Undergraduate degree in Art Therapy, followed by a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. (Generally, students complete a minimum of 120 undergraduate credits and 50 graduate credits). Requirements are subject to change.
Graduates in this 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.
Graduates 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 special needs schools. Some may choose to work in private or public schools and institutions for emotional problems, learning differences, developmental delays, brain damage, deafness, vision impairments, physically challenged, and disabled children.
The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a graduate program in the art therapy field, as students wishing to become registered art therapists by the American Art Therapy Association must obtain a graduate degree. For more information about the art therapy major contact Dr. Simone Alter-Muri at (413) 748-3752 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.
For additional information on the Occupational Therapy dual degree program click here
Download an Art Therapy / Occupational Therapy dual degree Program Checksheet