B.A. in Art Therapy
The B.A. in Art Therapy is designed to prepare students to enter an accredited master’s degree program and/or explore other wellness related careers. The program emphasizes the development of studio art skills, field experiences and pre-professional studies in art therapy and in the behavioral and social sciences. Art therapy is an interdisciplinary human service profession that employs the creation of art as a means of resolving emotional conflicts and fostering self-awareness and personal growth in education, rehabilitation and psychotherapy. It incorporates psychology, art and therapeutic techniques to provide a creative alternative to conventional therapies.
To become a Registered Art Therapist, the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) has determined that one must possess a master’s degree from an AATA-accredited program. Entry into such a graduate program is normally based upon three criteria: (1) art skills evidenced by studio coursework and portfolio, (2) coursework in the behavioral sciences, particularly psychology and (3) clinical or community experience such practicums, volunteer work or professional work in the social sciences.
Degree Requirements
Foundations:
| ART 102 | Foundations: Drawing | 4 |
| ART 103 | Foundations: Materials & Methods | 2 |
| ART 104 | Foundations: 2-D Design | 4 |
| ART 105 | Foundations: 3-D Design | 4 |
| ART 110 | Foundations: Digital Arts | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Art History:
One of the following:
| ART 268 | History Survey I | 4 |
| ART 269 | History Survey II | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 4 |
Studio Core:
One of the following drawing courses:
One of the following 3-D courses:
One of the following painting courses:
Advanced Studio Practice
One of the following:
Art Therapy Core:
| ART 230 | Introduction to Art Therapy | 3 |
| ART 240 | Arts in Health | 2 |
| ART 330 | Art Therapy with Children and Adolescents | 3 |
| ART 331 | Art Therapy with Adults | 3 |
| ART 333 | Applications for Health and Wellness Professions | 3 |
| ART 412 | Art Therapy Practicum | 3 |
| ART 496 | Ethics and Professional Issues in Art Therapy | 3 |
| ART 497 | Art Therapy Senior Seminar and Exhibition | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 22 |
Seminar and Review:
| ART 298 | Professional Seminar | 2 |
| ART 299 | Junior Portfolio Review | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 2 |
Social Science Courses:
| SOC 100 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 |
| PSY 210 | Development I: Child Psychology | 4 |
| PSY 230 | Theories of Personality | 4 |
| PSY 303 | Abnormal Psychology | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Total Credit Hours: 78
A minimum "C" must be earned in all major coursework.