Art Therapy for Addiction: Definition, Techniques, Application, and Benefits

Art therapy for addiction uses creative expression to help individuals explore their emotions and experiences. Art therapy provides a non-verbal means for individuals to express complex emotions and experiences related to addiction.

According to Hu et al. (2021) in “Art Therapy: A Complementary Treatment for Mental Disorders,” the techniques in art therapy for addiction include drawing and painting to express emotions, collage making to explore identity, sculpture for tactile engagement, creative writing to articulate thoughts and feelings, and group art projects to foster community and support. These techniques help by providing diverse methods for individuals to process and communicate their emotions, enhance self-awareness, develop coping skills, and build a supportive community, thus contributing to a holistic recovery approach.

The application of art therapy for addiction includes individual therapy for exploring personal issues, group therapy for sharing and support, and incorporation into rehabilitation programs as part of a holistic recovery approach. These applications, as explored in the “Foundations of Art Therapy- Theory and Applications” book by the editors Rastogi et al. facilitate personal reflection and emotional processing, promote peer support and communal healing, and enhance the overall treatment experience by addressing addiction from multiple angles, thereby supporting a more comprehensive recovery process.

The benefits of art therapy for addiction are emotional expression, increased self-awareness, stress reduction, enhanced coping skills, and building community. As expressed by Metzl (2022) in “Art Is Fun, Art Is Serious Business, and Everything in between: Learning from Art Therapy Research and Practice with Children and Teens,” individuals articulate complex emotions and experiences related to addiction, gain insights into their behaviors and feelings, alleviate stress, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and foster connections with others in similar situations, contributing to a more supportive and effective recovery process.

What Is Art Therapy for Addiction?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage to facilitate emotional and psychological healing. 

It aims to provide a non-verbal outlet for individuals to express complex emotions and experiences related to addiction. Unlike traditional talk therapy, art therapy enables clients to communicate through artistic expression, making it particularly effective for those who struggle to articulate their feelings verbally.

What Do I Expect in an Art Therapy Session?

You can expect to undergo an initial assessment, followed by goal-setting and intervention techniques. As provided by the American Art Therapy Association (2022), sessions involve an array of artistic activities tailored to individual needs, guided by a trained art therapist who provides support and feedback throughout the process.

How Long Does Art Therapy Take?

The duration of art therapy lasts 60 to 90 minutes per session and occurs weekly or bi-weekly. The American Art Therapy Association (2022) recommends that the overall length of treatment oscillates between a few weeks to several months, depending on the client’s progress and the complexity of their issues.

Research: How Art Can Help in Addiction Recovery

According to the Gateway Foundation’s article “How Art Can Help in Addiction Recovery,” art therapy is a highly adaptable treatment suitable for various therapeutic settings, including individual sessions and group counseling. It is particularly beneficial for individuals recovering from long-term addiction for several reasons. First, many individuals in recovery have underlying mental health conditions, which make it challenging to articulate their feelings verbally. Second, persons struggling with addiction have experienced considerable trauma, such as sexual or physical abuse. Third, substance abuse precipitates brain cell damage, resulting in language deficits or impaired communication skills.

A University of Kansas study, published in the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment, explored the impact of visual art creation on women in residential treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). The research indicates that art therapy effectively reduces “delay discounting,” a tendency to devalue future rewards, which is common in substance misuse.

The pilot study involved 39 women from a residential SUD treatment center who participated in a one-hour art session. They created visual representations of their aspirational “future homes,” guided by John Sebelius, artist-in-residence at KU’s Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research & Treatment. This exercise aimed to enhance “episodic future thinking” (EFT), encouraging participants to focus on positive future scenarios.

Participants chose between smaller, immediate rewards or larger, delayed rewards before and after the art session. Results showed a notable decrease in delay discounting post-session, suggesting that art is an effective medium for EFT. The findings imply that incorporating art therapy into SUD treatment programs improves outcomes by fostering better self-control and future-oriented thinking.

Richard Yi, et al. (2024) highlighted the importance of innovative therapeutic methods, such as art, to enhance traditional treatment paradigms. He emphasized the potential of integrating fine arts and humanities into mental health interventions to develop more engaging and effective treatment methods.

