Art Therapy 55 credits

The professional major in Art Therapy is designed for students interested in using art modalities in working with adults and children in a variety of settings. It prepares students for entry-level positions in a number of human services settings, such as social service agencies, childcare programs or specialized school programs, and other community settings. It is also designed to prepare students for entry into a professional Master's degree program in Art Therapy and/or Expressive Therapies. This major combines pre-professional courses in the human services with minors in both psychology and art.

The Advanced courses are designed to give students more depth of study in at least one of the areas of the foundation courses. Students can choose Advanced Courses from the list below or, if they have taken IFNDN 1615 Drawing Fundamentals, they can take any 2000 level Fine ARTS courses which takes their drawing, painting or 3D work to a more advanced level.

** Passing this gatekeeper course allows Lesley College students to take most 2000 level Fine Art courses.

*** Passing this gatekeeper course allows Lesley College students to take most 2000 level Design courses.

Dual Degree Art Therapy
Bachelor of Science/Master of ARTS in Art Therapy*

* Students interested in this dual degree program should speak to the Art Therapy Dual-Degree Coordinator

The Dual Degree Program in Art Therapy is an honors program designed for exceptional students. The integrated B.S./M.A. program is developed for Lesley College students who are interested in accelerating their educational experience in a program combining the curriculum of the undergraduate art therapy major and a graduate program in Art Therapy and Mental Health Counseling.
The program is designed for students who demonstrate a high level of maturity and academic potential. Essentially an honors program, the integrated program demands that students be able to achieve the academic rigor of graduate education by the time they reach their junior year of traditional undergraduate study. Students in this accelerated program must be able to achieve a level of introspection and cultural awareness necessary to engage in clinical work at a relatively young chronological age. Qualified students apply in the fall of their junior year and must be accepted for admission into the Expressive Therapy Division, Graduate School of ARTS and Social Sciences.

The qualities looked for upon admission include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to empathize and be compassionate within a therapeutic environment
• Demonstrated psychological strength to work with different clinical populations
• Well-organized, independent, motivated, takes initiative
• Ability to handle complexity
• Works well under stress
• Ability to integrate theory and practice
• Demonstrated conceptual literacy
• Willingness to take creative risks in studio work
• Proficiency and disciplined commitment in art making
• Evidence of a range of experience using a variety of art materials and processes

Students are advised jointly in their junior and senior year by the coordinator of the undergraduate Art Therapy program and a graduate school advisor designated for the dual degree program.

Admissions Criteria for Dual Degree Art Therapy Candidates

Students will apply for the Master's program in the fall of their junior year.

1. 3.3 GPA
2. 12 credits in psychology, including Abnormal Psychology and Developmental Psychology with grades of B or better
3. 18 credits of studio art courses
4. Portfolio of 15 slides of their artwork. The slides should represent a variety of media, including two- and three-dimensional works demonstrating the applicant's technical abilities and the range of their self-expression.
5. One 3 credit course in Principles and Practices of Art Therapy or an art therapy course that includes the history and survey of the profession, different theoretical approaches to art therapy, and its application to various populations.
6. Letter of academic support from undergraduate faculty advisor or the AT undergraduate program coordinator.
7. Successful completion of an admissions interview and review process through the Expressive Therapies Division.

Accepted students complete the Art Therapy major (see above) in addition to the following:

Course Descriptions

CPSYC 2423

Principles of Art Therapy
3 credits
This course provides an introduction to the history, philosophy, and theory of art therapy. Students will learn about the creative process and visual expression as it relates to therapy. Readings, lectures, films, and experiential exercises will be utilized. No artistic ability or training is necessary.

CPSYC 3523

CHMSR 1551

CHMSR 2551

CPSYC 1401

CPSYC 3405

CSOCS 3444