Art Therapy Courses: Best Colleges, Online Programs & Careers

Art therapy courses are becoming super popular because they mix creativity with mental health support. If you’re a student wondering what art therapy is, which colleges and universities offer the best programs in India and abroad, or even if online courses are worth it, this guide has you covered. Here, you’ll know exactly which art therapy course fits your goals and how to start your journey in this unique field.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a way to heal and grow using drawing, painting, doodling, music, dance, or any creative art instead of just talking. It is about expressing your feelings in a safe space. It is guided by a trained art therapist. The therapist uses creative activities to help people deal with stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, or even just daily struggles.

Best Art Therapy Courses in 2025: Key Highlights

Let’s get a quick overview and everything you need to know, from eligibility, course duration, and subjects to the top colleges in India, universities abroad, online options, and career scope.

Course Name	Art Therapy (Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate)
Duration	Certificate: 6 months – 1 yearBachelor’s: 3–4 yearsMaster’s: 2 yearsPhD: 3–5 years
Eligibility	UG: 10+2 with 50% marksPG: Bachelor’s in Psychology/Arts/related fieldPhD: Master’s in Psychology/Art Therapy
Top Colleges in India	MIT School of Fine Arts & Applied Arts (Pune), CHRIST (Bengaluru), Amity University (Noida)
Top Universities Abroad	New York University (USA), Lesley University (USA), Goldsmiths University of London (UK), University of Melbourne (Australia)
Online Certifications	Coursera, edX, FutureLearn, Udemy
Core Subjects	Developmental Psychology, Psychotherapy, Creative Arts, Human Development, Counseling
Key Skills Gained	Empathy, Creative Expression, Counseling, Critical Thinking, Research
Career Options	Art Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, School Counselor, Rehab Specialist, Researcher
High-Paying Roles	Senior Art Therapist, Clinical Psychologist (Art Therapy), University Lecturer, Art Therapy Program Director
Average Salary	India: INR 4–10 LPAAbroad: USD 45,000 – 90,000 per year

Types of Art Therapy Courses

Different courses are made for different levels, goals, and career plans. Here’s the breakdown for you. 

1. Certificate Courses in Art Therapy

• Short-term, usually a few weeks to 6 months.
  
• Good for beginners, teachers, counselors, or psychology students.
  
• Focus is basic techniques, using art for stress relief, classroom/therapy support.

2. Diploma in Art Therapy

• Duration is 1 year.
  
• Mid-level course for people who want deeper knowledge but not a full degree.
  
• Covers psychology and practical art therapy training.

3. Bachelor’s Degree in Art Therapy or Psychology with Art Therapy

• Duration is 3 to 4 years.
  
• Focus: psychology, counseling, and art-based practices.
  
• Best for those who want a professional career in the field.

4. Master’s Degree in Art Therapy (MA / MSc / MPhil)

• Duration is 2 years.
  
• The most popular course to become a licensed art therapist.
  
• Combines research, clinical practice, and supervised training.

5. PhD in Art Therapy

• Duration is 3 to 5 years.
  
• For students who want to do research, teaching, or advanced practice.
  
• Focus is new therapy methods, innovation, and leadership in the field.

6. Online Art Therapy Certifications

• Flexible and self-paced.
  
• Available on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, FutureLearn, and university portals.
  
• Great for people who want to explore without committing to a degree.

Subjects Covered in Art Therapy 

These courses are designed to balance psychology, counseling, and creative arts. The subjects vary depending on whether it is a certificate, bachelor’s, or master’s level program, but most courses cover the following areas.

Core Art Therapy Subjects

• Introduction to Art Therapy
• Art Techniques in Therapy
• Expressive and Creative Arts

Psychology and Counseling

• Developmental Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Counseling Techniques
• Trauma and Healing

Clinical and Practical Training

• Therapeutic Practices
• Case Studies
• Supervised Practicum or Internship

Research and Professional Development

• Research Methods in Art Therapy
• Ethics and Professional Practice
• Dissertation or Final Project

Also Read: Are NCERT Books Enough for JEE Mains?