Further research, including larger randomized control trials, is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits of this approach. The study underscores the potential of creative arts in improving mental health treatment outcomes.

What Is the Historical Background of Art Therapy?

The most important key historical developments of art therapy for addiction are explained below as investigated by Masters, Hannah L. (2018) in “Art Therapy and Ar y and Art History Theories, an Inquir y Theories, an Inquiry”:

• Ancient Civilizations: The use of art for healing dates back to ancient civilizations, where art played a role in rituals and spiritual practices. Prehistoric cave paintings and carvings suggest that early humans used visual expression to communicate and process experiences as mentioned by Preziosi, D. (2009) in the book “The art of art history: A critical anthology.”
• Medieval and Renaissance Periods: During the medieval period, art was integrated into religious contexts to convey spiritual messages and promote healing. The Renaissance period saw artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo exploring the psychological dimensions of human experience, which laid the groundwork for understanding art as a reflection of the inner self.
• Psychiatric Hospitals: The early 20th century marked the formalization of art therapy, particularly in psychiatric hospitals. Art provided a means of expression for patients unable to communicate verbally. Pioneers like Edith Kramer highlighted the therapeutic aspects of art-making, emphasizing its role in fostering self-expression and emotional healing in line with Junge, M. B.’s (2010) book, “The Modern History of Art Therapy in the United States.”
• Post-World War II Era: Following World War II, the demand for mental health services surged, establishing art therapy as a recognized profession. The American Art Therapy Association (AATA), founded in 1969, provided a formal structure for the practice and promoted the integration of art therapy into mental health treatment as spotlighted by Hu et al. (2021) in “Art Therapy: A Complementary Treatment for Mental Disorders.”
• Educational Programs: The 1970s and 1980s witnessed the development of formal educational programs in art therapy, leading to the establishment of certification and licensure standards. This period also saw the emergence of various theoretical frameworks that informed art therapy practice, including psychoanalytic, humanistic, and cognitive-behavioral approaches.
• Margaret Naumburg: Frequently referred to as the “mother of art therapy,” Naumburg emphasized the importance of creative expression in understanding the unconscious mind. Her work laid the foundation for integrating art therapy into psychoanalytic practice.
• Anna Freud: Anna Freud, daughter of Sigmund Freud, contributed to understanding the psychological benefits of art-making, particularly with children. Her research highlighted art as a means of communication and emotional expression.
• Adrian Hill: An artist and art therapist, Hill coined the term “art therapy” in the 1940s. He advocated for using art as a therapeutic tool, emphasizing its potential to facilitate healing and personal growth.
• Contemporary Art Therapy: Today, art therapy is recognized as a valuable therapeutic approach in various settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. It addresses a smorgasbord of issues, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. 

Art therapists utilize diverse mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and collage, to help clients express their emotions, explore their identities, and promote healing.

What Are the Theoretical Foundations of Art Therapy?

The most important theoretical foundations of art therapy are given below as highlighted by Hogan, S. (2016) in the book “Art therapy theories: a critical introduction“:

