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 120Foundations: Research and Practice I

4

ART 130Foundations: Art in Context I

2

ART 140Foundations: Methods and Inquiry I

2

ART 150Foundations: Creative Technologies I

2

ART 155Foundations: Creative Technologies II

2

ART 160Foundations: Research and Practice II

4

ART 170Foundations: Art in Context II

2

ART 180Foundations: Methods and Inquiry II

2

ART 190Foundations: Portfolio Review

0

Total Credit Hours:20

Studio Core

One of the following Drawing courses:

ART 209Figure Drawing

4

ART 304Experimental Drawing I

4

One of the following Sculpture courses:

ART 261Sculpture Mold-Making and Casting I

4

ART 262Experimental Sculpture I

4

One of the following Painting courses:

ART 201Introduction to Painting

4

ART 251Mixed-Media Painting I

4

ART 252Experimental Painting I

4

Total Credit Hours:12

Advanced Studio Elective

ONE of the following:

ART 304Experimental Drawing I

4

ART 349Figure Drawing II

4

ART 350Figure Painting I

4

ART 351Mixed Media Painting II

4

ART 352Experimental Painting II

4

ART 355Figure Painting II

4

ART 361Sculpture Mold-Making and Casting II

4

ART 362Experimental Sculpture II

4

Total Credit Hours:4

Art Therapy

ART 230Introduction to Art Therapy

4

ART 330Art Therapy with Children and Adolescents

4

ART 331Art Therapy with Adults

4

ART 333Applications for Health and Wellness Professions

4

ART 412Art Therapy Practicum

2

ART 497Art Therapy Capstone

4

Total Credit Hours:22

Social Science

SOC 100Introduction to Sociology

4

PSY 210Psychology of Child Development

4

PSY 231Inquiry into Clinical and Counseling Psychology

4

PSY 303Abnormal Psychology

4

Total Credit Hours:16

*PSY 101 and PSY 211 are prerequisites for PSY 303.

Total Credit Hours: 74

A minimum "C" must be earned in all major coursework.