Art Therapy Co-Major

For information, please contact the Department of Art, 124 Art Building, 513-529-2900.

The primary goal of the co-major is to prepare students interested in pursuing a career in art therapy to apply to art therapy graduate programs. Art therapists can work in any setting that employs helping professions, for example: hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, domestic violence shelters, geriatric facilities, psychiatric facilities, residential facilities, day programs for developmental disabilities and chronic mental illness, etc. Art therapy uses the art process and the therapeutic relationship between the client and art therapist to process trauma, enhance self-esteem, improve relational abilities, decrease anxiety/depression, and increase an overall enhanced sense of well-being. Students who pursue and complete a master’s degree in art therapy will be eligible for mental health licensure in their state, which grants the ability then to have four broad career opportunities (Art Therapist, Art Educator*, Counselor, and Artist).

The art therapy co-major builds upon the minor and the foundation of three lateral, human-centered perspectives significant to the field of art therapy: art studio, art education, and psychology. Students will explore connections between art production, methods of facilitating art experiences with people across the lifespan, and an understanding of human behaviors. Introduction to Art Therapy will tie the courses together through presenting exploratory art-making activities, foundational readings, and possible pathways to a career in the profession. The co-major curriculum provides students with an interest in art therapy additional skills and competencies from more in-depth coursework. Advanced coursework in both a 2D studio area and a 3D studio area is required.

The term co-major indicates that students must be currently enrolled in and complete another major at Miami University; the co-major complements the primary major. There is no specific degree designation for the co-major; students receive the designation of their primary major. Students may earn either the Art Therapy minor or Art Therapy co-major. A minimum overall 2.0 GPA is required for the minor and co-major. All courses must be taken for a letter grade (not credit/no credit).

*Check state licensure requirements for public school contexts 

Program Requirements

¹

 PSY 112 waived for non-psychology majors with AP or transfer credit for PSY111.