Online Art Therapy Ph.D. Programs

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Nikita Nath

Nikita is a psychologist working primarily with children using a child rights-based approach. She also writes content for various websites and blogs on diverse topics, focusing primarily on academia. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and discovering different coffee-making techniques.

Degrees

Bachelors in English, Journalism, and Psychology; Masters in psychology with clinical specialization

nikitanath8@gmail.com

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

2 years of experience working as a content writer with various start-ups
1 year of experience working as a child psychologist with Insight
Working on various projects of inclusion for neurodivergent children
2+ years of experience teaching psychology online

Last Updated: July 09, 2023

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Art therapy is a process that looks at creating different forms of art or viewing how others express themselves through that art. Art therapy programs can help students understand how to use art to help people explore their stress patterns, manage addictions, relieve stress, and improve their self-esteem. The art therapy Ph.D. online is an advanced degree that explores how to creatively express with different kinds of art and foster the process of mental well-being. Doctoral students learn about art therapy, artistic design, art and religion, contemporary art, and various other topics. This guide explains the Ph.D. in art therapy online degree, its requirements, available career options, and much more.

Best Art Therapy Online
Ph.D. Programs

The right Ph.D. in art therapy can provide students with a variety of career and research opportunities. As a result, it is critical to find a reputable college with experienced and qualified faculty, excellent research facilities, and access to mentors and guides and see that the institution is accredited and affordable. Keeping these and other considerations in mind, the following are some of the best art therapy Ph.D. online programs in the country: *

Dominican University of California(ONCAMPUS)

Florida State University(ONCAMPUS)

Adler University(ONCAMPUS)

Lesley University(ONCAMPUS)

Drexel University(ONCAMPUS)

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.

What to Expect from Online Art
Therapy Ph.D. Programs

In the Ph.D. in art therapy online program, students are prepared to become educators, scholars, researchers, clinical art therapists, etc. The program’s curriculum centers around human creative expression as a catalyst for change and improving people’s well-being. The coursework emphasizes using art therapy to address the most critical issues in our society and focuses on research skills and techniques required for one’s dissertation.

Most art therapy Ph.D. programs also have a clinical emphasis; it focuses on creating knowledge that will help graduates serve diverse populations in different settings like community, academia, integrative healthcare systems, and private practice, among others.

Art therapy doctoral programs entail foundational courses, specialization courses and electives, an examination, a doctoral dissertation, and a dissertation defense. Some programs also offer 100-plus hours of internship in art therapy, focusing on clinical principles and works of art therapy in settings like mental health centers, community organizations, and schools.

Here are some of the standard components of the Ph.D. art therapy program:

Coursework

The doctoral coursework gives students experiences in topics like clinical supervision, foundations of thanatology in art therapy, qualitative research methods, applied statistics in research, art therapy pedagogy, etc.

Teaching

Ph.D. students often teach during their program as a way of funding their education and gaining experience along with it. They can work as research apprentices under the guidance of their academic advisors or as graduate teaching assistants in their department or other departments in their college.

Doctoral Candidacy Exam

A student must pass the doctoral candidacy exam, usually after completing the initial doctoral coursework. The exam aims to test the students’ understanding of the essential topics for completing the degree.

Dissertation

The doctoral dissertation is an essential component of the doctoral degree. It contributes to a student’s skills, knowledge, and expertise in art therapy. Students will engage in in-depth research and scholarship on essential issues in art therapy. They must conduct research and write documents based on their findings and inferences. The culmination of the dissertation comes with successfully defending the thesis before a dissertation committee.

Internship or Practicum

This component is added to the art therapy program to give students real-world experience. Students might be assigned specific community outreach sites, where they would work around 6 to 10 hours per week. The internship experience gives students an insider’s perspective on how to use art therapy to better the lives of others.

Some past research topics of Ph.D. in art therapy online programs are:

Art Therapy Implications in Stress Reduction
Art Therapy for Mothers After Post-Partum Depression
Doodling as Self-Expression
Art and its Therapeutic Benefits on Children
Art Therapy for Self-Forgiveness and Resiliency in Young Adults
Art-Based Inquiry of Therapy
Focusing-Oriented Art Therapy
Art As Spiritual Care
Qualitative And Arts-Based Research
Art-Based Communication for Individuals with Dissociative Disorders
Cultural Wellness Trends with Art Therapy
Art Therapy in The Exploration of Identity

To understand more about Ph.D. programs, read the Guide to Ph.D. Programs.

