Art & Art Therapy

Administered by the Department of Communication, Art, and Theatre

Department Chair-Croft, Heaton
Instructors-Smith

The Art and Art Therapy areas offer programs of study leading to “pre-professional” and professional pursuits in a number of art related fields. Art/Art Therapy majors may become self-employed as artists, may become teachers in public or private schools or recreational programs, or may pursue graduate study in an advanced field of visual art or art therapy. Since Capital University is located in a metropolitan setting, students have access to many local galleries, museums and arts organizations near campus. Students are encouraged to enrich their learning by engaging with the local arts scene through volunteer and internship opportunities.

Art and Design/Studio Art Program: At Capital, The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major is Studio Art has a single purpose - to ensure that students develop and enhance their creative capacities in the art and design within the scope of a liberal arts education. Program flexibility allows Capital students to complete off-campus internships in such areas as graphic design, arts administration and or gallery/museum operations. Art and design students have the opportunity to apply for the prestigious Student Art Exhibition held each year at the Capital’s Schumacher Gallery. The art program also helps students prepare their portfolios for participation in in local and national artistic and scholarly opportunities. .

Art Therapy Program: The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Art Therapy is awarded upon the completion of a four-year program that includes a broad range of courses in studio art, psychology and art therapy. The art therapist brings to the therapeutic setting a unique view of the creative process as a healing process. Certain characteristics of an individual’s artistic expression, such as form and content, as well as the associations and reactions to the artwork, can be used by the art therapist to explore interpersonal conflicts, develop interpersonal skills, manage symptoms and behaviors, gain self-awareness and develop self-esteem. Art therapy can be used as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of individuals, groups and families. Many art therapists function as an integral member of a therapeutic team, while others serve as consultants or conduct private practices.

We offer three majors:

Art Major with Education Licensure (See Education Department for details.)
Therapy Major
Studio Art Major

Additionally, we offer four minors:

Art History
Digital Design
Studio Art
Therapeutic Art

Art and Art Therapy Majors Learning Outcomes:

Goal 1 (Critical Thinking): Students will demonstrate through presentations or analysis papers the ability to make informed judgments about works of art through methods of critical inquiry and aesthetic reasoning.

Goal 2 (Craft): Students will demonstrate the ability to produce original, well crafted, and visually organized two-and three-dimensional works of art.

Goals 3 (Appreciation): Students will broaden their understanding and appreciation of works of art by exploring the historical and cultural contexts that influenced their creation.

Goal 4 (Professional Development): Students will participate in professional development activities that prepare them for graduate school and/or entrance into their chosen careers.