School of Art Minor in Art Therapy
The School of Art and the Psychology Department work in tandem to offer a minor in Art Therapy. This rapidly expanding mental health profession utilizes the creative process of art making with individuals of all ages to improve and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Art therapy practice reflects a belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.
The techniques and methods of art therapy can enhance one’s skills in related majors and fields such as: Psychology, Sociology, Health, Recreation and Leisure, Fine Arts and Criminal Justice.
Our minor provides you with a foundation for continued study, or for work in community arts programs and organizations where art is used as part of the therapeutic or recreational process. This minor meets and exceeds the American Art Therapy Association’s basic requirements for entrance into their approved graduate programs by requiring 18 studio art credits and 12 psychology credits. Additionally, our minor includes an Introduction to Art Therapy course and an Art Therapy related field experience practicum.
Should a student wish to go to graduate school in art therapy he/she is advised to consult the graduate bulletin of the institution he/she wishes to attend for institution specific entrance requirements. Art therapists are masters’ or doctorate level professionals who hold a degree in art therapy or a related field. Graduate Study in Art therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual art modalities (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms), and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy. Art therapy programs are found in a number of settings including hospitals, clinics, public and community agencies, wellness centers, educational institutions, businesses, elder-care facilities and private practices.