Program Description

Graduates in this major will have the essential requirements for application to graduate programming in art therapy. Undergraduate art therapy majors are prepared to work in various settings as pre-professionals before entering graduate studies by utilizing foundational knowledge in art therapy theory, visual arts skills, and psychological theory. These include community art studios, mental health treatment facilities, visual artist programming in medical hospitals, community health centers, nursing homes, and alternative schools.

Our curriculum is a unique blend of visual arts, psychology, and community engagement, which provides you with the skills necessary to be successful in the field and understand how to engage with and improve your communities. Coursework develops pre-professional skills and has students shadowing artists, art educators, and other professionals to understand better how they will use their knowledge of art therapy theory, psychological theory, and visual arts expression. Practicum experiences provide students with hands-on experiences in developing creative arts activities, managing groups, and learning about diverse populations.

A student in the undergraduate art therapy major will be prepared to enter graduate programming with knowledge of individuals of all ages with varying degrees of need. 

Undergraduate Curriculum Overview

The Academic Advising Center provides the following repositories of sequencing and curriculum guides for all undergraduate majors and minors to assist with course planning:  

• Sequencing Guides - Majors (Traditional Population)  
• Sequencing Guides - Minors (Traditional Population) 
• Curriculum Guides (Regional and Online Population)

Additional Notes:

• There may be circumstances where credit totals do not reflect coursework that is eligible to count towards Core Curriculum and Major Requirement sections of a major simultaneously.
• Degree requirements are subject to change. 

I. Core Curriculum (40 credits)

This Core Curriculum is faithful to the Springfield College mission and further strengthens the Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body. It is a cornerstone of a Springfield College education. Regardless of one’s major, it provides a strong, developmental, and holistic foundation for leaders in service to humanity. Upon completion, all graduates will be prepared to learn, lead, and serve in diverse, multicultural, and global contexts as well as in any career path they may choose. They will have the knowledge, habits of the mind, skills, and abilities to face unexpected situations and challenges, the values and attitudes for self-motivation and a vision of service that stems from hope, optimism and making a difference, as well as the self-determination to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

View the Core Curriculum Requirements (40 credits)  section for a complete list of the domains and courses therein.

II. Major Requirements (62 credits)

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