Pre-Art Therapy (BA)
Where the creative process meets the healing process.
- Available as
- Major
- Degrees/Options
- Bachelor of Arts
- Length
- 4 years
- Locations
- Fort Wayne
- Available Concentrations
- 2D Painting, Drawing, Printmaking; 3D Sculpture, Ceramics, Metals; Photography
Why Study Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a calling at the intersection of creativity and human services. By engaging clients in the creative process — whether making art or interacting with it — art therapists help develop and enhance the mental, emotional and physical well-being of people in all age ranges. Because it can unlock emotional expression by facilitating non-verbal communication, art therapy is especially beneficial in cases where traditional psychotherapy has been ineffectual.
To become an art therapist, you’ll need a master’s degree in art therapy, counseling, psychology or a related field and art therapy certification from the Art Therapy Credentials Board.
100%
Career success rate for our pre-art therapy graduates over the past four graduating classes (2019-2022)
5
Art galleries on campus
$78,024
Median salary for art therapists in 2024
Glassdoor, 2024
Why Study Art Therapy at Saint Francis?
The University of Saint Francis designed its pre-art therapy program to prepare you for success in graduate school. With elements of studio art, social work, and psychology, our robust, hands-on curriculum builds a foundation in human development and behavior, encourages your artistic talent, and hones your counseling techniques.
Built on Franciscan values of faith and reason, your entire Saint Francis academic experience will prepare you to serve people of all backgrounds as an ethical, compassionate mental health professional.
Hands-On Learning Experiences
Hone Your Skills With a Creative Concentration
You’ll graduate with an impressive portfolio of artwork in one of three art mediums/concentration areas: 3D Art, 2D Art, or Photography.
Apply Your Skills Through Internships & Service
As you study art therapy, you’ll gain experience in community and professional settings through internships and service learning.
“I really like how many opportunities we have to apply our work to real-life situations. I did a year-long internship at Erin’s House working with teens and younger children. As a facilitator, I used art to help them connect to their peers and work through their challenges. It’s empowering to use what I’ve learned to help others.”
Brittney Ley ’19, ’21 Pre-Art Therapy (BA) and Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS) alumna
“My professors, especially my professors in the studio art classes, helped expand my horizons. They push me to be the best student and artist I can be. They are my favorite thing about USF and I’m so happy that I’ve had the experience of being taught by them.”
Anjolina Bliven, ’25 Pre-Art Therapy major
“I’ve loved having the opportunity to practice using Art Therapy techniques in the real world. Volunteering at Erin’s House for Grieving Children has been a great experience and I plan to continue using what I learned in the Pre-Art Therapy program to help students in my future classroom.”
Alex Ebetino, ’24 Art Teacher, South Side High School
Campus and Community
Your passion for the creative arts and desire to enter the mental health profession might spark your interest in clubs, activities, and professional organizations such as:
- American Art Therapy Association
- Artists in Action
- Campus Ministry
- Cougars Care
- Council for Exceptional Children
- Dead Artists Society
- f/8 Photo Club
- Get Psyched! (student-led psychology club)
- Jesters of the University of Saint Francis
- Mudslingers Ceramics Club
- Pencil Pushers Sketch Club
Graduate School and Art Therapy Certification
Saint Francis pre-art therapy students pursue master’s degrees in areas such as art therapy and counseling, applied behavioral analysis, and school psychology at institutions such as:
- Edinboro University
- Springfield College
- St. Mary of the Woods
- Southern Illinois University
- Ursuline College
The University of Saint Francis offers several graduate and doctoral programs in the mental health disciplines.
Careers in Art Therapy: Where You’ll Find Our Graduates
Art Therapists
Art therapy certification/licensure can lead to counseling, therapeutic and other clinical positions in a range of settings, from school districts and social services agencies to healthcare facilities and rehabilitation centers.
Art Educators
After they study art therapy, some graduates pursue teaching certification (such as through Saint Francis’ Transition to Teaching program) and become art educators in grades PreK-12.
Mental & Behavioral Health Positions
With the social work and psychology background you’ll build in the pre-art therapy bachelor’s program, you can find work as a mental health counselor, recreational therapist, or related positions.