Art Therapy, BA
Our program teaches you to engage people through art and facilitate meaningful and expressive experiences. You will explore potential art therapy mediums, including drawing, painting, clay sculpting, photography, collage work, and papermaking, and learn how to use these mediums to assist clients in psychological and mental wellness.
While a graduate degree is required to become a practicing art therapist, undergraduate students develop valuable community arts facilitation skills to comfortably lead groups through art making and communications activities.
A portfolio review is not required for admission to the Art Therapy Program.
Your Degree Plan
Introduction to Visual Arts Therapy
ART 410
Introduces students to basic principles and practices of visual arts therapy through historical background, theoretical frameworks, and in-field issues. Provides information on pioneers in the field, how and where art therapists practice, training required for the profession, as well as interactive art explorations to incorporate art therapy principles into their own teaching and/or artistic practice. Online lectures and discussion.
Theory of Art Education and Art Therapy
ART 411
Introduces students to the historical, theoretical, and philosophical foundations of visual arts therapy. Provides students with an overall understanding of how visual arts therapy relates to practice in art education. Specific theories relating to creativity development and visual literacy are explored.
Art Methods/Materials for Special Populations
ART 412
Provides students with in-depth understanding of art methods and materials used in artistic development of children, adolescents, and adults, while using creative process of art making to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well being of individuals of all ages. Research, assigned readings, online discussions, and hands-on projects and critiques. On-campus art-making seminar is required.
Advanced Problems in Art-Making
ART 420
Provides students with in-depth understanding of art methods and materials used in artistic development of children, adolescents, and adults, while using creative process of art making to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well being of individuals of all ages. Research, assigned readings, online discussions, and hands-on projects and critiques.
Art Therapy Senior Capstone
ART 455
Seminar culminating scholarly experience of the undergraduate art therapy program. Provides the opportunity to explore, research, and articulate individual perspectives on art-making and personal strengths related to future careers in art therapy. Includes lectures, guest speakers/visiting artists, reflective art-making, and written assignments.
Introduction to Psychology
PSYC 101
Survey of general psychology.
Introduction to Human Development
PSYC 241
Survey of human psychological development across the life span with emphasis on change in biological, cognitive, and social-emotional processes. Special attention given to theoretical, conceptual, methodological, and practical issues.
Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 281
Introduction to major categories of behavior disorders; etiology, prevention and treatment.
Honors
Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
- You’ll graduate with a minor in human services, which provides additional preparation to work in social services, mental health, and substance use disorder agencies.
- Elective options explore related fields that can complement art therapy education and training.
- Coursework focuses on art therapy and art education and how these fields can work collaboratively.
- WVU is a Research University (R1) in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, at the forefront of research and innovation.
- State-of-the-art studios for hands-on learning experiences in silkscreen and lithography printmaking, ceramics production and kiln firing, and digital and traditional photographic processes, to name a few.
- Annual series of visiting artist lectures and gallery exhibitions in WVU Art Museum and Mesaros Galleries features nationally recognized artists and scholars.
Learn by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
Careers and Outcomes
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Art Therapists
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $65,010
Possible Job Titles: Art Psychotherapist, Art Therapist, Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), Registered Art Therapist (ATR)
Recreational Therapists
Median Salary: $60,280
Possible Job Titles: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Recreation Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Rehabilitation Therapist
Mental Health Counselors
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $59,190
Possible Job Titles: Clinician, Counselor, Mental Health Specialist, Mental Health Therapist
Healthcare Support Workers
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $46,050
Art Therapist
A master’s degree is required to practice as an art therapist. The undergraduate degree in Art Therapy is designed to prepare you for graduate study in art therapy.
The BA Art Therapy curriculum provides coursework for you to gain foundational studio art proficiencies, counseling, and interpersonal skills, and engage in hands-on learning activities through self-exploration and community arts engagement.
As a stand-alone degree, the BA in Art Therapy will allow you to apply for entry-level human service positions in schools, community arts centers, rehabilitation facilities, and correctional institutions.
Graduate school options
Our grads have continued their studies in programs across the country, including:
- MA, Art Therapy with Specialization in Counseling, Seton Hill University - Greensburg, PA
- MA, Art Therapy with Specialization in Counseling, The George Washington University - Washington, D.C.
- MA, Art Therapy, West Liberty University - Wheeling, WV
- MA, Art Therapy and Counseling, Lesley University - Lesley, MA
- MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy, Southwestern College - Santa Fe, NM
- MA, Art Therapy/Counseling, West Virginia University - Morgantown, WV
- MS, Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, West Virginia University - Morgantown, WV
FAQs
Common questions and answers about Art Therapy.
Places and Spaces
See where you’ll study, research, and create.
Canady Creative Arts Center
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Student Life
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Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Art Therapy major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
Tuition and Aid
How much does Art Therapy at WVU cost? And how can you save?
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.
Ways to Save
Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.
Financial Aid
The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Art Therapy, BA is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Ohio Tuition Reciprocity
As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Art Therapy can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.
Start at Another WVU Campus
You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
Request Info
Want to know more about Art Therapy at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.
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