Art Therapy Major
Art Therapy on WDIY's Lehigh Valley Arts Salon
Healing Arts can take several forms. Host Sally Handlon explores both the educational and practical application for art therapy with Cedar Crest Professor Rebecca Arnold and artist, Rose Mavis. (Original broadcast April 1, 2013.)
Our program aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Art Therapy Association
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that engages the client in the creation of artwork, using the process of artmaking as a key component to healing—emotionally, mentally and physically.
By selecting the art therapy major at Cedar Crest College, you will be introduced to issues in psychology while developing your talents in multiple studio areas.
This degree program is aligned with the curriculum guidelines of the American Art Therapy Association and will fully prepare you to pursue a graduate degree in art therapy, which is essential for students wishing to become board-certified and work in private practice. Your B.A. will also prepare you to work in an array of fields.
Art Therapy at Cedar Crest College
Board-certified faculty. All of the art therapy courses offered at Cedar Crest College are taught by a registered and board-certified art therapist, Rebecca Arnold, M.A., ATR-BC. Rebecca has been a professional art therapist since 2000 and has been teaching at Cedar Crest since 2007.
Better preparation for graduate school. Our art therapy program meets the stringent guidelines of the American Art Therapy Association. This is an essential criterion for students looking to pursue graduate studies in art therapy. You will also prepare your portfolio used for applying to graduate school.
An exceptional psychology program. All of our psychology professors hold doctoral degrees in their areas of expertise. We also have exceptional research facilities, clubs and unique course offerings in psychology that you won’t find elsewhere.
More options for additional studies. Students at Cedar Crest often dual major, add minors and customize a persoanl educational experience.
Real-world experience. Senior year art therapy practicum is an internship that will provide you with 50 hours of observation time in an approved facility. It takes place under the supervision of a master’s level art therapist.
Artistic Media at Cedar Crest College
During your years here, you will be able to explore and develop skills in the following media.
- Book arts
- Ceramics
- Illustration
- Jewelry and metalsmithing
- Painting
- Papermaking
- Printed image
- Sculpture
Art Therapy Major
Foundations
- ART 101: Beginning Drawing 3 credits
- ART 110: Principles of Visual Organization 3 credits
- ART 105: Art History I 3 credits
- ART 106: Art History II 3 credits
- ART 129/229/134: InDesign I, II, Photoshop I 3 credits (1 credit each)
Studio Electives
Select four electives, choosing both 2D and 3D optons:
- ART 111: Printed Image (2D) 3 credits
- ART 113: Illustration (2D) 3 credits
- ART 123: Painting (2D) 3 credits
- ART 124: Papermaking (2D) 3 credits
- ART 125: Jewelry & Metalsmithing (3D) 3 credits
- ART 127: Sculpture (3D) 3 credits
- ART 131: Ceramics (3D) 3 credits
- ART 139: Book Arts (2D) 3 credits
Art Therapy Courses
- ART 103: Introduction to Art Therapy 3 credits
- ART 203: Applications in Art Therapy (pre-requisite: ART 103) 3 credits
- ART 403: Art Therapy Practicum/Internship Sr. year spring only) (pre-requisites: ART 103, 209) 3 credits
Psychology Courses
- PSY 100: General Psychology 3 credits
- PSY 250: Life Span 3 credits
- PSY 309: Abnormal Psychology 3 credits
- PSY 351: Personality 3 credits
TOTAL CREDITS: 48
Recommended Courses
The art department highly recommends upper level studio courses as general electives to supplement your portfolio for entrance into a master’s program.
The department also recommends the following art history, psychology, English and writing electives:
- ART 200: Modern Art: 1800-1945 (Fall)
- ART 201: Contemporary Art: 1945-present (Spring)
- ART 215: Selected Movements in Art
- ART 220: Women Artists (Spring)
- PSY 316: Systems of Psychotherapy
- PSY 230: Team Building and Group Dynamics
- PSY 241: Child Development
- ENG 234: Creative Writing: Poetry
- SPS 170/171: Understanding and Using APA Editorial Style
Portfolio Reviews
Portfolio reviews are held in the fall and the spring semesters. Two reviews are requiremented for the major. Students present a portfolio of their current studio work.
The purpose of the portfolio review:
- To provide the student with feedback on the progress of their work
- To suggest potential directions the work may take
- To gain a knowledge of artistic sensibilities that will enhance later therapeutic relationships
- To serve as an assessment tool for the art department
- To assist students in the creation of a professional portfolio which is required when applying to graduate schools.
Art Therapy Mission Statement
The art therapy major at Cedar Crest College provides a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that fosters respect for each person and empowerment of the individual through relationship building, leadership development, civic engagement, global connectivity and health and wellness initiatives. Coursework inspires social awareness, community advocacy, and prepares students to be compassionate leaders using the healing potential of the arts.
American Art Therapy Association (AATT): www.arttherapy.org
Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. (ATCB): www.atcb.org