Eligibility Criteria for Art Therapy Courses

The eligibility depends on the level of course you choose. Since art therapy blends psychology and creative arts, most universities look for students with a background in either of these fields.

Certificate and Diploma Courses

Open to all students who have completed Class 12 from any stream. Some institutes prefer candidates with psychology, fine arts, social work, or related backgrounds.

Bachelor’s Degree

Students must have passed Class 12 with at least 50% marks. Preference is usually given to those from Humanities, Psychology, or Fine Arts backgrounds.

Master’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Fine Arts, Social Work, Education, or related fields. Some universities also accept graduates from medicine, nursing, or allied health sciences. Many universities ask for a portfolio of artwork or a statement of purpose to understand your creative interest.

PhD in Art Therapy

A master’s degree in Art Therapy, Psychology, or Creative Arts with a minimum of 55 percent marks. Research proposal and interviews are often mandatory.

Online Art Therapy Courses

No strict requirement. Open to anyone interested in learning the basics of art therapy.

Best Colleges for Art Therapy Courses in India

Art therapy is still new in India, but a few top universities and institutes now offer proper degrees, diplomas, and certificates in this field. These colleges combine psychology, counseling, and creative arts, giving students both theory and hands-on training to build a career as a professional art therapist.

College / Institute	Program	Level	Duration	City	Total Fee	Apply Link
MIT ADT University (MIT School of Fine Arts & Applied Arts)	MFA in Art Therapy	Master’s degree	2 years	Pune	INR 3,23,500	Apply Link
St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Mumbai	Post Graduate Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy	PG Diploma	1 year	Mumbai	INR 2,50,000	Apply Link
Women’s Christian College (WCC), Chennai (with East West Center for Counselling & Training)	Diploma in Expressive Arts Therapy	Diploma	1 year (600+ hours typical)	Chennai	INR 1,77,000	Apply Link
Indian Institute of Psychology & Research (IIPR), Bengaluru	Certificate in Art Therapy	Certificate	Varies (short-term)	Bengaluru	INR 30,000	Apply Link

Top Universities Abroad Offering Art Therapy Courses

These global programs are legit and give you real-world training in art therapy. From New York to London, Melbourne to Chicago, these universities mix art, therapy, and real clinical practice so you can become a proper art therapist.

University	Country	Program	Duration	Approx. Tuition Fee	Apply Link
New York University (NYU)	USA	MA in Art Therapy	2 years	USD 56,010	Apply Link
Adler University (Chicago)	USA	MA in Counseling: Art Therapy	2 years	USD 61,094	Apply Link
University of Hertfordshire	UK	MA in Art Therapy	2 years	GBP 11,620	Apply Link
La Trobe University	Australia	Master of Art Therapy	2 years	AUD 39,800	Apply Link
Academy of Fine Arts, Munich	Germany	MA in Fine Arts and Therapy	Varies (typically 2 years)	Varies (German Public Universities)	Apply Link
European Graduate School (EGS)	Switzerland/Malta	Expressive Arts Therapy (grad level)	Varies	Varies	Apply Link

Also Read: MBA After Mechanical Engineering

Admission Process for Art Therapy Courses 

Getting into an art therapy program is pretty easy once you know the steps. The process differs slightly between Indian universities and abroad, but here’s the full flow explained.

Admission Process in India

1. Check Eligibility: Most colleges ask for Class 12 (for UG) or a degree in Psychology, Fine Arts, Social Work, or related fields (for PG).
   
2. Application Form: Fill out the application form on the official college website within the given deadlines.
   
3. Entrance Exam (if any): Some institutes may conduct a written test or aptitude test.
   
4. Portfolio / Statement of Purpose: Many colleges, like MIT ADT and St. Xavier’s, ask you to submit artwork or a short essay about why you want to study art therapy.
   