• Psychodynamic Theory: Art therapy draws on psychodynamic principles, particularly those developed by Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. This approach focuses on exploring the unconscious mind and expressing repressed emotions through creative means. Art serves as a medium for individuals to access and process feelings that are challenging to articulate verbally.
• Humanistic Psychology: Humanistic theories, especially those proposed by Carl Rogers, highlight the importance of self-actualization and personal growth as explained by Huss (2015) in his book, “A Theory-based Approach to Art Therapy- Implications for teaching, research and practice.” In art therapy, the emphasis is on creating a supportive environment that fosters self-expression and encourages individuals to explore their identities. This approach values the individual’s subjective experience and promotes a non-judgmental therapeutic relationship.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Art therapy integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy to help clients identify and modify negative thought patterns. Through art-making, clients explore cognitive distortions and develop healthier coping strategies. This approach emphasizes the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
• Gestalt Therapy: Founded by Fritz Perls, Gestalt therapy focuses on awareness and the present moment. In art therapy, this approach encourages clients to fully engage in the creative process, promoting mindfulness and self-awareness as illuminated in the “Foundations of Art Therapy- Theory and Applications” book by the editors Rastogi et al. (2022). The emphasis is on the here-and-now experience rather than past traumas.
• Expressive Arts Therapy: Expressive arts therapy incorporates various creative modalities, including visual arts, music, dance, and drama therapy. This interdisciplinary approach recognizes that different forms of expression facilitate emotional healing and self-discovery as pointed out by Gupta (2023) in the Verywell Mind article- “What Is Experiential Therapy?” Art therapy integrates other expressive arts to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
• Narrative Therapy: Narrative therapy underscores the importance of storytelling and personal narratives in shaping identity. In art therapy, clients create visual representations of their life stories, allowing them to reframe their experiences and gain new perspectives as provided by the Canadian Art Therapy Association and Haslam, Michael J.’s (2017) “The Prehistory of Art Therapy Reconsidered.” This approach empowers individuals to become the authors of their narratives.
• Cultural and Social Contexts: Art therapy considers the impact of cultural and social factors on individual experiences. Theoretical frameworks that address cultural diversity and social justice inform art therapy practices, enabling therapists to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of diverse populations.

These theories underpin the practice of art therapy, providing a framework for understanding how creative expression facilitates emotional healing and behavioral change.

How Does Art Therapy Work for Addiction Recovery?

Art therapy for addiction works by creative expression, the therapist-client relationship, exploration of emotions, non-verbal communication, externalization of issues, symbolism and metaphor, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness and presence, stress relief, self-esteem and empowerment, personal insight and growth, group dynamics, behavioral activation, enhanced motivation, safe exploration of trauma, and the integration of multiple therapies. 

The most common principles of art therapy for addiction recovery are expanded below as explained by Shukla et al. (2022) in “Role of Art Therapy in the Promotion of Mental Health: A Critical Review.”

• Creative Expression: Clients engage in creating art, allowing them to express complex emotions and thoughts that are difficult to verbalize. 
• Therapist-Client Relationship: A trained art therapist facilitates the process, providing a safe and supportive environment for self-exploration and healing as noted by Hu et al. (2021) in “Art Therapy: A Complementary Treatment for Mental Disorders.” 
• Exploration of Emotions: Art therapy helps individuals explore and process emotions related to their addiction, such as guilt, shame, anger, and sadness.
• Non-Verbal Communication: Art provides an alternative form of communication, especially beneficial for those who struggle to articulate their feelings.
• Externalization of Issues: Creating art allows clients to externalize their issues, making it easier to confront and address them.
• Symbolism and Metaphor: Art uses symbols and metaphors, helping individuals gain new insights into their addiction and recovery journey.
• Cognitive Restructuring: Clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns through the creative process, promoting healthier thinking.
• Mindfulness and Presence: The act of creating art encourages mindfulness, helping clients stay present and grounded during recovery.
• Stress Relief: Engaging in artistic activities provides a therapeutic outlet for stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and mental well-being.
• Self-Esteem and Empowerment: Completing art projects boosts self-esteem and empowers clients, reinforcing their ability to make positive changes.
• Personal Insight and Growth: Reflecting on their artwork, clients gain personal insights and foster growth, aiding their recovery journey.
• Group Dynamics: In group art therapy, participants share their creations and experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
• Behavioral Activation: Art therapy encourages active participation and engagement, countering the apathy associated with addiction, which is well elaborated by Aletraris et al. (2014) in “The Use of Art and Music Therapy in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs.”
• Enhanced Motivation: The creative process bolsters motivation for recovery by providing a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
• Safe Exploration of Trauma: Art therapy offers a safe way to explore and process trauma, which underlies addiction issues.
• Integration of Multiple Therapies: Art therapy is integrated with other therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices, to enhance overall treatment effectiveness.

What Are the Key Techniques in Art Therapy for Addiction?

