Psychology, Art Therapy Preparation Concentration, B.A.

As a mental health profession, art therapy counseling combines the therapeutic uses of art with the skills of a professional counselor to help heal and restore the function and emotional health of clients of all ages.

What You’ll Learn

  • Visual art
  • Creative process
  • Psychotherapy
  • Human development
  • Counseling theories and techniques

Career Paths

  • Mental Health Centers
  • Hospitals
  • Forensic Institutions
  • Community Outreach Programs
  • Schools
  • Nursing Homes
  • Private Practice

How can an Art Therapy Preparation Concentration benefit me? 
If you’re majoring in psychology or art you can pursue a Concentration in Art Therapy Preparation at Westfield State University. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to enter into a graduate program in Art Therapy without having to meet additional requirements.

Art therapy counselors are trained in both art and therapy
Entry-level practice requires a master's degree. Massachusetts licensure laws apply to art therapists and counselors.

Requirements

Program Description

Art therapists are professional providers with at least a master's degree in either art therapy or a master's degree with a concentration in art therapy. A bachelor's degree is required to get into an art therapy graduate program. The Art Therapy Preparation concentration at Westfield State University meets all coursework and portfolio requirements necessary to gain admittance into a graduate program in Art Therapy. The concentration requires 36 credits of coursework (12 classes), but is only an additional 18 credits for art or psychology majors (6 classes). 

Requirements for Psychology Majors

Psychology majors must complete a minimum of 21 credits in the Department at Westfield State University.

Required Courses - 12 Credits

Content Courses - 18 Credits

Select the number of courses indicated below from each of the 4 categories.

Capstone Experience - 3 Credits

Pre-requisites: All capstone experiences (CE) require the student to be a senior Psychology major. Some CEs may have additional pre-requisites. Choose one of the following options:

Electives in Psychology - 6 credits

Students must take two 200- or 300-level psychology courses with advisement.

Department Assessment Post-Test

Lab Science - 4 Credits

Art Therapy Preparation Required Courses - 18 Credits

Students must take the following ART classes:

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Knowledge Base
  2. Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking
  3. Ethical & Social Responsibility in a Diverse World
  4. Communication
  5. Professional Development
Two Westfield State Students