

In the final year, students must complete a substantial thesis project that demonstrates their accumulated clinical insights and theoretical knowledge, culminating in a professional research presentation.

Careers with Art Therapy

Graduates are prepared for professional roles as licensed art therapists in various clinical, educational, and community settings. The programme meets the educational requirements for the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential and New York State licensure as a creative arts therapist (LCAT). Alumni successfully establish private practices or secure positions in hospitals, mental health clinics, and schools. The university reports high positive placement rates, with graduates working in art therapy or related mental health fields where they apply their clinical and psychomotor competencies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Art for Art Therapists

Theory and Practice of Art Therapy

Cultural Diversity in Art Therapy

Ethical Issues in Art Therapy

Art Therapy with Children

Internship in Art Therapy

Pictorial Analysis for Assessment and Diagnosis

Adaptive Techniques in Art Therapy

Art Therapy with Adolescents

Research in Art Therapy

Art Therapy with Groups

Art Therapy with Adults

Family Art Therapy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Art Therapy View 67 other Masters in Art Therapy in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

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Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Résumé/CV

Statement Of purpose

Letters Of Recommendation

Transcripts

Proficiency in English

Portfolio

Optional. Upload the Artist Statement to the Portfolio section of the online application.

Interview and Workshop

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

55254 USD / year

≈ 55254 USD / year
Out-of-State

55254 USD / year

≈ 55254 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

55254 USD / year

≈ 55254 USD / year

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Art Therapy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

New York City

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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