Head of the Department: Dr. Liat Shamri-Zeevi
Head of the International Art Therapy Program: Anat Wolf
Who is this program for?
If you are driven by a passion for therapeutic work or wish to transition into a meaningful and highly rewarding profession,
This is the place for you.
Our approach views art creation as a healing process, helping to uncover who you truly are – from the inside out.
Our airy and spacious studios become sacred spaces where our students have the time and support to create spontaneously
and cultivate their own creative language and inner knowledge.
Program Overview
Visual art therapy integrates artistic media such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed techniques, with psychological tools to assess and treat a wide range of emotional and mental states. Creative processes inherent in artistic expression foster self-discovery, resilience, and adaptive coping with life challenges, including conflict, transition, and loss.
The program trains professionals in visual art therapy, a distinctive field within the therapeutic professions, preparing graduates to work in educational, therapeutic, and rehabilitative settings. Through the language of visual art, practitioners develop the ability to offer innovative therapeutic approaches and provide meaningful responses to diverse populations in the community and society.
The program consists of 4 components:
1. Theories and methods of visual art therapy.
2. Foundational knowledge in psychology.
3. Experiential workshops using art materials to integrate theory and practice.
4. Supervised clinical and educational fieldwork in visual art therapy.
The curriculum includes:
Skills you will have upon graduation:
Career opportunities in the field
Graduates of the degree work as Art Therapists in the following settings:
Upon successful completion of all academic requirements and field training hours, students will be awarded a Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapies with a specialization in Art Therapy.
The Graduate Program in Visual Arts Therapy at Ono Academic College is a proud member of both the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and the European Consortium for Arts Therapies Education (ECArTE).
As students and graduates, you are eligible to join AATA individually, gaining access to exclusive professional resources, specialized training, and an international network of art therapists.
Program Brochure – M.A. in Visual Art Therapy [Download PDF]
Preparatory Courses for the Master’s in Visual Art Therapy – Information Brochure [Download]
1st year
Introduction to Clinical Practicum in Art Therapy I & II
Art and Human Development
Psychotherapy: Theories and Approaches in Psychological Treatment
Psychological Assessment and Evaluation
Introduction to Art Therapy – Lecture & Practicum
Advanced Studio: Creative Approaches to Short-Term Therapeutic Structures
Assessment and Evaluation in Art Therapy
Standards and Ethics in Therapy
Research Methods (Online)
2nd year
Supervised Seminar in Art Therapy
Arts-Based Qualitative Research
Group Therapy: Models and Techniques
Theories and Methods in Art Therapy – Lecture & Practicum
Studio in Visual Arts: The Archetypal Image – Exploration and Research
3rd year
Supervision Seminar in Art Therapy
Issues and Dilemmas in Parent Counseling
Advanced Approaches in Psychotherapy
Integrating Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Art Therapy
Hybrid English / Hebrew Academic Program
Admission Requirements & Prerequisites*
According to the Ministry of Health and the Council for Higher Education, the following requirements are necessary for admission to master’s degree studies in Art Therapy:
1. A recognized bachelor’s degree in any field. The threshold grade for the degree is 80.
2. Academic Prerequisites
As part of the admissions process, candidates must provide proof of prior psychology coursework.
Applicants are required to complete nine psychology prerequisite courses (a minimum passing grade of 80 is required for each course).
Applicants who do not meet the above prerequisites
may complete supplementary coursework at Ono International School at no additional cost.
3. Art-Based Courses
Supplementations for those who are not from the field of the arts:
300 hours of formal training in visual arts, including painting, drawing, and sculpting, from a recognized institution.
200 hours of artwork in a variety of creative materials (60 hours in each modality will be recognized) and submitting a portfolio of 15 art works in the field.
4. Admissions Interview – The candidate will be invited for an interview with the Head of the Program.
5. Three Letters of Recommendation – The candidate is required to submit three references from individuals who know them in an academic or professional capacity.
Application Fees & Benefits
2027–2028 Academic Year
Apply early for a lower application fee and additional benefits.
Places are limited, and some programs may fill before the final application deadline.
For information about program tuition, payment options, and tuition deposit, please contact our admissions team at internationalschool@ono.ac.il.
Internal scholarships may be available to eligible students, including lone soldiers, students with outstanding academic achievements, and students facing financial hardship.
External funding opportunities may also be available through the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and organizations such as Perach, IMPACT, and Mifal HaPais. Eligibility and approval depend on each provider’s criteria.
For eligible recipients of Ministry of Aliyah and Integration funding, Ulpan fees are handled directly between the Ministry and Ono Academic College. This arrangement does not affect the student’s program tuition balance.
Contact our admissions team to discuss tuition and relevant scholarship opportunities: internationalschool@ono.ac.il.