Areas of Specialization in Online
Art Therapy Ph.D. Programs

Art therapy Ph.D. students can gain in-depth knowledge and expertise when pursuing specializations in a sub-field of art therapy. Specialization increases one’s employment options and potential for better pay. Some examples of concentration areas in the Ph.D. expressive arts therapy online program include:

Area of Specialization	Description	Career Options
Sculpture Therapy	In sculpture therapy, students learn how to make individuals feel more relaxed and understand their emotions. They learn to differentiate the client’s emotional level before sculpting and post-sculpting.	Art therapists, sculptors, public artists, studio artists, art directors
Expressive Arts Therapy	In this specialization, students learn to use expressive arts therapy as a multimodal therapy. It draws on different single-modal approaches like dance, music, writing, and art therapies. Students learn techniques and incorporate tools to help their clients.	Jobs in nonprofits and healthcare industries
Painting Therapy	In this specialization, students learn how to use paint to deal with patients’ symptoms of depression, bulimia, and other disorders. They will also use drawing therapy to promote self-awareness in themselves and their patients.	Jobs as an art therapist in individual, group, or community settings
Art Counseling	This specialization teaches students how to use art to improve self-esteem, well-being, and confidence. They will learn about various art tools students can use in counseling.	As art therapists working with individuals with disabilities and special needs students and in addiction centers and counseling settings
Creative Arts Therapy	In this specialization, students learn how to use interventions, including coloring, painting, drawing, photography, etc., to help clients use their imagination. Students learn the tools and strategies which they will deploy in different settings.	Creative arts therapists, art therapists, drama therapists
Photography and Phototherapy	In this specialization, students learn many photo-interactive activities like photo-posing, planning, discussing, viewing, etc. Students can lessen their conflict, sharpen their visual literacy skills, enhance education, and expand on other kinds of photo-based emotional learning and healing.	Employment as an art therapist in community, individual, and hospital settings

Why should I do an Art Therapy
Ph.D. Online?

A doctoral program in art therapy prepares students to become leaders in their field of art therapy. It helps them build skills and create new knowledge in the field. Students pursuing art therapy Ph.D. programs will be able to serve diverse populations in different settings, from integrative healthcare systems and academia to community organizations and private practice, in senior and responsible positions.

This program focuses on research excellence; therefore, students inclined to research may find this program very interesting. Some colleges also specialize in using Adlerian principles, which students can use to their academic and professional advantage. The Ph.D. in art therapy online is best suited for those interested in art and its therapeutic benefits, as well as those who want to investigate how making art can help people relax and build resilience. Being able to comfort or heal people in original and distinctive ways can be a rich and fulfilling experience.

Upon earning their Ph.Ds., students will be able to showcase many skills, including the ability to:

integrate practice, critical thinking skills, and ethical and cultural awareness in the field of art therapy and put them into practice in real-life situations;
design rigorous curriculum in art therapy and give individualized mentorship, hands-on experience, and artistic guidance to others in the field;
demonstrate the ability to apply principles of art therapy in clinical practices or settings like mental health centers, community organizations, and schools;
showcase skills and knowledge which can be used to bring change in the lives of individuals;
use art therapy as a healing modality, contributing to developing the well-being of an individual;
show in-depth knowledge of applied statistics in research and apply it to areas of art therapy;
build art therapy pedagogy and art-based research programs and techniques;
work with individuals having mental and physical disabilities;
demonstrate ethics and principles while working in different areas of art therapy.

For a deeper insight into doctoral programs, read the Guide to Ph.D. Programs.

Free Courses for Art Therapy
Ph.D. Online Students

Course	Description	Provided by
Healing with the Arts	Through this free course, students learn about different art projects, including dance, writing, music, and visual arts. They also combine guided imagery and spiritual practice tools. The course explains the tools to heal individuals and their mental, spiritual, and emotional states.	Coursera
Art and Ideas: Teaching with Themes	This course helps students gain exposure to many digital resources art therapists can use. They learn how to use thematic approaches in art in society.	Coursera
Dementia and the Art	This course helps students develop qualitative strategies for people with dementia. Students will be able to reflect upon scientific research bridged with clinical services and arts-based practices.	Future Learn

How to get into the Art Therapy
Ph.D. Online Program?

Art Therapy Ph.D. Online
No GRE Programs

How Long does it take to complete an
Art Therapy Ph.D. Online?

Accelerated Art Therapy Ph.D.
Online Programs

Accreditations for Art Therapy
Ph.D. Online Programs

How to Pay for an Art Therapy
Ph.D. Online Program?

Art therapy Ph.D. programs cost a lot of money. According to Education Data, the average cost of a doctorate in the United States is $98,800. Even if they have no other out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation or lodging, a prospective online student may be unable to afford the high tuition and related research costs. Fortunately, several individuals, organizations, businesses, and universities offer financial aid to alleviate the financial burden that students may face, which may include:

Scholarships

Scholarships are given to students who have excelled academically and/or in extracurricular activities. Students prefer them because they do not require repayment and can be obtained quickly and easily.

