Courses & Requirements
A Bachelor of Arts degree (120 credits) consists of Core Curriculum (24 credits) and at least one major (36–60 credits), as well as minors and/or elective courses of the student’s choosing.
In this 51-credit major, students engage in an in-depth liberal arts education that integrates traditional and progressive approaches to the behavioral sciences, a strong introduction to art therapy theory, visual arts studio education, and community-based service learning opportunities. The innovative, carefully designed curriculum blends the intellectual and experiential traditions of East and West perspectives.
The curriculum encompasses art therapy courses as well as significant credits in visual arts, world art history, and psychology, with a field placement incorporated into the senior year. Students in this program benefit from a robust foundation leading to a sound undergraduate understanding of art therapy, the therapeutic qualities of art, and experiential appreciation for contemplative studies related to art, psychology, and social needs. This program is held in the School of the Arts to further support the development of a personal and group artist identity.
Program Highlights
Art Therapy Major Requirements
Required Courses
Gateway
- ATH230 Introduction to Art Therapy (3)
- ART101 2-D Design: Art Techniques and Experimentation (3)
- PSYB101 Introduction to Psychology (3)
3-D Design: Choose 3 credits
- ART102 Contemplative Ceramics: Form and Human Contact (3)
- ART285 New Forms in Ceramics: Advanced Skills in Historical Clay Techniques (3)
- ART180 Sculpture (3)
Drawing & Perception: Choose 3 Credits
- ART125 Introduction to Drawing (3)
- ART200 The Contemplative Artist (3)
- ART155 Figure Drawing (3)
- ART325 Drawing II: Precision, Perception, and Form (3)
Painting: Choose 3 credits
- ART245 Introduction to Painting: Realism (3)
- ART215 Watercolor (3)
- ART345 Painter’s Laboratory (3)
Art History: Choose 3 credits
- ART301 Reconceptualizing Art History (3)
- ART340 Contemporary Art History 1945 to Present (3)
Milestone
- ATH330 Art Therapy Theory and Applications (3)
- ATH430 Art Therapy Studio Methods (3)
- PSYB314 Buddhist Psychology: Mindfulness Meditation (3)
- PSYB325 Awakening Compassion: Working with Others (3)
- PSYB345 Developmental Psychology (3)
- PSYB371 Personality Theories (3)
- PSYB415 Maitri: Working with Emotions (3)
- PSYB420 Abnormal Psychology (3)
Capstone
- ART440 Warrior Artist: Risk and Revelation in Studio Art (3)
- COR440 Capstone II (3)