Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Studio Arts / Concentration in Art Therapy

Finding Health Through the Visual Arts

Marian University's undergraduate art therapy program is one of the first offered in the Midwest. Our program builds on this historical strength by offering you a rich curriculum in studio arts blended with courses in psychology, community-based internships and service opportunities. Marian's program is specially designed to prepare you for graduate study in art therapy.

Why choose art therapy at Marian?

Your art experience begins with a strong foundation in studio arts working in both two- and three-dimensional media. You will be mentored by professional artist-teachers and art historians as you develop your mission and vision as an artist and therapist. Advanced studies culminate with a senior exhibition, professional communication materials, and a comprehensive visual portfolio.

In combination with the studio arts, you will have the option of choosing a minor or a second major in psychology. As a matter of admission, you will be interviewed and accepted by both the Department of Art and Design and the Department of Psychological Science and Counseling. Marian's curriculum is based on the recommendations of the American Art Therapy Association.

What will you study?

Bachelor of Arts: Studio Arts/ Concentration in Art Therapy

Foundation program studio courses (12 credits)

• ART 110: Drawing and Design I  (3 credits)
• ART 206: Color Theory and Application (3 credits)
• ART 210: Drawing and Design II  (3 credits)
• ART 255: Photography I  (3 credits)

Students who are visual and creative arts majors may enter the art therapy concentration after completing ART 110, 210, 201, 206, and PSY 101 level with a grade of "C" or higher in each of these classes.

Art history courses (12 credits)

• ARH 235: Survey of Western Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance (3 credits)
• ARH 236: Survey of Western Art II: Baroque to Contemporary (3 credits)
• ARH 344: The Modern World —OR— ARH 346: The Contemporary Scene (3 credits)
• One 300 level ARH course  (3 credits)

Concentration courses (18 credits)

• ART 203: Ceramics I  (3 credits)
• ART 201: Three-Dimensional Design  (3 credits)
• ART 221: Painting I  (3 credits)
• ART/PSY 371: Introduction to Art Therapy  (3 credits)
• ART 461: Art Therapy Internship  (3 credits)
• ART 490: Senior Seminar  (1 credit)
• ART 491: Senior Portfolio and Professional Practices  (2 credits)

The following portfolio reviews are required for continuation in the program:

• Foundation portfolio review: First semester sophomore year
• Junior portfolio review: Second semester junior year
• Senior portfolio review: Senior exhibition semester in senior year

Art therapy sample four year plan (pdf)

Required Minor in Psychology (12 credits)

• PSY 101: General Psychology  (3 credits)
• PSY  220: Human Growth and Development  (3 credits)
• PSY  230: Abnormal Psychology I  (3 credits)
• PSY  335: Theories of Personality (3 credits)

This curriculum is based on the recommendations of the American Art Therapy Association.