When cost is the deciding factor in choosing a graduate degree, one West Virginia university is making a strong case for itself. Forbes Advisor’s latest ranking of online art therapy programs has placed West Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling at the top for affordability, a distinction that could matter to prospective students weighing six-figure tuition bills elsewhere.
West Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling program was named the most affordable in the US in Forbes Advisor’s annual review.
For students eyeing a career in mental health, the cost of graduate school can be a major hurdle. West Liberty University (WLU) has removed that barrier for online learners by keeping tuition uniform regardless of where they live. According to Forbes Advisor, the M.A. in Art Therapy and Counseling degree costs an estimated $31,620 for both in-state and out-of-state students, since WLU does not charge out-of-state tuition for online learners.
At West Liberty University we strive to make our programs affordable and accessible to students seeking a career pathway that not only benefits themselves and their families but also their communities”— Dr. Susan Ridley, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department
The university’s commitment to accessibility is a central part of its mission, according to Dr. Susan Ridley, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department for Art Therapy and Counseling. “At West Liberty University, we strive to make our programs affordable and accessible to students seeking a career pathway that not only benefits themselves and their families, but also their communities,” Ridley said. “This dual credentialed program combines academic rigor and real-world experiences to prepare students to work with diverse populations in a variety of settings in the high-demand field of mental health and behavioral health.”
The program’s design reflects the needs of working professionals. The M.A. in art therapy program is available 100% virtually through synchronous Zoom and online evening classes, allowing students to maintain their current jobs while pursuing the degree. For the hands-on component, students can complete the required in-person practicum at their workplace, if appropriate, which adds another layer of flexibility.
“West Liberty makes it easier for students to fulfill their dreams, find meaningful employment, and help others in need,” said Ridley.
The Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling is a 60-credit-hour degree program consisting of 51 credit hours of coursework, 3 credit hours of supervised practicum, and 6 credit hours of supervised professional internship. Each fall, students will participate in a 3-day virtual residency. All Fall, Spring and Summer classes will be completed 100% virtually through synchronous Zoom and online classes.
Graduates of the program are positioned to pursue professional certifications such as Art Therapist Registered (ATR) and state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in West Virginia and other states. Postgraduate supervision hours and successfully passing exams are required for professional certification and licensure, so the degree is just the first step on a longer professional pathway.
Forbes Advisor’s education editors provide unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Their ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies content in making the rankings.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.
Rhone Thrash
West Liberty University
rhone.thrash@westliberty.edu
Visit us on social media:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
X
Why it matters: As mental health needs grow across the country, the demand for qualified art therapists continues to rise. By offering an affordable, fully online pathway to licensure, West Liberty is helping to fill that gap without saddling graduates with excessive debt, making the field more accessible to a broader range of students.
