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Art Therapy Major at Springfield College

Students in the Art Therapy major have the professional preparation necessary to work with people of all ages with varying degrees of functional or organic impairment, as well as with traditional populations in schools. Through art therapy, the therapist provides an opportunity for nonverbal expression and communication, which can promote a reconciliation of emotional conflicts and foster self-awareness and personal growth.

Students are prepared for work in a variety of settings, including psychiatric hospitals and clinics, community mental health centers, geriatric centers, drug and alcohol clinics, nursing homes, halfway houses, prisons, and alternative schools.

For more information about the art therapy major, contact Dr. Simone Alter-Muri of the Visual and Performing Arts Department, at (413) 748-3752 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Related programs at Springfield College include: Art & Studio Art/Teacher Preparation, and Occupational Therapy. View the course catalog.

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

I. General Education Program (40 - 46 credits)

The General Education program at Springfield College is informed by its century-old Humanics tradition of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity. These requirements have the goal of developing literate, thoughtful, socially responsible students, and instilling in them a spirit of inquiry into the nature of humankind and the universe. Towards those ends, the requirements emphasize and encourage: the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and competency essential for the improvement of the human condition in a diverse society; a search for personal and spiritual values; and the development of an understanding and appreciation of physical well-being.  For specific requirements, see the General Education Program section or the Program Checksheet for this major.

II. Major Requirements

A. Core Requirements

• ARTS 105 - Studio in Printmaking Credits: 3

• or

• ATPY 504 - Printmaking for the Art Therapist Credits: 3
• ARTS 108 - Studio in Drawing Credits: 3
• ARTS 111 - Studio in Design Credits: 3
• ARTS 116 - Studio in Painting Credits: 3
• ARTS 211 - Studio in Sculpture Credits: 3

• or  

• ARTS 228 - Three-Dimensional Design Credits: 3
• ARTS 223 - Studio in Ceramics Credits: 3

And one of the following:

• ARTS 260 - Advanced Studio in Computer Graphics Credits: 2-6
• ARTS 261 - Advanced Studio in Drawing Credits: 2-6
• ARTS 262 - Advanced Studio in Painting Credits: 2-6
• ARTS 263 - Advanced Studio in Design-Portfolio Presentation Credits: 2-6
• ARTS 264 - Advanced Studio in Photography Credits: 2-6
• ARTS 265 - Advanced Studio in Printmaking Credits: 2-6
• ARTS 266 - Advanced Studio in Sculpture Credits: 2-6
• ARTS 267 - Advanced Studio in Materials and Techniques Credits: 2-6
• ARTS 270 - Advanced Studio in Ceramics Credits: 2-6

In addition, select two of the following courses:

• ARTS 102 - Arts and Ideas Credits: 3
• ARTS 219 - American Art 1700-1900 Credits: 3
• ARTS 221 - Women Artists in History Credits: 3
• ARTS 245 - Contemporary Jewish Art Credits: 3
• ATPY 507 - Psychology of Art and Artists Credits: 3

B. Related Course Requirements

Art Therapy Professional Requirements

• ATPY 101 - Introduction to Art Therapy Credits: 3
• ATPY 105 - Methods and Materials of Art Therapy and CMO Art Education for Adolescents and Adults Credits: 3
• ATPY 203 - Art Therapy with Special Needs Populations Credits: 3
• ATPY 309 - Pre-Practicum in Art Therapy and Art Education Credits: 3
• ATPY 430 - Multicultural Issues in Art Therapy Credits: 3
• ATPY 482 - Art Therapy Seminar Credits: 3
• ATPY 484 - Practicum in Art Therapy Credits: 1-8
• PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3
• PSYC 109 - Human Development Credits: 3
• PSYC 221 - Abnormal Psychology Credits: 3

And one of the following:

• ARTS 190 - Community Service Experience Credits: 2

• Licensure students take this course for 3 credits.

• ARTS 255 - Introduction to Art Education Credits: 3
• ATPY 508 - Art Therapy and the Elderly Client Credits: 2
• RSCH 141 - Guided Individual Study Credits: 2-6

• (Research in Art Therapy)

In addition, select one of the following courses:

• ARTS 280 - Integrating Arts in the Classroom Credits: 3
• ATPY 508 - Art Therapy and the Elderly Client Credits: 2
• ATPY 507 - Psychology of Art and Artists Credits: 3
• DANC 260 - Dance and Somatic Movement Therapy Credits: 3
• DRAM 150 - Creative Dramatics and Improvisation Credits: 3

III. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)

Program Standards

In order to achieve advanced standing and be eligible for advanced courses and fieldwork experience, all art therapy majors must have a record of demonstrating standards of professional competency related to attendance, preparation, academic honesty, creativity, maturity, professional behavior, empathy toward others, aptitude, and aesthetic awareness. Students must also meet the following academic standards:

1. A cumulative GPA of 2.500.
2. A 2.500 GPA in all program requirements.
3. A grade of C or better in all ARTS or ATPY courses.

Once met, standards for advanced standing must be maintained to continue in the major. Students who do not achieve advanced standing by their 90th credit hour must change to another major. If the standards are eventually met, the student may petition the department’s Appraisal and Retention Committee to be readmitted.More information about advanced standing standards and the process to apply is available from the Visual and Performing Arts Department.