5. Interview / Counselling: Shortlisted students may need to attend an interview round.
   
6. Final Admission & Fee Payment: Once selected, you pay the first installment of fees and confirm your seat.

Admission Process Abroad

1. Choose Your University and Program: Shortlist from universities like NYU, University of Hertfordshire, La Trobe, etc.
   
2. Check Entry Requirements: Most programs need a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Fine Arts, Education, or a related subject. Minimum GPA and prerequisite courses may apply.
   
3. English Language Tests: Submit IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores (typical requirement: IELTS 6.5–7.0).
   
4. Application Submission: Apply online through the university portal. Documents usually include academic transcripts, CV, Statement of Purpose, recommendation letters, and sometimes a portfolio of your artwork.
   
5. Interview / Assessment: Some universities conduct an online or in-person interview to assess motivation and suitability.
   
6. Offer Letter and Visa: If selected, you’ll receive an admission offer. Pay the deposit, then apply for a student visa.

Online Art Therapy Certifications

These online courses give you real-world skills without stepping outside. These options deliver creative healing training that fits your schedule and budget.

Provider	Course Title	Duration	Total Fee
Nuvantra	Certification in Art Therapy	6 months	INR 19,200
Darwin Psychology Centre (Dr. Anupama Bajaj)	Diploma in Art Therapy	6 months	INR 35,000
IIPR, Bengaluru (in partnership with Antidote)	Certificate in Art Therapy	3.5 months / 50 hours	INR 30,000
IGMPI / Dept. of Expressive Arts Therapy	Professional Certification (Expressive Arts Therapy)	6 months	INR 55,000

Essential Skills You Gain from Art Therapy 

Art therapy train you with real skills that help you guide people, heal emotions, and work in both healthcare and education spaces. Here are some core skills you will develop. 

• Creative Expression: You learn how to use drawing, painting, sculpting, or even digital art to help people express hidden feelings.
  
• Counselling Skills: You pick up the basics of listening, empathy, and guiding conversations like a professional therapist.
  
• Psychological Understanding: You understand mental health, trauma, and emotional behaviour in simple but deep ways.
  
• Observation & Analysis: You get trained to notice patterns in art and link them with emotions or mental states.
  
• Communication: You practice explaining heavy topics in soft, clear language so clients feel safe.
  
• Cultural Sensitivity: You understand how different cultural backgrounds influence healing and art expression.
  
• Self-Reflection: You also learn to look at your own emotions and handle stress better.

High-Paying Job Roles and Salary in Art Therapy

Art therapy is slowly becoming a mainstream career, and the pay is catching up with other mental health professions. Since it combines psychology, counselling, and creative arts, graduates can work in hospitals, schools, NGOs, private clinics, and even corporate wellness programs. Salaries depend on experience, degree level, and whether you work in India or abroad.

Job Role	Average Salary in India (per year)	Average Salary in USA (per year)
Art Therapist	4 – 12 Lakh INR	50,000 – 75,000 USD
Clinical Psychologist (Art Therapy Specialisation)	6 – 12 Lakh INR	60,000 – 85,000 USD
Corporate Wellness Consultant	5 – 10 Lakh INR	55,000 – 80,000 USD
Rehabilitation Counsellor	3.5 – 6 Lakh INR	48,000 – 70,000 USD
School or Educational Counsellor	4 – 7 Lakh INR	50,000 – 72,000 USD
Professor or Researcher in Art Therapy	6 – 11 Lakh INR	65,000 – 90,000 USD

Also Read: How to Become an Anesthesiologist?

FAQs

Relatable Reads

How to Become a Behavior Analyst?	Commerce Entrance Exams After 12th
BSc Agriculture vs BTech Agricultural Engineering	How to Become an Ayurvedic Doctor?
How to Calculate CGPA to Marks	Best Countries For Life Sciences Research

This was all about art therapy courses, covering what they are, the best colleges in India and abroad, online certifications, the admission process, career scope, and salary details. Art therapy is growing fast as both a career and a healing practice, and with the right skills and training, you can work in hospitals, schools, rehab centers, or even start a private practice. For more such helpful guides on courses, careers, and study abroad options, make sure to check out the Leverage Edu blog and stay updated.