TAKE THE FIRST STEP TO BECOMING AN ART THERAPIST
Our Pre-Art Therapy program consists of 24 credits and includes courses from Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology, in addition to designated Art Therapy courses. Combined with a BA or BFA in Art, the preprofessional Art Therapy program will provide a strong foundation for future studies and gives you the confidence to successfully enter in a master’s level program.
WHY STUDY PRE-ART THERAPY AT UW-STEVENS POINT?
Art therapists support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of their clients, including children experiencing behavioral challenges; people and caregivers in medical crises; victims of violence or other trauma; older adults struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease; or anyone who need help coping with life’s challenges. Our students can successfully enter a graduate program upon graduation.
Major Pairings
Pre-Art Therapy students commonly choose these programs as double majors or minors:
- BA/BFA Art
- Art History
- Communication
- Psychology
Get Involved!
Students have the opportunity to participate in a number of fraternities, honorary societies, and clubs at UWSP. Visit the UW-Stevens Point Information Network (SPIN) for more information or to find a group, join an organization, sign up for an event, volunteer, get around campus, access campus resources and more!
COFAC Alumni
Whether you are a recent graduate or a longtime alum, you can make an important difference for today’s students in the College of Fine Arts and Communication. By volunteering to share your story, your network, your career advice, and your successes, you can help guide students through the start of their professional lives as they discover their purpose. You are a vital part of our Pointer family, and we look forward to hearing from you!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your very first semester at UWSP you will begin taking introductory classes toward the pre-professional program. You will also take studio art courses in a variety of two- and three-dimensional art with the option of selection a BA (Bachelor of Art) or a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) upon completion of the foundation art coursework. Preprofessional Art Therapy courses include Intro to Art Therapy and Art Therapy Field Experience.
- Exhibition Opportunities / Competitions
The School of Design and Communication hosts the annual Juried Student Exhibition where students at all levels can enter work and have the chance to win awards. Each year we also hold a Scholarship Competition with multiple awards given to excellence in each discipline, in leadership and service. Students get calls to enter local, regional, national and international art shows. - Public Art / Community Work
The Carlsten Gallery Student Advisory Committee (CGSAC) holds an annual competition for students to create Public Artwork. Students gain experience with proposal writing, presentations, and working with a faculty mentor. - Visiting Artists / Workshops
Every year we host different visiting artists who hold workshops and give lectures on campus. Student groups sponsor events and individuals also travel to attend talks or weekend workshops. - Upon graduating, our students enter graduate programs or find career placement in positions including:
- Activities Director
- Mental Health Aid
- Mobile Therapist
- Rehabilitation Assistant
- Therapeutic Staff Support
- A graduate degree is a requirement for therapy positions. Art Therapists are employed by organizations such as:
- Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Facilities
- Addiction Treatment Centers
- Community Art or Health Centers
- Behavioral Health Clinics
- Hospitals and Health Care Clinics
- Public and Private Schools
- Non-Profit Agencies
- Residential Treatment Homes
pre-art therapy
This program is administered by the area of Art and Art History within the School of Design and Communication.
Pre-professional programs are designed to provide students with the necessary coursework and advising support to prepare for a professional school. The pre-professional program is not a major, minor, or certificate, and it does not appear as a credential on a student’s transcript.
To complete the pre-professional program and earn an undergraduate degree, students must declare a major, which serves as the primary area of study. The choice of major is flexible; students are encouraged to select a major that aligns with their academic interests. Contact the appropriate pre-professional adviser for guidance as early as possible.
Notes for Pre-Art Therapy: The 24 credits in this pre-professional program includes courses from Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology, in addition to designated Art Therapy courses. Combined with a BA or BFA in Art, the preprofessional Art Therapy program will position you to enter graduate programs in Art Therapy.
meet your faculty and staff
At UW-Stevens Point we work with students individually to realize their career goals. Our faculty members work professionally as artists, art directors, graphic and environmental designers, interior designers, curators, consultants, videographers, communication experts, educators and scholars. Their commitment to student success and great range of knowledge supports exceptional student learning experiences.
Meet the entire School of Design and Communication faculty and staff Click to also view the School of Behavioral Health and Sciences Faculty
accreditation
NASAD – National Association of Schools of Art & Design
Founded in 1944, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 349 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for art and design and art/design-related disciplines and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other art/design-related endeavors.
School of Design & Communication
College of Fine Arts and Communication
163 Noel Fine Arts Center, 1800 Portage Street
Sevens Point, WI 54481-3897
Phone: 715-346-2669
Email: sdc@uwsp.edu