Certificate in Art Therapy
The art therapy certificate covers the prerequisites established by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). The purpose of the certificate is to introduce students to the field of art therapy, to enhance their personal use of arts processes, and to prepare them to utilize art education methods and fine arts skills in therapeutic arts environments such as children's arts camps, retirement homes, and community arts agencies.
Students should petition to become art therapy candidates at their regularly scheduled major acceptance review and begin keeping their art therapy journal under the supervision of the art therapy program advisor. (Regulated by the AATA, art therapists must complete a master's degree in order to become registered and certified. The certificate in art therapy provides an initial stage of preparation for further training.) Students seeking this certificate are required to adhere to the Ethics and Standards of Practice guidelines of the AATA.
Certificate Requirements
Required Courses: In addition to all requirements for the BA in studio art or a BFA in the various studio emphases, art majors can attain the certificate in art therapy by successfully completing certain courses. In addition to the required course sequence, students are encouraged to take courses in education, multicultural studies, religion and social science methods. For full details, consult the program requirements.
Art Therapy Journal: Similar to an art portfolio, this journal must be kept throughout the course of studies once the student has been identified as a candidate for the art therapy certificate. The art therapy journal review takes place at the end of each semester in the program with a final review prior to graduation.
Additional Information