The Art Therapy Program became approved by the American Art Therapy Association in 1992 with an orientation on the study of art therapy through course work and practical experience. Classes are small, and experiential learning is integral to the program.
Emphasis is placed on students developing their own personal definition and style of art therapy.
The program combines classroom instruction, practicum experience, and research. In addition, the department invites nationally-known art therapists to the campus each spring for the Annual Spring Art Therapy Conference, and each fall for the Fall Workshop. These opportunities offer art therapy students and area art therapists an opportunity to explore varied approaches and current topics in the field directed by noted art therapists. A client draws a picture without thinking, and studies it. From this picture, another idea emerges and the client continues on a series of portraits that convey feelings of loneliness, about living in the inner city.