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). Psychology majors should take at least 6 of the following ART classes. 

Art 18 credits (6 classes)

Required:

ART 0103 - Drawing I  ART 0104 - Design Fundamentals  ART 0105 - Three-Dimensional Design  ART 0108 - Computer Graphics for Art Applications I   ART 0204 - Ceramics I   ART 0216 - Painting I  

Students are required to create a portfolio of 10 - 12 images each of different media/materials with a media/material not presented twice in the portfolio.  A faculty member from the Art Department will assist and approve this portfolio as a requirement towards the completion of the concentration.  

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

2, 200- or 300-level psychology courses with advisement.

Department Assessment Post-Test

CORE Lab Science - 4 Credits

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in the 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