Overview

Grounded in Adlerian principles, the Ph.D. Art Therapy programme from Adler University emphasizes social interest and the holistic well-being of individuals and systems. This foundation informs the 60-credit curriculum, which integrates art therapy with psychological and community frameworks.

Designed for mental health professionals seeking career growth, the programme blends synchronous and asynchronous classes. All courses feature real-time sessions several times throughout the semester, while also offering the flexibility of self-paced study.

This structure ensures direct engagement with peers and provides personalized mentorship from faculty, guiding students in producing meaningful, practice-informed work.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Art Therapy gain the expertise to drive meaningful change and emerge as leaders with real-world experience, research expertise, and a deep understanding of human creative expression. They are prepared to:

Critically evaluate art therapy theories and research to inform clinical practice, education, and advocacy.

Design and conduct qualitative and quantitative research that advances the field of art therapy.

Apply Adlerian principles to understand the role of creativity in psychological well-being and community health.

Provide ethical and culturally responsive clinical supervision and mentorship across various settings.

Advocate for the integration of art therapy in mental health, health care, and community-based systems.

Careers

Consultants

Private-practice

Hospitals

Schools

Agencies

Administrators and clinical supervisors

Advancing clinical practice as a practitioner-scholar

Human-service, healthcare, and community contexts

Academia as an instructor, faculty member or curriculum developer

Grant-writing as a community leader or activist

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Professional Orientation

Advanced Philosophy of Art

Community Engagement and Socially Responsible Leadership

Neurodiversity and Neuroaesthetics

Qualitative and Emergent Research Methods in Art Therapy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00

More details

Many of the programmes fill quickly, so it is best to begin the application process early.

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Language

English

PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

Online

Campus Location

Chicago, United States

Disciplines

Art Therapy

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A master’s degree, by the date of matriculation, in art therapy or a related discipline from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a related field from an international institution.

Applicants who did not graduate from Adler University’s Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy program or an equivalent program will be required to complete the equivalency requirements in addition to the doctoral curriculum.

Proof of registration as an art therapist or 18 hours of studio credit hours.

A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in applicant’s graduate degree program.

Two letters of recommendation

A portfolio of original artwork (15 examples in three or more different media) demonstrating competence with art materials.

Proof of registration as an art therapist or 18 hours of studio credit

Two letters of recommendation

Interview with a faculty member

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

36300 USD / year

≈ 36300 USD / year
Out-of-State

36300 USD / year

≈ 36300 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

36300 USD / year

≈ 36300 USD / year

Additional Details

International students: $1,815 per credit + $1,402 International fee per term

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Art Therapy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Student Outcomes

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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