The key techniques in art therapy for addiction include: drawing, painting, collage making, sculpture, creative writing, group art projects, mandala drawing, journaling with illustrations, and collaborative art projects. The most common key techniques are given below as examined by Gantt, L. M., & Anderson, F. (2009) in “The Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale: A Measurement System for Global Variables in Art”:

Drawing

Drawing allows clients to express complex emotions and experiences related to their addiction visually. It provides a direct and immediate way to externalize feelings, facilitating self-exploration and emotional release. A study by the American Art Therapy Association (2022) found that 68% of participants experienced a reduction in substance use after incorporating art therapy into their treatment program, highlighting its effectiveness in supporting long-term recovery.

Painting

Painting offers a creative medium for clients to explore their internal states and process their addiction experiences. The deployment of color and form reveals underlying emotions and contributes to emotional healing elegantly expressed by Metzl (2022) in “Art Is Fun, Art Is Serious Business, and Everything in between: Learning from Art Therapy Research and Practice with Children and Teens.” This technique assists individuals reflect on their journey through addiction and recovery, uncovering new insights. A study by Kaimal, Girija, et al. (2016) “Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making,” conducted at Drexel University, found that creating art cuts cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. The study involved 39 adults aged 18 to 59 who participated in 45 minutes of art-making. 

Cortisol levels were measured before and after the session, and 75% of participants experienced reduced levels. Interestingly, prior experience with art did not impact the effectiveness of stress reduction. The study also noted a slight correlation between younger participants and greater reductions in cortisol. These findings suggest that art-making benefits stress management, regardless of artistic experience.

What Are the Applications of Art Therapy for Addiction?

The applications of art therapy for addiction include individual therapy, group therapy, rehabilitation programs, family therapy, couples therapy, trauma therapy, and school-based programs. The following is a list of the applications of art therapy for addiction according to the American Art Therapy Association (2022):

• Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions where clients explore personal issues related to their addiction through art techniques.
• Group Therapy: Group settings that foster connection and support among participants, allowing them to share experiences and learn from one another.
• Rehabilitation Programs: Incorporation into addiction treatment centers as part of a holistic approach to recovery, addressing emotional and psychological aspects of addiction.
• Family Therapy: Involving family members to address relational dynamics and support addiction recovery through creative exercises.
• Couples Therapy: Utilizing art techniques to explore and resolve issues within the relationship affected by addiction.
• Trauma Therapy: Applying art therapy to support clients’ process and work through trauma related to their addiction.
• School-Based Programs: Implementing art therapy in educational settings to support students dealing with addiction or substance abuse issues.

What Are the Benefits of Art Therapy for Addiction Treatment?

The primary benefits of art therapy for addiction comprise emotional expression, increased self-awareness, enhanced coping skills, improved communication, building empathy, and stress reduction.

Mendick, Robert (2011) of The Telegraph reported on an experiment led by Professor Zeki, Semir (2011), chair of neuroaesthetics at University College London. The study aimed to observe brain activity when participants viewed beautiful paintings. Brain scans showed that when participants looked at the artwork they found particularly beautiful, blood flow in the pleasure-related area of the brain increased by up to 10%—a response similar to the feeling of looking at a loved one. Paintings by artists like Constable, Ingres, and Monet triggered the strongest pleasure reactions. The most common benefits of art therapy for addiction are given below according to Kaimal, Girija, et al. (2016) where cortisol levels were measured before and after an art therapy session, and 75% of participants experienced reduced levels :

Emotional Expression and Regulation 

Art therapy provides a creative outlet for clients to express complex emotions related to their addiction. This process helps in articulating feelings that are difficult to convey through traditional talk therapy.

Stress Reduction 

Art therapy helps clients manage stress by using creative expression to address and relieve emotional tension. Engaging in artistic activities provides a constructive outlet for stress, promoting overall mental well-being.

Art Therapy Activities for Addiction Recovery

Art Therapy Activities for Addiction Recovery involve a variety of creative processes that help individuals express emotions, develop coping skills, and strengthen their recovery journey. Techniques like mandala drawing, journaling with illustrations, and collaborative art projects foster self-awareness and provide therapeutic relief.

