Bachelor of Arts 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 120 | Foundations: Research and Practice I | 4 |
| ART 130 | Foundations: Art in Context I | 2 |
| ART 140 | Foundations: Methods and Inquiry I | 2 |
| ART 150 | Foundations: Creative Technologies I | 2 |
| ART 155 | Foundations: Creative Technologies II | 2 |
| ART 160 | Foundations: Research and Practice II | 4 |
| ART 170 | Foundations: Art in Context II | 2 |
| ART 180 | Foundations: Methods and Inquiry II | 2 |
| ART 190 | Foundations: Portfolio Review | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 20 |
Studio Core
One of the following Drawing courses:
One of the following Sculpture courses:
| ART 261 | Sculpture Mold-Making and Casting I | 4 |
| ART 262 | Experimental Sculpture I | 4 |
One of the following Painting courses:
| ART 201 | Introduction to Painting | 4 |
| ART 251 | Mixed-Media Painting I | 4 |
| ART 252 | Experimental Painting I | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Advanced Studio Elective
ONE of the following:
Art Therapy
| ART 230 | Introduction to Art Therapy | 4 |
| ART 330 | Art Therapy with Children and Adolescents | 4 |
| ART 331 | Art Therapy with Adults | 4 |
| ART 333 | Applications for Health and Wellness Professions | 4 |
| ART 412 | Art Therapy Practicum | 2 |
| ART 497 | Art Therapy Capstone | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 22 |
Social Science
| SOC 100 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 |
| PSY 210 | Psychology of Child Development | 4 |
| PSY 231 | Inquiry into Clinical and Counseling Psychology | 4 |
| PSY 303 | Abnormal Psychology | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Total Credit Hours: 74
A minimum "C" must be earned in all major coursework.