Grants

A grant, as opposed to a loan, is a type of financial assistance that does not require repayment. In addition, while scholarships are typically given for academic achievement, grants are given to students who demonstrate financial need.

Fellowships

Doctoral students can apply for predoctoral fellowships, also known as Ph.D. fellowships. Accepting a fellowship as a Ph.D. student usually comes with strings attached, such as completing a specific research project or spending the funds awarded in a particular way. The most promising students can apply for one of several awards and fellowships designed to help them stay in school and get hired after graduation.

Work-Study Programs

Work-study programs allow students to earn money for college expenses while still attending class full-time. Through these programs, students earn money while gaining valuable work experience and bridging the gap between classroom theory and the workplace.

Graduate Assistantships

A graduate assistantship allows students to work a set number of hours per week in their college in exchange for a tuition waiver or fee reduction. Graduate research assistantships and graduate teaching assistantships are the two types of assistantships.

Student Loans

Student loans are available to help pay for a doctoral student’s education. They can be obtained from a variety of banks, credit unions, and government agencies. Because of the interest that must be paid, the cost of higher education will rise if a loan is obtained. Read about Donors for Student Loans and Grants for Student Loans to learn how to apply for loan forgiveness and avoid repaying student loans.

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is an application for federal financial aid that all prospective and current college students can submit to check if they qualify or are eligible for aid. The FAFSA Student Aid guide explains more.

Fully Funded Art Therapy
Ph.D. Online Programs

FAQs Related to the Art Therapy
Ph.D. Online Program

What is art therapy?

What can I do with a Ph.D. in art therapy?

What is the cost of a Ph.D. in art therapy?

Can you get an art therapy Ph.D. online?

How long does a Ph.D. in art therapy take?

How do you get a Ph.D. in art therapy?

Career Opportunities and Salaries
after a Ph.D. in Art Therapy

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that art therapists could expect an annual salary between $30,000 and $80,000^[1]. However, this statistic was last updated in 2015. Besides, Ph.D. holders with certification and licensure can expect higher pay than their bachelor’s and master’s counterparts. And because art therapy can be used in so many ways and have various use cases, art therapy professionals can work in a wide range of industries, spanning academic to healthcare. Some occupations for which art therapy Ph.D. programs online prepare students are:

Occupation	Job Description	Skills Required	Median Annual Salary	Job Growth (up to 2030)
Rehabilitation Counselors	Rehabilitation counselors help individuals with emotional, physical, developmental, or mental disabilities through art therapy.	Interpersonal skills, communication skills, organizational skills	$38,560	11% (faster than the average)
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors	Counselors for substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health treat patients suffering from anxiety, depression, social and behavioral issues, and addiction.	Interpersonal skills, social skills, verbal skills	$48,520	22% (much faster than average)
Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers	Health education specialists teach people the different behaviors that help them gain overall wellness. They help clients design and implement strategies to improve individual and community health.	Emotional resilience, active listening skills, teambuilding skills	$48,860	12% (much faster than average)
Psychologists	Psychologists use art therapy to experiment, interpret, observe and evaluate their clients. They work to better their clients’ cognitive, social, and emotional processes.	Empathy, communication skills, flexibility, diligence	$81,040	6% (as fast as the average)
Recreational Therapists	Recreational therapists help clients rebuild their skills, boost their quality of life, strengthen social connections, improve moods, and restore their well-being.	Communication skills, creativity, divergent thinking skills	$47,940	4% (faster than average)
Social Workers	Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems encountered in their everyday lives. Art therapists use their skills to assist clients in various settings like child welfare, human service agencies, etc.	Interpersonal skills, communication skills, creative thinking skills, organizational skills	$50,390	9% (faster than average)
Social and Community Service Managers	Social and community service managers supervise and coordinate organizations and programs that support the well-being of the public. They plan and oversee outreach activities for increased awareness of programs.	Analytical skills, verbal skills, interpersonal skills	$74,000	12% (much faster than average)

Certifications and Licensing for Art
Therapy Ph.D. Online Students

Additional Resources for Art
Therapy Students

Students pursuing an art therapy Ph.D. online must understand how to use art therapy to support relational and personal treatment goals in various settings, as well as learn about new developments in the field. Joining art and mental health organizations can help them learn how to use multiple art therapies in real-life situations and gain new insights for their research and practice. These organizations provide numerous resources, such as publications, journals, conferences, forums, and so on. Here are a few professional organizations to explore:

Title/Resource	Description
American Art Therapy Association	American Art Therapy has a vision of making professional art therapy accessible to everyone to improve their well-being and mental health. It represents institutions and individuals dedicated to this profession and interested in promoting its growth throughout the country.
Americans for the Arts	American for the Arts is an organization demonstrating how arts can enrich society’s social, educational, and economic fabric. Students can join their network and access many scholarly and professional development opportunities in the art therapy field.
National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations	The National Coalition of Creative Art Therapies Associations has creative art therapists under its wings. They collaborate with various organizations and individuals like creative art, music, and poetry therapists to work holistically on topics of common interest.
Art Feeds	The Art Feeds organization focuses on creating art lessons that allow children to express themselves, flourish, and create art-related projects. They have many lesson plans developed by their team in collaboration with creative art therapists, child trauma specialists, and artists.
Mental Health Liaison Group	The Mental Health Liaison Group is an organization that encourages individuals to advance their federal policies, which support early intervention, recovery services, treatments, etc. The group has partnered with more than 40 affiliated member organizations.

Citations:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Career Outlook: Art Therapist

Author Bio:

Nikita Nath

Nikita is a psychologist working primarily with children using a child rights-based approach. She also writes content for various websites and blogs on diverse topics, focusing primarily on academia. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and discovering different coffee-making techniques.

Degrees

Bachelors in English, Journalism, and Psychology; Masters in psychology with clinical specialization

nikitanath8@gmail.com

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

2 years of experience working as a content writer with various start-ups
1 year of experience working as a child psychologist with Insight
Working on various projects of inclusion for neurodivergent children
2+ years of experience teaching psychology online

Disclaimer:

The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Dominican University of California(ONCAMPUS)	50 Acacia Ave, San Rafael, California 94901	$16,048	77%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Florida State University(ONCAMPUS)	222 S. Copeland Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32306	$9,684	83%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Adler University(ONCAMPUS)	17 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602	$40,530	NA

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Lesley University(ONCAMPUS)	29 Everett St, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138	$18,900	60%

Univ	Address	Tuition	Grad Rate
Drexel University(ONCAMPUS)	3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104	$36,234	78%

Online Art Therapy Ph.D. Programs

By Nikita Nath

Updated July 9, 2023

Degrees

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

On this page

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Best Art Therapy OnlinePh.D. Programs

Dominican University of California(ONCAMPUS)

Florida State University(ONCAMPUS)

Adler University(ONCAMPUS)

Lesley University(ONCAMPUS)

Drexel University(ONCAMPUS)

What to Expect from Online ArtTherapy Ph.D. Programs

Coursework

Teaching

Doctoral Candidacy Exam

Dissertation

Internship or Practicum

Areas of Specialization in OnlineArt Therapy Ph.D. Programs

Why should I do an Art TherapyPh.D. Online?

Free Courses for Art TherapyPh.D. Online Students

How to get into the Art TherapyPh.D. Online Program?

Art Therapy Ph.D. OnlineNo GRE Programs

How Long does it take to complete anArt Therapy Ph.D. Online?

Accelerated Art Therapy Ph.D.Online Programs

Accreditations for Art TherapyPh.D. Online Programs

How to Pay for an Art TherapyPh.D. Online Program?

Fully Funded Art TherapyPh.D. Online Programs

FAQs Related to the Art TherapyPh.D. Online Program

What is art therapy?

What can I do with a Ph.D. in art therapy?

What is the cost of a Ph.D. in art therapy?

Can you get an art therapy Ph.D. online?

How long does a Ph.D. in art therapy take?

How do you get a Ph.D. in art therapy?

Career Opportunities and Salariesafter a Ph.D. in Art Therapy

Certifications and Licensing for ArtTherapy Ph.D. Online Students

Additional Resources for ArtTherapy Students

Citations:

Author Bio:

Degrees

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

Disclaimer:

Best Art Therapy Online
Ph.D. Programs

What to Expect from Online Art
Therapy Ph.D. Programs

Areas of Specialization in Online
Art Therapy Ph.D. Programs

Why should I do an Art Therapy
Ph.D. Online?

Free Courses for Art Therapy
Ph.D. Online Students

How to get into the Art Therapy
Ph.D. Online Program?

Art Therapy Ph.D. Online
No GRE Programs

How Long does it take to complete an
Art Therapy Ph.D. Online?

Accelerated Art Therapy Ph.D.
Online Programs

Accreditations for Art Therapy
Ph.D. Online Programs

How to Pay for an Art Therapy
Ph.D. Online Program?

Fully Funded Art Therapy
Ph.D. Online Programs

FAQs Related to the Art Therapy
Ph.D. Online Program

Career Opportunities and Salaries
after a Ph.D. in Art Therapy

Certifications and Licensing for Art
Therapy Ph.D. Online Students

Additional Resources for Art
Therapy Students