The most common art therapy activities for addiction recovery are expounded below as analyzed by Robb, Megan (2017) in the research paper “The History of Art Therapy at the National Institutes of Health”:

Mandala Drawing

Mandala drawing is widely used in Art Therapy for addiction recovery as it promotes relaxation and mindfulness. The structured patterns of a mandala provide a meditative experience, helping individuals focus and reduce anxiety. According to the Addiction Center, clients use mandala drawings to express feelings of chaos or imbalance, leading to emotional clarity. For example, a client dealing with cravings draws a mandala to externalize their struggle, allowing them to reflect on their progress and regain control over their emotions. Mandala creation also offers a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing positive self-esteem during the recovery process.

In the systematic review “Does Mandala Art Improve Psychological Well-Being in Patients?” by Zhang et al. (2023), the authors assessed the impact of mandala art (MA) on psychological well-being among patients. The review included eleven studies with 405 participants, evaluating the effects of MA on various psychological outcomes, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and pain. The findings suggest that MA might offer some benefits, including reductions in negative symptoms and improvements in hope and pain relief. However, the review highlighted limitations in the quality of the existing evidence, indicating a need for more rigorous and high-quality research to confirm these therapeutic benefits 

Journaling with Illustrations

Journaling with illustrations combines visual expression with written reflections, allowing clients to explore their addiction story holistically. In therapy sessions, a client draws a picture representing a past traumatic event and then writes about their feelings, promoting emotional processing. Journaling with illustrations is particularly effective in tracking emotional progress and identifying triggers, making it a powerful tool for relapse prevention.

In a nine-week study conducted by Schmidt (2022) at a rural high school in central Kansas, visual journaling was introduced to students aged 14-18. The study involved weekly sessions where students used various techniques and prompts for visual journaling. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was administered before and after each session to measure changes in stress levels. Observations and student interviews were also used to assess the impact of the activity.

The results indicated that visual journaling generally had a positive effect on reducing student stress, with 60% of sessions showing at least a 1-point improvement in mood and 87% resulting in no change or reduced stress. Despite some variability, with a few instances of increased stress, these were often attributed to external factors rather than the journaling itself. Overall, the study suggests that visual journaling is a beneficial tool for managing stress, though its effectiveness may vary depending on other influencing factors

Collaborative Art Projects

Collaborative art projects encourage group interaction, fostering a sense of community and support, which is crucial in addiction recovery according to Feen-Collagan et al. (2018) in “Art Therapy, Community Building, Activism, and Outcomes.” In these activities, clients work together to create a collective piece, promoting communication, empathy, and teamwork. 

What Are the Challenges and Controversies in Art Therapy for Addiction?

The challenges and controversies of art therapy for addiction are a lack of standardized practices, insufficient empirical support, and public misconceptions. Ethical dilemmas, high resource demand, and client resistance also pose hurdles. Additionally, ensuring cultural adaptation and overcoming policy barriers remain critical concerns for the broader adoption of art therapy in addiction treatment.

The most critical challenges and controversies in art therapy for addiction are given below according to the American Art Therapy Association (2022):

• Lack of standardized practices: Art therapy lacks a unified framework, leading to inconsistent methods and outcomes. Without standardized guidelines, therapists may use varying approaches, making it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment across different settings. 
• Insufficient empirical support: Despite the anecdotal success, limited empirical data supports the effectiveness of art therapy in addiction treatment. This scarcity of rigorous studies hinders its acceptance as a mainstream therapy, leaving it vulnerable to skepticism within the medical community. 
• Public misconceptions: Many view art therapy as a hobby rather than a legitimate form of treatment, undermining its value in addiction recovery. This misconception prevents individuals from seeking this form of therapy, and it diminishes its perceived role in addressing serious mental health issues. Nevertheless, sentiments regarding art therapy as a legitimate framework are changing.

Research: Qualifying Public Perceptions of Art Therapy

The study titled “Qualifying Public Perceptions of Art Therapy: A Mixed Methods Study of Community Discussion Forums” by Theresa Van Lith and Ashleigh Geldenhuys (2024) investigates public perceptions of art therapy through a detailed analysis of discussions on Quora and Reddit. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, it reveals ten central themes related to art therapy, including its effectiveness, versatility, and therapeutic potential. 

