ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å

Art therapy at ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°åampa combines art, psychology and therapeutic skills to help people express what is hard to put into words. As a student, you will:

• Learn how different art materials and processes can support emotional expression and healing.
• Study psychology and development to understand how people think, feel and grow across the lifespan.
• Practice observing and talking about artwork in ways that are sensitive, ethical and trauma-informed.

Many people struggle to verbalize their feelings. Through your coursework and studio practice, you’ll learn how to use artmaking as a safe, structured way to help people process experiences and cope with daily life.

You’ll also apply what you learn through internships and community-based experiences, so you can connect classroom learning to real people and real settings.

Field Experiences

The on-site field experience is designed to give students a real-world experience using art in a therapeutic capacity. Students may select from a number of agencies and work under the supervision of art therapists, artists in residence, art educators, child life specialists, activity therapists, or counselors. Some of the sites and populations our students can work with include community art programs for adults with developmental disabilities; social organizations supporting unhoused adults; educational settings, including middle and high schools and schools for children with disabilities, settings for substance use recovery, and museum settings, including the Tampa Museum of Art. With this diverse body of practicum placements, we aim for our students to develop communication and leadership skills that are necessary to facilitate art experiences in various settings.

Professional PreparationÌý

To become a registered art therapist, the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) has determined that one must possess a master’s degree accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (). Entry into such a graduate program is normally based upon three criteria: (1) art skills evidenced by studio coursework and portfolio, (2) coursework in the behavioral sciences, particularly psychology, and (3) clinical or community experience such as practicums, volunteer work, or professional work in the social sciences. ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°åampa’s B.A. in Art Therapy is designed to prepare students to enter an accredited master’s degree program and/or explore other wellness-related careers. ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å BA in Art Therapy program graduates are consistently admitted to highly respected MA/MS art therapy graduate programs and continue on to become licensed and credentialed art therapists including George Washington University, Antioch University, Southwestern College, Lesley University, Loyola Marymount University, The College of New Rochalle, Marywood University, Caldwell University, The School of Visual Arts, St Mary of the Woods, and Florida State University

Alumni who successfully graduated from these institutions secured jobs in hospitals, community agencies, schools, and other therapeutic settings. Alumni who choose not to pursue a master's degree in art therapy have also built meaningful careers in adjacent fields. Many continue working as visual art educators across private and public school systems. Others serve in educational and therapeutic environments supporting children and adults with developmental, intellectual, and learning disabilities.