Major in Pre-Professional Art Therapy
God saw creativity as a need for expression in his children.
The Pre-Professional Art Therapy major at Union allows students to follow this path of expression for themselves and service to others. This major is for undergraduate courses with the intent of further master study to obtain a final certification as an Art Therapist. Pre-Professional Art Therapy focuses on providing students with a foundation in studio, while providing a path of courses in the psychology department to prepare them for their graduate studies.
According to the Association for Art Therapists, art therapy is "Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship." Art Therapists typically make a salary of $65,000 to $90,000.
Student Outcomes Curriculum Student Experience
Jobs in Art Therapy
Art Therapy students learn a variety of skills useful in many different job settings. Potential opportunities include:
- Assisted Living Centers
- Clinical Research Facilities
- Crisis Centers
- Detention Centers
- Forensic Institutions
- Hospitals
- Private Practice
- Rehabilitation Care Units
- Schools
- Senior Communities
- Universities
- Wellness Centers
Internship Sites
- Star Center in Jackson
- Morningside in Jackson
- Tennessee Women's Penitentiary
- Jackson Arts Council
- Glennon's Children's Hospital in St. Louis
- St Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis
- Jackson General Hospital
- The Oasis, a community of homes for rescued Guatemalan girls
Schools Accepted for Post-Secondary
- Florida State University, FL
- Lesley University, MA
- Brandeis University, MA
- Pratt Institute, NY
- School of Visual Arts, NY
- Adler University, IL
- Hofstra University, NY
- Edinboro University, PA
- University of Chester, England
- University of Derby, England
- University of Hertfordshire, England
- Goldsmiths, University of London, England
I felt lucky to be in the Art Therapy Program at Union because of the way it was set up. I got to dabble in each emphasis and that made me a more well rounded artist. The Art Therapy Club was a great source of community as I was going through the program!
The pre-professional art therapy track provided the scaffolding and structure I needed in order to meet the prerequisites necessary for future graduate programs. My writing skills and critical thinking were challenged which highly prepared me for graduate school interviews and portfolios. I was accepted to one of the top art therapy master's programs in the country with a full graduate assistantship due to my experience and education at Union. I have recently opened up my own art therapy practice to support and serve those experiencing a range of mental health disorders in the Nashville area