Minor Code: ATS

Art and Design​ Department
Upton Hall 402
(716) 878-6032
artdesign.buffalostate.edu/

About the Program

Art therapy is a mental health profession in which qualified art therapists facilitate client’s use of art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore emotions, resolve conflicts, develop interpersonal skills, manage behaviors, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight. Art therapy is used in individual, group, and family assessment and treatment to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Art therapists work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, public and community agencies, schools, wellness centers and private practice.

A master’s degree and extensive post-graduate clinical experience are required for entry-level practice in art therapy. The Buffalo State art therapy minor is designed to introduce students to the profession of art therapy. Those students preparing for graduate study will be advised regarding the prerequisite undergraduate coursework required for admission to graduate art therapy programs approved by the American Art Therapy Association, the national professional organization that maintains the standards for education and training leading to the art therapist clinical credential and board certification.

Admission Requirements

This minor is open to all students who have completed at least one semester of full-time study at Buffalo State and who are in good academic standing (2.00 or better GPA).

Transfer credits: A maximum of 6 transfer credits are accepted toward fulfillment of the minor.

Program Requirements

The Buffalo State art therapy minor requires 21 credits including three core courses in art therapy and four courses in related prerequisite electives. The following curriculum lists the core and their prerequisite courses.

Please note that prerequisite courses are selected as per advisement with the art therapy advisor. Students should seek faculty advisement prior to registration for each semester they are enrolled in the minor. Students planning on graduate studies in art therapy will be advised to take prerequisite courses that will fulfill graduate entrance requirements.

Other majors—only courses in psychology, exceptional education, and social work may fulfill the prerequisite contingent upon approval of the art therapy minor coordinator. Also note that the minor program of study may contain no more than three courses at the 100 or 200 level.