Online Art Therapy Degree
Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy Online
Program Overview
Naropa’s online BA in Art Therapy integrates each student’s artistic process with the study of traditional and Eastern psychology. Naropa’s deeply mindful approach nurtures growth as artists explore the healing power of art.
Naropa’s is the only Buddhist-inspired accredited university in the country offering an enriching curriculum grounded in art therapy, visual arts, contemplative psychology, and studio practice.
The Art Therapy program is dedicated to innovation in the artistic process and transformative art therapy approaches.
Community Engagement
The online BA in art therapy offers students opportunities to partner with local communities to provide socially relevant learning in art therapy, integrating community-oriented skills through internship courses.
Contemplative Education
Naropa’s holistic education places mindfulness at the core of its curriculum. This valuable tool approaches art, relationships, and self-knowledge through courses like Buddhist Psychology and Contemplative Ceramics.
Mentorship Opportunities
A graduate mentor will guide you through your major in art therapy, serving as a sounding board, coach, and support. Naropa’s art therapy mentorship program prepares undergraduates for both their near and far future.
Quick Facts
- Online degree
- 51 credit hours (of the 120 credits required for a bachelor's degree)
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- 2 Transformative Capstone experiences
- 8 Unique Milestone Courses
- Scholarship and Financial Aid Opportunities
- Opportunities for Mentorship and Career Guidelines
- Admissions open for 2025
Program Format
Naropa University offers a fully accredited Bachelor of Arts program that spans four years. The Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy online is a 51-credit major, designed for remote learning. It provides an in-depth liberal arts education with traditional and progressive approaches to the behavioral sciences, taught by expert faculty. The art therapy degree online integrates the intellectual and experiential traditions of Eastern and Western perspectives. Students engage in art theory, visual arts studio education, and community-based service learning opportunities.
The program establishes a robust educational and experiential foundation, preparing students to pursue advanced studies in Naropa’s Graduate School concentration in Transpersonal Contemplative Art–Based Counseling or another art therapy graduate program.
Course Spotlight
Art Therapy Theory & Applications
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the literature, theories, and practices central to art therapy, tailored to diverse client groups. Students will delve into the vital role art therapy plays in mental health, expressive therapies, and community-based initiatives. The curriculum emphasizes a deep understanding of the art therapist’s responsibilities and the transformative potential of their work. A key component of the course is fostering a personal commitment among students to engage with and expand their own creative processes.
Degree
Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts degree comprises 120 credits, including a Core Curriculum (24 credits) and the chosen major, minors, and elective courses.
Online Art Therapy Major Requirements
Gateway
- COR-110E Writing: Thinking and Being (3 credits)
- COR-340E Capstone I (3 credits)
Drawing & Perception (Choose 3 Credits)
- ART-125E Introduction to Drawing (3 credits)
- ART-200E The Contemplative Artist (3 credits)
Painting (Choose 3 Credits)
- ART-215E Watercolor (3 credits)
- ART-245E Introduction to Painting: Realism (3 credits)
Art History (Choose 3 Credits)
- ART-301E Reconceptualizing Art History (3 credits)
- ART-340E Contemporary Art History 1945 to Present (3 credits)
Milestone
- ATH-330E Art Therapy Theory & Applications (3 credits)
- ATH-430E Art Therapy: Studio Methods (3 credits)
- PSYB-314E Psychology of Mindfulness Meditation (3 credits)
- PSYB-325E Awakening Compassion: Working with Others (3 credits)
- PSYB-345E Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
- PSYB-371E Personality Theories (3 credits)
- PSYB-415E Maitri: Working With Emotions (3 credits)
- PSYB-420E Psychopathology (3 credits)
Capstone
- ART-440E Warrior Artist: Risk and Revelation in Studio Art (3 credits)
- COR-440E Capstone II (3 credits)
Additional Required by All Students: Core
- ART-440E Warrior Artist: Risk and Revelation in Studio Art (3 credits)
- COR-440E Capstone II (3 credits)
Total: 51 credits
Why Choose Naropa?
Introspective Approach
Naropa's online art therapy degree acknowledges the importance of the heart and spirit alongside the mind. The deeply introspective undergraduate curriculum is crafted to foster healing for students, prospective clients, and the global community.
Internship Opportunities
A remote education at Naropa doesn’t limit opportunities. We offer internship placements for remote undergraduate students to collaborate within their communities, delivering socially impactful education in art therapy. For graduates, the internship is a collaborative opportunity to synthesize their contemplative art therapy education.
Online Accessibility
Naropa enables students across the globe to earn a Bachelor of Arts without leaving home. Explore the healing power of art by creating your vibrant, at-home studio with our art therapy degree online.
How this Program Prepares You
Solid Foundation
Students gain a strong foundation in this program, fostering a comprehensive undergraduate understanding of art therapy, the therapeutic qualities of art, and experiential appreciation for contemplative studies related to art, psychology, and social needs.
Welcoming Community
As one of the country’s few undergraduate art therapy programs paired with a graduate art therapy program, the Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy Online holds a distinctive position, offering valuable mentorship opportunities. A dedicated graduate mentor will guide you through contemplative art therapy, serving as a sounding board, coach, and unwavering support.
Career Readiness
Naropa internships develop professional experience and performance, providing unique opportunities to engage with your home communities. After completing their senior internship, 43% of students with a bachelor’s degree in art therapy secure employment.”
What You'll Learn
Foundation in Studio Art Therapy
Build a foundation in studio art therapy, following in the footsteps of art therapy pioneers.
Preparation for Advanced Studies
Receive thoughtful guidance preparing you for advanced studies in graduate art therapy programs.