Buffalo State University 29 courses
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.
Required Core Courses in Art Therapy
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ATS 320 | Introduction to Art and Therapy | 3 |
| AED 310 | Art Media and Methods Exploration | 3 |
| ATS 325 | Art for Children with Disabilities | 3 |
| Total Required Core Courses in Art Therapy | 9 credits | |
Prerequisite Courses for ATS 320
Complete at least 2 of the following courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 311 | Personality: Theory and Research | 3 |
| PSY 340 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 355 | Lifespan Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 356 | Child Development | 3 |
| PSY 357 | Adolescent and Young Adult Development | 3 |
| PSY 388 | Psychology of Death and Dying | 3 |
| SOC 100 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 320 | Sociology of the Family | 3 |
| SOC 320 | Sociology of the Family | 3 |
| SOC 321 | The African American Family | 3 |
| SOC 370 | Sociology of Deviant Behavior | 3 |
| SOC 391 | Sociology of Addiction | 3 |
| SOC 393 | Sociology of Mental Illness | 3 |
| SWK 335 | Mental Health and Social Work | 3 |
| SWK 425 | Social Work with Families | 3 |
| Total Prerequisite Courses for ATS 320 | 6 credits | |
Prerequisite Courses for AED 310
Complete at least 1 of the following courses: Note: Art History courses do not satisfy this requirement. The course must be studio-based, hands-on art materials and media. Representative course listing below.
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DES 114 | Workshop in Crafts | 3 |
| DES 220 | Ceramics I | 3 |
| AAD 101 | Drawing I | 1-3 |
| FAR 203 | Modeling | 3 |
| FAR 210 | Introductory Painting | 3 |
| FAR 240 | Introductory Sculpture | 3 |
| Total Prerequisite Courses for AED 310 | 3 credits | |
Prerequisite Courses for ATS 325
Complete at least 1 of the following courses: Total Credit Hours
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EXE 100 | Nature and Needs of Individuals with Special Needs | 3 |
| EXE 245 | Community Service with Individuals with Special Needs | 1-9 |
| SPF 202 | Child Development and Education | 3 |
| SPF 311 | Family Violence | 3 |
| SPF 353 | Human Development During Early Adolescence and Adolescence | 3 |
| Total Prerequisite Courses for ATS 325 | 3 credits | |
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