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If I want to have a career in art therapy should major in art or psychology?

I am an artist and want to a career in therapy. I am pretty excited to think that I could combine the two and be an art therapist. I don't know whether to major in art with a minor in psychology or major in psychology with a minor in art. #arttherapy #art #art-therapy #psychology #clinical-psychology #therapy #counseling #college #college-major

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Ellen’s Answer

Hi Katelyn


I'm not sure the answer to your question, but I would suggest you research or contact schools that offer degrees in Art Therapy and see what their requirements are for admission. I'm thinking a double major in art and psychology would be the way to go, but I'd check on the schools first.


Sorry I can't be more of a help, but I hope this will get you started on your career path. Art Therapy is a relatively new career field, but a very exciting one. I'm a retired art teacher, and over the years I met several art therapists, and they did a great job of working with mostly Special Education students, however, art therapists also work with adults in many different settings. Best wishes!
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Gabrielle’s Answer

Hey there! I would recommend finding someone who is working as an art therapist to really hear their experience on their degree path. I am currently majoring in psychology and plan to pursue a masters in art therapy. My advisor recommended that I major in psychology rather than art because of the credits I already had from being a transfer student. I would have had to take another year or two of schooling if I had chosen the art major. It really depends what the best option is from person to person! After speaking to a licensed art therapist, I learned that she did not minor in anything. She chose to major in psychology for her bachelors degree and took a lot of art course along the way. She then went on to complete her masters in art therapy. From what she explained, a minor is not required for an art therapy career. As long as you meet the degree requirements, that’s all that matters. Minors typically have additional course requirements that are not needed for an art therapy degree. The art therapist I spoke to said she was just 1 history class away from achieving a minor in art, but she chose not to take it since it didn’t help her art therapy degree requirements. I know you can choose to get a bachelors in fine arts or a bachelors in psychology, but then must complete the masters program in art therapy to truly work as an art therapist. You will mainly take art and psychology course no matter the route you choose. College is expensive and if a class won’t help with your degree, it may not be necessary to pursue a minor. I recommend speaking to an academic advisor at your university as well as interviewing an art therapist to figure out the route you would like to take! I hope that is helpful information!
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Monique’s Answer

Art therapy has its own degree program in psychology. You will need to find a school that has a master's program for Art Therapy.
However, my aunt was an artist and did work with a variety of differently enabled students, My husband also taught art to differently enabled students. They simply to taught art. They were not therapist. You will need to know what type of work you are most interested in: teaching art or being a therapist, so you can choose the right education program.

Monique recommends the following next steps:

Determine: Do you want to be an art teacher or therapist?
Once you have decided choose a school that teaches that topic: a degree in education for teaching Art OR a psychology degree in art therapy.
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