Curriculum

This 60-credit Art Therapy program prepares you for a career as a licensed art therapist. The NYU master’s program provides you with clinical training and expertise in the concepts and methods of art therapy, including a strong foundation in the psychological benefits of art making. Through your coursework and internship experiences, you will learn to facilitate informed and effective art therapy interventions to address clients’ diverse developmental, physical, and psychological needs. This NYS-approved curriculum is also approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Core Course Sequence

The course sequence is carefully designed to introduce students to clinical practice, with foundational courses in art therapy theory and practice setting the stage for immersive fieldwork and internship experiences. Expert supervision is offered from the start of clinical experience to provide vital training from seasoned practitioners. 

Core Art Therapy courses cover the theories and methodologies of treatment for specific client communities, including children, adolescents, families, adults, and other specialized populations. Other core courses cover critical issues and approaches in art therapy, such as ethical practices, cross-cultural humility, and trauma-informed care.

Art Therapy courses are supplemented with psychology electives, which can be chosen from a variety of classes offered in other NYU programs. 

Culminating Experience

In your final year, you will participate in a final project course, writing a substantial thesis project that combines theoretical knowledge and clinical insights and sharing your research findings through presentations and publication.