Art Therapy Preparation Concentration, B.A.

Art Therapy Major Student

Transform Creativity, Transform Lives: Your Path to a Career in Art Therapy

Art therapy is a specialized mental health profession that combines the creative power of art with therapeutic techniques to promote emotional healing, personal growth, and improved functioning for individuals of all ages. Through guided artistic expression and professional support, clients can explore emotions, develop coping strategies, and enhance their well-being.

Art therapists are skilled professionals who hold at least a master’s degree in art therapy or a related field with a specialized focus in art therapy. A bachelor’s degree is required to pursue graduate studies in this field. Westfield State University’s Art Therapy Preparation concentration equips students with the necessary coursework and portfolio development to meet graduate program admission standards. Students gain comprehensive knowledge in areas such as visual art techniques, the creative process, psychotherapy, counseling theories, and human development—building a strong foundation for advanced education and future careers in art therapy. This concentration offers two options for students: one for art majors and one for psychology majors.

Art, Art Therapy Preparation Concentration, B.A.
The Art, Art Therapy Preparation Concentration B.A. includes courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and art history. The Art Therapy Preparation concentration adds 18 psychology credits, covering topics such as human development, psychopathology, and counseling theories. Students are required to complete at least 27 art credits at Westfield State and are encouraged to take additional studio and art history courses to prepare for graduate school. This concentration provides a solid foundation for those pursuing careers in art therapy.

Psychology, Art Therapy Preparation Concentration, B.A.
For Psychology majors, the Concentration in Art Therapy Preparation, B.A., includes psychology courses in human development, research methods, statistics, psychopathology, and counseling, along with psychology electives, and a lab science. Students also complete 18 credits in studio art, including courses in drawing, design, ceramics, painting, and computer graphics. Students will create a portfolio of diverse work, that must be approved by art faculty. At least 21 psychology credits are required at Westfield State. This concentration prepares students for advanced study in Art Therapy Counseling. 

Program Highlights

  • Choose from options for art or psychology majors
  • Blend studio art with psychology for a strong art therapy foundation
  • Build your portfolio through hands-on artistic expression
  • Study key areas like human development and counseling theories
  • Meet requirements for art therapy graduate programs

Discover Your Path to a Rewarding Career in Art Therapy

Whether you're an art major looking to integrate creativity with healing or a psychology major ready to explore the therapeutic power of art, this concentration offers the perfect opportunity to build your future.

Play video: Liz Ferrara | Art and Psychology at Westfield State

Since graduating, Liz Ferrara '21 is taking art therapy to the next level, using her skills to make a meaningful impact.

Turn Your Passion for Art into a Powerful Career in Therapy

  • Boy studying next to model of human brain

    A Strong Foundation in Both Art and Psychology

    The Art Therapy Preparation Concentration at Westfield State University offers a unique blend of artistic development and psychological theory, providing students with the essential tools to become effective art therapists. Students take courses in visual arts, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and ceramics, while also studying key psychological concepts such as human development, psychopathology, and counseling theories. This integrated approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to understand both the creative and therapeutic needs of their future clients.

  • Collection of paint brushes from the Art Department.

    Hands-On Learning and Portfolio Development

    Students in the Art Therapy Preparation Concentration gain invaluable experience by developing a diverse portfolio that showcases their artistic abilities and versatility. With faculty support, students explore various mediums and techniques, creating a collection of 10–12 pieces that demonstrate their growth as artists. This hands-on experience not only enhances their technical skills but also serves as a powerful tool for graduate school applications, highlighting their readiness for advanced study in art therapy.

  • Student in an art class working on a drawing.

    Dual Pathways for Personalized Learning

    The Art Therapy Preparation Concentration offers students the flexibility to choose the path that best suits their academic background and career goals. Art majors can deepen their artistic expertise, while psychology majors can focus on integrating therapeutic practices with their psychological knowledge. Both pathways are designed to ensure students graduate with the experience and education needed to pursue graduate programs in art therapy, equipping them to make a lasting impact in the field.

I got to work individually with a professor to look at a research question I developed. My research combined my two fields of study to create a psychological study that looked at the impact of mindfully created art on a person’s mood. I never would have had the opportunity to do that kind of research on my own.

ELIZABETH

’21 PSYCHOLOGY AND ART

What Can You Do with an Art Therapy Preparation Concentration?

An Art Therapy Preparation Concentration opens the door to a rewarding career in the mental health and counseling fields, with a specialized focus on the therapeutic use of art. This concentration provides the necessary coursework, portfolio, and psychology foundation to pursue graduate studies in art therapy, where you can earn a master’s degree and become a licensed art therapist. With a graduate degree, you can work in a variety of settings such as mental health centers, hospitals, forensic institutions, community outreach programs, schools, nursing homes, and private practice, helping individuals of all ages heal emotionally and mentally through art. Additionally, art therapy is particularly beneficial for those with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges, allowing you to support children, adults, and communities through creative expression.

Catrina Casting, class of 2026. She is posing in front of a navy blue and white owl, and wears a purple shirt and jeans.

Ready to learn more?

Graduate Studies Pathway: Springfield College & Westfield State University Partnership

Springfield College and Westfield State University have partnered to offer a seamless pathway for students pursuing careers in Art Therapy. Through this Articulation Agreement, students who graduate with a degree in Art Therapy Preparation for Art (B.A.) or Psychology (B.A.) from Westfield State University have a streamlined admission into Springfield College’s graduate programs in Art Therapy/Counseling (M.S. and M.Ed.).

Key benefits include:

  • Eligibility Requirements: To apply to Springfield College's program, students must meet specific criteria, including a minimum GPA of 3.0 and completion of required courses.
  • Streamlined Admissions: Springfield College will waive certain application requirements, including the portfolio and application fee, to simplify the application process.
  • Support and Guidance: Both institutions will provide advising and informational sessions to help students navigate the application process and ensure academic success.

By fostering collaboration between Springfield College and Westfield State University, this partnership aims to enhance educational opportunities and better serve students pursuing careers in art therapy.

Get Big School Features with Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 15:1

    student-faculty ratio

  • 87%

    Of students receive financial aid

  • 700+

    Internship Opportunities

Expert Faculty Guiding Your Journey in Art Therapy

Our Art Therapy Preparation concentration is supported by talented and dedicated faculty with expertise in both art and psychology. Our professors hold advanced degrees and are professional practitioners in their respective fields, offering a blend of artistic and psychological perspectives. They are committed to helping you refine your artistic techniques, deepen your understanding of visual art, and build a strong foundation in psychological theory. Our faculty will challenge you to explore diverse perspectives and enhance your critical thinking skills. Through personalized mentorship and support, they will guide you as you grow both as an artist and a future art therapist.

Student working with a professor in the RIDE Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

Is a portfolio required?

Yes, if you have requested admission to the art major on your application form, applicants must successfully pass a portfolio review by the Art Department's faculty.

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Portfolio Review:

If you've requested admission to the Art Major on your application form, applicants must successfully pass a portfolio review by the Art Department’s faculty.

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Art Therapy Preparation Concentration, B.A.