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.
Mindfulness
Master introspection to enhance your ability to assist others through art therapy.
Self-Awareness as an Artist
Develop self-assurance and integrity in your dual roles as an artist and art therapist.
Relational Skills
Hone communication skills through hands-on learning in diverse settings.
Career Opportunities with a BA Art Therapy Online
Graduates of Naropa’s Art Therapy degree online will have diverse career paths. They are prepared to pursue master’s degrees in studio art, art therapy, counseling, and mental health fields. Career options include roles as art instructors, caseworkers, art coaches, mental health workers, and recreation specialists. The program’s emphasis on art therapy and visual literacy also benefits professions in marketing, human resources, journalism, web design, and product design.
- Curator: Organize and showcase artworks in museums or galleries.
- Art Director: Ensure visual excellence in advertising, film, or publications.
- Craft Artist: Create unique handmade objects.
- Commercial and Industrial Designer: Innovate practical product designs.
- Art/Drama/Music Teacher: Educate and inspire students in creative arts.
- Set and Exhibit Designer: Create visually captivating environments for events.
- Fine Artist: Produce distinctive visual art pieces.
Jennifer "Fern" Deininger
Hear from a Graduate
I know that when I finish the [art therapy] program here at Naropa, I will be set up for and have a lot of advantages when entering grad school.
FAQS About the
Online BA in Psychology
What can you do with an online art therapy degree?
An online art therapy degree from Naropa not only broadens your horizons but also unlocks numerous career possibilities. Upon successful completion of Naropa’s Art Therapy Degree Online, you’ll be prepared to pursue advanced degrees in fields such as art therapy, studio art, counseling, and mental health.
Do I need a master's degree to become an art therapist?
What is the difference between the online art therapy program and the on-campus program?
The difference between online and on-campus art therapy programs may revolve around course contents tailored for different formats. However, both include a complete 51-credit major. Naropa offers students the opportunity to receive a quality education even if they cannot relocate to our Colorado campus.
Which art therapies will I learn during my studies?
At Naropa, you will learn various art therapies including ceramics, drawing, and watercolor painting, among others.
What sets Naropa’s online art therapy degree apart from other programs?
The Naropa Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy Online stands out as more than a typical art therapy program. As the West’s founding school for contemplative education, Naropa integrates mind, body, and soul in a holistic education aimed at transforming students, communities, and the world. Experience a remote learning education tailored through a contemplative approach and enriched with valuable internship opportunities.
Learn More About the Program
Connect
with your counselor
Rachel Thompson
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
- 303-970-9831
- rachel.thompson@naropa.edu
- Schedule Appointment
Ready to Apply?
Admission Requirements
Academic excellence and the willingness to engage in introspective work are highly valued at Naropa University. Learn more about admission requirements and the application process for first-time and transfer students.
Undergraduate Students
- Students with a 3.0 GPA or Higher: Applicants with a strong academic record are welcome with minimal requirements.
- Students with Less than 3.0 GPA: If your academic record hasn’t been the strongest, but you wish to apply to Naropa, we strongly encourage you to submit your application. Contemplative practice matters to us just as much as academic excellence.
- Transfer previous college credit: We allow you to transfer 60 or more credits from previous institutions. Apply as a transfer student by submitting an official college transcript as part of your application. Discover all requirements for first-time and transfer students at our admission requirements page.
International Students
Embracing a culture of inclusion and diversity, Naropa University warmly welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, regardless of their origins. We eagerly anticipate the distinct contributions you will make to our vibrant and friendly community.
Explore further information on the application and admission process for international students.
Costs and Financial Aid:
Naropa University strives to improve access to education for a broad spectrum of students. Visit our page on undergraduate expenses and financial support to discover information about tuition, grants, scholarships, and available financial aid options. Our cost calculator can help you estimate your potential expenses during your time at Naropa. LEARN ABOUT COSTS & AID.
Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities:
Scholarships are a great way to help with the costs of going to school. Naropa University offers an array of scholarship opportunities to undergraduate students. Students may be eligible to receive scholarships through their admissions application, by applying for scholarships, or by being nominated for a scholarship. For more detailed information about the different scholarships available and how to receive them, please review our undergraduate scholarship page.
Costs and Financial Aid
Naropa University strives to improve access to education for a broad spectrum of students. Visit our page on undergraduate expenses and financial support to discover information about tuition, grants, scholarships, and available financial aid options.
Our cost calculator can help you estimate your potential expenses during your time at Naropa.
Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships are a great way to help with the costs of going to school. Naropa University offers an array of scholarship opportunities to undergraduate students. Students may be eligible to receive scholarships through their admissions application, by applying for scholarships, or by being nominated for a scholarship. For more detailed information about the different scholarships available and how to receive them, please review our undergraduate scholarship page.
