Art Therapy

ART THERAPY: A PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM

This program is designed to introduce students to the field of art therapy and enable students to use art in a therapeutic and experiential way with a variety of populations. It prepares students for entry-level positions in a number of human services settings, such as social service agencies, hospitals, psychiatric institutions, child care or specialized school programs, and other community settings.

Through this pre-professional program, students learn the skills necessary to be prepared for application and entry into leading professional master’s degree programs in art therapy and certification as an art therapist. Program components include a studio major, a minor in psychology, and culminating senior thesis and clinical practicum which provides students with the opportunity for field experience. Practicum site include rehabilitation centers, hospitals, residential facilities, nursing homes, and day care centers.

LEARNING GOALS AND OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the art therapy program, students will: • Acquire an awareness of the history of art therapy. • Learn about the origins of art therapy, including its founders and current trends and developments in the field • Gain introductory skills in treatment planning and assessment by increasing familiarity with the tools and techniques of art therapy • Begin to formulate an identity as an art therapist and learn the roles played in the field through classroom discussions, projects and practicum placements

THE CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE

The culminating experience for the Art Therapy Pre-Professional Program is Applied Internship (PSYCH4494/4495). During the capstone experience, students complete a comprehensive thesis paper in conjunction with their practicum experience. The paper must adhere to the guidelines of the field and demonstrate achievement of the goals of the program. Students are required to present their projects before a panel of art and art therapy faculty. Seniors are assessed on the quality of their paper, artwork, and presentation.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM IN ART THERAPY

Requirements for Program: Studio Art:

ART1401 Drawing I (AI-A) (VCI)

ART1407 Visual Language for Design and Communications (AI-A) (VCI)

ART2403 Design and Composition

ART2433 3D Form Studies (AI-A) (VCI)

ART2451 Ceramics I(AI-A) (VCI)

ART3101 Painting Art Therapy:

ART1301 Introduction to Art Therapy

ART3302 Principles of Art Therapy Psychology:

PSYCH1501 General Psychology (SA)(SS) PSYCH1503 Lifespan Development PSYCH3601 Counseling Theories and Techniques PSYCH3210 Child Psychopathology or PSYCH3212 Adult Psychopathology One additional psychology class at the 2000 or 3000 level Capstone:

PSYCH4494 /PSYCH4495 Applied Internship I and II

TEACHER LICENSURE IN VISUAL ART

Students who wish to pursue an art education major must major in studio art and minor in education. Two pre-practica and a teaching practicum are required. Students are required to have an advisor in both the art department and the education department.

CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE:

Thesis and Exhibition Requirement All art majors are required to submit a non-credit thesis and take part in the senior exhibition in order to graduate. Students in the studio art, graphic design and art education programs choose a thesis topic in their area of interest as well as a faculty advisor in the spring of their junior year. Working independently on their project, students meet on a regular basis with their advisor to discuss their work. Research, formal issues in the visual arts and choice of media are all discussed over the course of the senior year. At the end of April of senior year, students present their projects formally before a panel of art faculty. Students are assessed on the quality of their work and their presentation.

Art therapy students submit a comprehensive thesis paper in conjunction with their practicum experience. This paper must adhere to guidelines standard to the field and is presented formally to an art faculty committee. Students also submit an art project in response to their thesis. Art therapy students are also required to submit work for the senior exhibition.

Individualized majors in art history must submit a comprehensive research paper in their area of interest. Students may submit studio work for the senior exhibition. All artwork submitted for the senior exhibition is juried by the art faculty for inclusion in the exhibition.

DISTINCTION IN THE FIELD

Eligibility for Distinction in the Field is determined by art faculty members based on the quality of each student’s thesis project and GPA. The students’ GPA must be 3.5 or above and the students’ thesis work and presentation must be determined to be a High Pass by the art faculty.