Art Therapy

The Master of Arts in Art Therapy at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) offers a comprehensive and innovative program designed to prepare students for dynamic careers as licensed art therapists. This program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, equipping students with the essential skills to utilize artistic methods for therapeutic purposes across diverse clinical settings. Students in the program will engage in rigorous coursework covering psychology, counseling, human development, and the transformative power of art, fostering a deep understanding of mental health issues and therapeutic techniques. Emphasizing experiential learning, the curriculum incorporates studio art practices, supervised clinical internships, and research opportunities, enabling students to develop their artistic proficiency alongside clinical competencies. The program is grounded in a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging collaboration with other health and human service professionals to enhance client care. Graduates will be prepared to fulfill the requirements for licensure and certification in art therapy, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to mental health treatment, rehabilitation, and community outreach initiatives. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty dedicated to student success, the Art Therapy program at IUPUI offers a supportive and enriching environment for aspiring art therapists committed to making a positive impact through creative expression and therapeutic intervention.

Year 1 Fall Semester

• Lifespan Development
• Counseling Theory and Practice for Art Therapists
• Art Therapy with Children and Adolescents
• Introduction to Group Counseling
• Psychopathology and Advanced Diagnosis
Practicum and Group Supervision

Year 1: Spring Semester

• Assessment and Evaluation in Art Therapy
• Art Therapy with Families and Adults
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling and Art
Therapy
• History, Theory and Practice of Art therapy
• Art Therapy Internship

Summer Semester

• Career Counseling Theory and Practice

Year 2: Fall Semester

• Cultural and Social Diversity in Counseling and Art
Therapy
• Studio Art for Art Therapists
• Strategies for Educational Inquiry
• Advanced Clinical Internship and Group Supervision

Year 2: Spring Semester

• Art Therapy and Counseling with Specialized
Populations
• Professional Issues Capstone II
• Art Therapy Advanced Internship and Group Supervision

Students seeking admission to the MA in Art Therapy degree program should demonstrate commitment to the professional goal of helping others as art therapists. Prerequisites for admission to the program meet the requirements mandated for all programs approved by the American Art Therapy Association. Herron requires that students have all these prerequisites completed before starting the program. If all prerequisites have not been met at the time of application, acceptance to the program can only be made pending successful completion of the prerequisites before the start of fall classes.

• A bachelor's degree
• 18 credits of studio art
• 12 credits of psychology including developmental psychology and abnormal psychology
• A portfolio of artwork demonstrating experience with different media and an ability to understand the motivations behind one's personal art making process

Application fees

• IUPUI online graduate application fee: $60 for U.S. citizens, $65 for international applicants.
• SlideRoom portfolio submission fee: $10 (non-refundable; cannot be waived)

Herron will waive the $60 online application fee for U.S. citizens who attend our Open House or who talk with a Herron representative at the Graduate Portfolio Day event in Chicago. The $65 online application fee for international students who attend one of the two events cannot be waived.

Interview

Semi-finalists will be contacted for an on-campus interview as the final step of the application process. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their portfolio during the interview.

The Art Therapy master’s program at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis typically offers a range of financing options to help students manage the costs of their education. Students enrolled in this program may be eligible for federal financial aid, including Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), and Graduate PLUS loans, which can provide significant support for tuition and living expenses. To qualify for federal aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually, ensuring that they meet eligibility criteria such as U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status. Additionally, the university may offer institutional scholarships, grants, or assistantship opportunities specific to graduate arts students, which can reduce the financial burden. Many students also explore external funding sources such as private scholarships, professional organization grants, or state-specific aid programs.

IU–Purdue University Indianapolis encourages prospective students to meet with financial aid advisors to understand available options and develop a personalized financial plan. Payment plans are often available, allowing students to split tuition into manageable installments rather than paying a lump sum upfront. Work-study opportunities, though limited at the graduate level, may also be accessible depending on the department’s funding resources. Students should also consider loan counseling sessions provided by the university to understand repayment obligations thoroughly before borrowing. While exact program-specific funding details may vary each year, the university’s overall commitment is to support students financially through various programs, aiming to make graduate education in art therapy accessible and affordable. For comprehensive and updated information, students are advised to consult the university’s official financial aid website or contact the financial aid office directly.

The Art Therapy program at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) is designed to prepare students for careers in mental health counseling, focusing on the therapeutic use of art as a means of expression and healing. This program emphasizes the integration of visual arts and psychotherapy to help individuals improve mental health and emotional well-being. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework, practical training, and supervised clinical experience to equip students with the necessary skills to work effectively with diverse populations in various settings such as hospitals, community agencies, schools, and private practice.

Students in the program explore foundational topics including human development, psychological theories, and art therapy techniques. They also learn about ethics and cultural competency to ensure that they can work effectively with clients from different backgrounds. The program often incorporates coursework on art therapy assessment, intervention strategies, trauma-informed care, and the use of art materials as therapeutic tools. Practical experience is a key component, with students participating in internships and practica that provide hands-on opportunities to apply their knowledge under supervision.

Graduates of the program are typically prepared to sit for national certification exams such as the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential offered by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). This credential is essential for practicing as a licensed or registered art therapist in many states. The program's faculty members are experienced clinicians and researchers committed to advancing the field of art therapy through innovative teaching, clinical practice, and scholarly activity.

IUPUI's Art Therapy program maintains strong partnerships with local clinics, hospitals, and community organizations to offer students real-world clinical placements. These partnerships not only enhance educational experiences but also facilitate professional networking and employment opportunities post-graduation. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating insights from psychology, social work, and counseling to foster a comprehensive approach to mental health care.

The overall goal of the program is to develop practitioners who are both clinically competent and culturally sensitive, able to foster healing and self-expression through artistic means. With its comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and extensive clinical opportunities, the Art Therapy program at IUPUI aims to prepare graduates who can effectively meet the needs of a diverse and growing population seeking creative mental health interventions.