Instructional Content in Undergraduate Art Therapy Education

Abstract

Undergraduate art therapy education programs in the United States have endeavored to prepare students for graduate level art therapy training and entry level positions in art facilitation since the mid-1970s with minimal published guidelines or established professional standards. The authors reviewed the art therapy literature regarding current undergraduate and graduate educational instructional content, and educational pathways. We scrutinized current undergraduate guidelines and standards for instructional content among allied disciplines and investigated current undergraduate level employment opportunities and skills required for these positions. Based on these findings, we propose seven undergraduate instructional content areas appropriate for non-clinical pre-professionals. Recommendations include expanding the scope of practice to include undergraduate level art facilitators, developing scaffolded learning outcomes, establishing tiered credentialing, and evaluating outcomes.

Keywords:

• Undergraduate education
• art therapy
• scope of practice
• instructional content
• education guidelines

Acknowledgments

The authors are indebted to Janice Havlena, who led the American Art Therapy Association Undergraduate Art Therapy Education Task Force (AATAUETF), and Michelle Burnie who, along with Ms. Schwartz, Dr. St. John, and Ms. Lagstein, were members of the AATAUETF. We also wish to thank Jonathan Haag for his assistance with research and analysis of the education and credentialing of allied professions.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jennifer B. Schwartz

Jennifer B. Schwartz is an Assistant Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Art Therapy at Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH.

Patricia A. St. John

Patricia A. St. John is Professor Emerita at The College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, NY. She currently serves as Adjunct Professor at Springfield College in Springfield, MA.

Carol Greiff Lagstein

Carol Greiff Lagstein is Director of Art Therapy at St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY.

Michelle C. Pate

Michelle C. Pate is Associate Professor of Art Therapy in the Department of Psychology and Applied Therapies at Lesley University, Cambridge, MA.

Heather J. Denning

Heather J. Denning is Assistant Professor of Art and Program Director of Art Therapy at Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA.