The Visual Arts program and the Psychology department work in tandem to offer a minor in Art Therapy. The minor meets the American Art Therapy Association's basic requirements for entrance into their approved graduate programs by requiring 18 studio art credits and 13 psychology credits.

Broaden Your Horizons

The minor encourages breadth of exploration while providing students with a foundation to prepare them for continued study or to work in community arts programs and organizations where art is used as part of the therapeutic or recreational process.

Art therapists are masters- or doctorate-level professionals who hold a degree in art therapy or a related field. Graduate study in Art Therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual arts, counseling, and psychotherapy. If the student wishes to go to graduate school in art therapy, they are advised to consult the graduate bulletin of the institution they wish to attend for institution specific entrance requirements.

What Awaits You:

  • Immerse yourself in the intriguing narratives of art and psychology.
  • Gain a deeper appreciation for the role of art in shaping healing experiences.
  • Recognize the profound impact of visual arts on society and humanity as a whole.

Quick Facts

Credit Hours
33

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Apply by Date:
Agosto 10, 2026

Start Date:
Agosto 24, 2026

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You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

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Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Art Therapists

Bright Outlook

Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients' physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.

Median Annual Wage $77,930
Wage Range $46,540 – $152,530
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate, Post-doctoral training

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Bright Outlook

Assist occupational therapists in providing occupational therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, d

Median Annual Wage $72,300
Wage Range $51,490 – $89,780
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Service Orientation
  • Social Perceptiveness
Typical Education: Associate’s degree, Some college, no degree, Bachelor’s degree

Occupational Therapy Aides

Under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations. These duties include preparing patien

Median Annual Wage $39,160
Wage Range $29,430 – $70,200
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Service Orientation
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Music Therapists

Bright Outlook

Plan, organize, direct, or assess clinical and evidenced-based music therapy interventions to positively influence individuals' physical, psychological, cognitive, or behavioral status.

Median Annual Wage $77,930
Wage Range $46,540 – $152,530
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate

Respiratory Therapists

Bright Outlook

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate

Median Annual Wage $82,280
Wage Range $63,660 – $118,050
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
Typical Education: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-secondary certificate

Recreational Therapists

Plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. Activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and

Median Annual Wage $61,960
Wage Range $40,990 – $100,420
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Service Orientation
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
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