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.

Minor in Art Therapy Requirements

Art Therapy Minor Courses

Total Credits: 34-35

Core Requirements (27 credits)

Psychology Requirements (12 credits)

• PSY 113 General Psychology (3)
• PSY 202 Developmental Psychology (3)
• PSY 261 Personality (3)
• PSY 463 Advanced Psychopathology (3)

Art Core Requirements (11-12 credits)

• ART 101 Basic Drawing I (4)
• ART 125 Foundation Design (4)
• ART 311 Pottery: Principles and Production (3) OR
• ART 203A Intro to Ceramics (4)

Art Therapy Requirements (4 credits)

• PSY 325/ART 325 Introduction to Art Therapy (3)
• ART 467 Art Therapy Related Field Experience (1)

Restricted Electives (7-8 credits)

• ART 203C Introduction to Painting (4)
• ART 203D Introduction to Printmaking (4)
• ART 203E Introduction to Sculpture (4)
• ART 203F Introduction to Photography (4)
• ART 203L Introduction to Illustration (4)
• ART 350 Elementary Methods and Materials (3)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this minor, students will:

• Have a better understanding of the types of organizations and agencies where Art Therapy could be utilized including hospitals, clinics, public and community agencies, wellness centers, educational institutions, businesses, elder-care facilities and private practices.
• Be aware of the philosophy, theory and practice of Art Therapy.
• Understand how the creative process of art making with individuals of all ages can improve and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Understand how Art Therapy may be integrated and utilized within the larger fields of Psychology, Sociology, Health, Recreation and Leisure, Fine Arts and Criminal Justice.
• Gain 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.
• Gain a basic understanding and skills to use both two and three dimensional visual art modalities and media (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms) in working with clients in a therapeutic setting.
• Gain capacity for productive self-reflection, empathy, and insight in consideration of practice in Art Therapy.
• Develop as artists, gaining an experiential understanding of materials, process and product, as they relate to art therapy practice.

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