The Department of Psychology at Saint Joseph's University provides students with an understanding and appreciation of behavior and mental processes. Our major prepares students to continue toward a career in mental healthcare, become a psychological researcher, and to work in industry in a variety of jobs that require the skills we teach.
Art Therapy
In the art therapy program at Saint Joseph's University, you will learn the theories and concepts in psychology and art to deliver transformational and whole-person-focused care. In your art therapy minor courses, you will also develop an understanding of the concepts, practices and history of art therapy, as well as the fundamentals of the therapeutic relationship between art and counseling.
What is an Art Therapy Minor?
Art Therapy is a discipline in psychotherapy that encourages free self-expression through painting, drawing, or modeling, used as a remedial activity or an aid to diagnosis to address issues ranging from medical ailments to mental illnesses. With a minor in art therapy, you'll receive a foundational education in psychology and art to help you decide if you wish to pursue paths toward professional, academic, and/or research careers in art therapy and related professions.
In the interdisciplinary art therapy program, Saint Joseph's University students will receive an education in the theory and practice of art as a highly-used therapeutic practice. Courses will give you the knowledge and understanding needed in art therapy to use various types of art and creative expression to help people explore and transform feelings, thoughts, and ideas. Your coursework in abnormal psychology, clinical mental health counseling, developmental psychology, and sensation and perception will help you provide thoughtful care.
Ways to Study Art Therapy
Many students often decide to double major or add minors to their studies. Art therapy is available only as a minor at Saint Joseph's University, and common additional areas of study that students interested in the art therapy minor also pursue include:
- Art
- Psychology
- Early Childhood Education (Grades PreK-4)
- Elementary Education (Grades 4-8)
- Secondary Education (Grades 7-12)
- Elementary Education & Special Education Dual Major
What Can You Do with a Minor in Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a growing field. Art therapists can work with individuals, couples, families and groups in diverse settings. Some art therapy jobs include delivering care at health facilities, such as:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Veteran’s clinics
- Private practice
- Psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities
- Community clinics
- Crisis centers
- Forensic institutions
- Senior communities
The art therapy minor at Saint Joseph's University will give you the foundational education you need to apply to graduate programs in art therapy to become a practicing art therapist.
How Will Saint Joseph's University Prepare You for a Career in Art Therapy?
Delivering care to a person's mind, body and spirit is an important aspect of Saint Joseph's Jesuit education and will help distinguish your study of art therapy and your professional growth.
With expert faculty in the arts, psychology and art therapy, you will receive a rigorous and relevant education to prepare you for a successful career as an art therapist. With access to the Art department's two art galleries and 24-7 access to the art studios, you have opportunities to immerse yourself in your study of art to have a deeper understanding of art media for your career. You'll gain hands-on experience in service-learning courses offered by the art department and the psychology department. Faculty and advisors also help students identify internships, shadowing opportunities and co-ops to gain real-world professional experience in the art therapy field. Saint Joseph's ideal location in Philadelphia, PA and close proximity to the Main Line suburbs provides easy access to some of the region's best healthcare networks for internships.
If you are interested in how to become an art therapist, your academic advisor can help you choose classes that will provide a strong education and prepare you for graduate school.