Bircham International University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines general education and specialist art-therapy topics. Students complete 130 credits composed of:

• 40 credits minimum in General Education (these may be transferred from previous education or validated professional experience)
• 57 academic credits in Art Therapy subjects delivered by BIU (earned via reports, projects and thesis)
• Additional subjects as required or approved by the Distance Learning University Education Board

Sample 3-credit subjects (each counts as 3 academic credits) include:

• 301ARY - Senses Awareness & Development
• 302ARY - Movement & Meditation
• 303ARY - Touch & Palpation
• 304ARY - Art & Philosophy
• 305ARY - Art & Religion
• 306ARY - Physical Therapy
• 307ARY - Color Therapy
• 308ARY - Chinese & Japanese Art
• 411ARY - Contemporary Art
• 412ARY - Aromatherapy
• 413ARY - Hydrotherapy
• 414ARY - Manual Therapy & Massage
• 415ARY - Music Therapy
• 416ARY - Art History
• 417ARY - Cognitive Development
• 418ARY - Artistic Design
• 521ARY - Art Therapy
• 522ARY - Sensory Therapy
• 523ARY - Creative Arts

Additional elective topics listed by the faculty include therapies and complementary areas such as Acupoints & Acupressure, Emotional Intelligence, Human Animal Support Services, Massage Techniques, Psychosomatic Connection, Treatment of Addictions and Yoga Therapy. Textbooks for the course are included in the program fees and arrive by post after payment; reports are written in the textbook language unless other authorization is granted.

Entry requirements

Admission is open to adults aged over 23. Applicants must provide transfer credits or validated professional experience equal to at least 30% of the program's total credits to gain admission. A minimum of 40 general education credits should be transferred or validated; up to 20% of total program credits may be credited from professional and life experience. BIU recognizes transfer credits from other institutions and may validate prior work experience.

Career prospects

The program frames art therapy as a tool to support emotional exploration, self-esteem, stress relief, addiction management and coping with illness or disability through creating or viewing art. Graduates could apply these methods in contexts such as community support, complementary therapy services, educational settings or as part of broader psychological and wellness practice, subject to local professional regulations and employer recognition of BIU credits.

Scholarships & funding angle

BIU publishes program fees per credit and offers payment plans. Fees include program materials, evaluation, diploma and transcript. Students may seek external scholarships, employer sponsorship or payment plans to spread tuition; acceptance of credits, recognition and any public funding depend on receiving institutions or national regulations.