Art therapy greenlit as college major
China Daily
15th July 2026
Art therapy greenlit as college major.
Move seeks to ease talent shortages, improve mental health services
By CHEN NAN | JIN DING
The Ministry of Education has approved "art therapy" as an undergraduate major, recognizing the rising importance of the practice in addressing mental health and supporting social care for vulnerable communities.
The decision, made by the ministry on April 28, marks the first time art therapy has transitioned from an informal or interdisciplinary elective study into a standardized, mainstream undergraduate degree program on the Chinese mainland.
The approval was driven by growing institutional and public awareness surrounding mental health and the benefits of the use of art therapy in treatment.
Experts said that the decision was also a response to a substantial talent shortage in the sector, as the demand for qualified art therapists has surged in hospitals, schools, community centers and rehabilitation institutions.
The establishment of a dedicated undergraduate program is expected to significantly expand the workforce and improve service quality.
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