Results show that art therapy is often deemed effective, with discussions highlighting its process and outcomes positively (306 sentences on the process and 176 on outcomes, with sentiment scores of 0.23 and 0.33, respectively). It is perceived as a versatile and client-focused treatment for stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma, with a sentiment score of 0.3 for application and 0.42 for therapeutic impact. However, concerns persist about the professionalism and career prospects within the field, reflected in less positive discussions. Notably, the study finds a huge rise in favorable views over the past five years, suggesting increasing acceptance of art therapy, though further research across varied platforms and demographics is needed to deepen understanding and address lingering concerns (Van Lith & Geldenhuys, 2024).

In the study “Preferences for Group Arts Therapies: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Mental Health Patients and the General Population” (BMJ Open, 2021; 11(8): e051173), researchers Emma Millard, Emma Medlicott, Jessica Cardona, Stefan Priebe, and Catherine Carr explored preferences for group arts therapies, including music therapy, dance movement therapy, art therapy, and drama therapy. 

The online cross-sectional survey included 1,541 participants—685 mental health patients and 856 members of the general population—across thirteen National Health Service mental health trusts in the UK. Findings revealed that about 60% of participants were interested in group arts therapies, with music therapy being the most preferred option among mental health patients (41%) and art therapy favored by the general population (43%). Important predictors of therapy preference were past experience, expected enjoyment, perceived helpfulness, mood impact, and social interaction. The study indicates a robust interest in diverse arts therapies, supporting their broad provision and highlighting the need to consider patient preferences in treatment decisions (Millard et al., 2021).

What Is the Future of Art Therapy for Addiction?

The future of art therapy for addiction holds great promise for pillar areas of development such as integration of digital tools, increased empirical research, enhanced customization of interventions, and greater cross-disciplinary collaboration. Foregrounding trauma-informed care, expanding training and certification programs, and integrating art therapy into mainstream treatment approaches will further solidify its role in addiction recovery.  The 3 most important developments in the future of art therapy addiction are elaborated below as spotlighted by Metzl (2022) in “Art Is Fun, Art Is Serious Business, and Everything in between: Learning from Art Therapy Research and Practice with Children and Teens”:

• Integration of digital tools: The incorporation of virtual reality, digital drawing apps, and online platforms is expanding access to art therapy, allowing for remote sessions and interactive experiences that cater to a tech-savvy population. 

In the study “Art Therapy in the Digital World: An Integrative Review of Current Practice and Future Directions” (Zubala et al., 2021), the authors compared survey results from 2004 and 2011 to assess changes in the use of digital media in art therapy. The findings revealed a notable increase in the adoption of technology among art therapists. Specifically, the use of digital tools as part of art-making during sessions rose from 19% to 32%, while the use of web camera communication increased from 2.4% to 9.4%.

• Increased empirical research: Ongoing studies will provide more data to validate the effectiveness of art therapy in addiction treatment, helping to establish it as a scientifically-backed therapeutic method and strengthen its credibility within the medical field.
• Enhanced customization of interventions: Personalized art therapy programs tailored to individual needs and experiences will ensure more targeted and effective treatment, catering to the unique emotional and psychological challenges faced by those in recovery. This is achievable through vigorous high-learning institutional capacity to teach comprehensive and productive art therapy courses.

In the study “Undergraduate Art Therapy Programs in the United States” (Schwartz et al., 2019), researchers surveyed 38 out of 54 undergraduate art therapy programs to explore the state of these programs. The findings indicated that while undergraduate programs are more numerous than graduate programs, they lack uniform educational standards. The survey revealed commonalities among programs, such as similar curricular requirements and fieldwork supervision, and a considerable portion of students pursuing graduate studies. 

However, notable differences were found in learning outcomes, faculty composition, and fieldwork requirements. The results highlighted the need for better-trained faculty for undergraduate programs, expanded roles for para-professionals in community settings, increased access for diverse students to graduate education, and the development of standardized educational criteria for undergraduate programs