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The therapeutic world of art

Art Therapy is a mental health profession that combines psychotherapeutic theories with an understanding of art materials and their affective properties. Art therapy uses art media and the creative process to help foster self-expression and coping skills.

As an Art Therapy major at Edgewood College, you will work alongside award-winning faculty who are actively engaged in field research. With active guidance in addition to state-of-the-art LEED-certified facilities, you can expect to gain knowledge in creative expression, team skills, effective communication, and commitment to using art as a form of healing. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects of art therapy, encompassing supervised field experience across diverse settings, psychology fundamentals, and studio art training.

Nestled in the vibrant city of Madison, Wisconsin, Edgewood offers an inspiring environment for aspiring artists to flourish and shape their futures. With our rich cultural scene and ample opportunities for artistic exploration, we provide a nurturing and supportive setting where students can cultivate their passion for helping others through art and unlock their creative potential.

We offer a seamless path to earning both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in art therapy, all in one place. Our master’s program is a comprehensive two year, fully online program designed to provide you with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of art therapy. Once you complete the master’s degree program, you will be eligible to apply for provisional art therapy registration (ATR-P) and ultimately achieve art therapy registration (ATR-BC). This specialized expertise will set you apart as a qualified and knowledgeable professional in the field of art therapy.

Locations
Madison, WI
Formats
On-campus
Number of Credits
120
Next Start Date
January 21, 2025

Careers in Art Therapy

$62,923

A bachelor’s degree in art therapy prepares you for a variety of career paths. Those marked with an asterisk (*) require a master’s level degree.

  • Art Therapist*
  • Occupational Therapist*
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Speech Language Pathologist*
  • Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

**Stats about your major can include numbers such as how many partners/clinical sites/internship sites you have, student:faculty ratio, class size, retention rate, graduation rate, job placement, how many students attended graduate school post-graduation in the last two years, the number of community partners, the number of research hours or projects students will complete this year, the combined years of work experience of faculty in the department, how many graduates in the program, how many students will present their research this year, etc.

Art Therapy Student Spotlight

Allison Clarke

Allison Clarke

“I’m incredibly thankful to be given the opportunity to work with and learn from the remarkable art professors at Edgewood and to create in a space as wonderful as The Stream. I miss the days I spent with paint on my hands, dried clay under my nails, and the glow of the sun lighting up the room. Edgewood College is grounds for inspiration, whether it be the ecological design of The Stream, the wooded lakeside landscape, or the effigy mounds outside its doors. It’s been my escape.”

Edgewood College Art Therapy Students

Introducing Edgewood College Art Therapy Students (ECATS), a supportive organization for students interested in art therapy. Whether you’re majoring in art therapy or simply curious about its potential, ECATS offers a community to explore the field, connect with peers, and engage in art therapy activities and discussions. Join us to discover the transformative power of art in therapy and be part of a creative and compassionate community at Edgewood College.

Faculty Spotlights

Jill McNutt

Jill McNutt

JMcNutt@edgewood.edu

Leara Glinzak

LGlinzak@edgewood.edu

Fra Angelico Financial Award

In honor of Fra Angelico, a monetary award is given to an exemplary senior majoring in art. This is an extraordinary student who embodies the highest standards of the art program and the values of Edgewood College through their artistic excellence, academic curiosity, and community engagement.

Dominican Friar and artist Fra Angelico (1395-1455) was an Italian painter of the Early Renaissance. He is most well-known for his frescos on the walls of the monastery of San Marco in Florence including The Annunciation and St. Dominic at the Cross (1438 – 50) which appear in the Dormitory Corridors as aids to meditation and prayer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Art Therapy

Where do Art Therapists find work?

Art therapists with a bachelor’s degree often find employment in various settings such as
community centers, senior centers, retirement facilities, educational institutions, after-school programs, and through hospital artist residencies. Additionally, graduates are well-equipped to apply competitively for master’s degree programs in art therapy, further enhancing their expertise and career opportunities in the field.