ART THERAPY
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Experience the healing power of art.
Art Therapy majors at Mercyhurst investigate the healing potential of the arts through self-reflective art directives, research and service learning in the community. In art therapy classes, students experience the healing nature of art making during discussions that focus on the history and development of the field, the therapeutic use of art media, and ways to help others through art. Students’ development of a non-judgmental approach toward art made by themselves and others enables an ability to support the use of art as a way to promote creativity and wellness. Graduates of the program often work in the human service field or pursue graduate school for art therapy.
Fast Facts
- In 2016, Mercyhurst’s program was ranked as one of the top undergraduate art therapy programs in the nation, according to Best Counseling Degrees, making Mercyhurst’s the only program in Erie County to be recognizedStudents have the opportunity to travel abroad and volunteer in art therapy related service learning experiences
- Students have the opportunity to travel abroad and volunteer in art therapy related service learning experiences
The Mercyhurst Art Therapy Club allows majors to get to know each other outside of classes and get involved in campus activities
Students are required to take courses in art, art therapy, psychology, and sociology, building the abilities needed to support the use of art as a way to help others
Focus solely on Art Therapy or add an additional major or minor in related art programs such as Art Education, Photography, Graphic Design or Studio Art
Students have the opportunity and have presented at regional and national art therapy conferences supporting professional development.
ART 100 Drawing I (3 credits)
ART 122 or 123 Art History (3 credits)
ART 125 2-Dimensional Design (3 credits)
ART 126 3-Dimensional Design (3 credits)
Basic Level 2-D Studio (3 credits)
Basic Level 3-D Studio (3 credits)
Art Electives (2) (3 credits)
- ART 122 Ancient to Medieval Art History (3 credits)
- ART 123 Renaissance to 20th Century Art History (3 credits)
- ART 128 Basic Computer Design (3 credits)
- ART 223 History of Modern Art (3 credits)
- ART 224 History of Photography (3 credits)
- ART 230 Graphic Design History (3 credits)
- ID 220 History of Interior Design (3 credits)
- ID 221 History of Architecture (3 credits)
- ARTH 125 Art Therapy I (3 credits)
- ARTH 225 Art Therapy II (3 credits)
- ARTH 325 Art Therapy III (3 credits)
- PSYC 101 Intro to Psychology (3 credits)
- ART 100 Drawing I
- ART 102 Ceramics I
- ART 128 Basic Computer Design
- ART 100 Drawing I (3 credits)
- ART 125 2-Dimensional Design (3 credits)
- ART 128 Basic Computer Design (3 credits)
- ART 220 Introduction to Graphic Design (3 credits)
- ART 221 Digital Imagery (3 credits)
- 3 Approved Graphic Design Electives (3 credits)
- ART 106 Photography I
- ART 128 Basic Computer Design
- ART 206 Intermediate Photography
- ART 223 History of Modern Art
- ART 224 History of Photography
- ART 305 Digital Photography
- ART 306 Color Photography
- ART 400 Individualized Studio I
In The Classroom
The Mercyhurst University Department of Art teamed up with the Erie Zoo for an “ExZOOberant Paint Party” in our art studio. The Jungle Crayon Fence surrounds the children’s play area as a memorable and fun piece of personality in the nearby Erie Zoo. Students and faculty from the Department of Art led the initiative to host a painting party to give new life to this iconic fence in the zoo area. The entire Mercyhurst community was invited to join in the fun, with students, faculty, and staff helping paint more than 85 crayons with unique designs and names that all adhered to an animal theme. Mercyhurst’s Department of Art students love opportunities to be creative in the Erie community, especially the chance to work on unique displays like the Jungle Crayon Fence!
EXPERIENTAL LEARNING
Art Therapy students practice directives that allow them to understand the transformative nature of art, including hands-on experiences, studio work, and portfolio pieces.
ART FOR WELLNESS
Our students participate in many different on-campus outreach opportunities through events with Art Therapy Club and wellness initiatives with Mercyhurst's Counseling Center.
SERVICE LEARNING
Participating in service through off-campus community engagement comes in many different shapes and sizes, including public mural work and study abroad trips.
BEYOND THE GATES
Recent art program graduates traveled with faculty members to the Annual RedCan Graffiti Jam, which takes place on a Cheyenne River Lakota reservation in South Dakota.
CONNECTION
Art for wellness is practiced by our students in a variety of populations and locations, including our students manning the craft tables with young participants at RedCan Graffiti Jam.
CULTURAL COMPETENCY
Art provides opportunities to engage across traditional barriers of cultures, languages, age, and race, providing a universal opportunity for artists and viewers alike to share in artwork.
INTERNSHIPS
Each art therapy major is required to complete an internship to provide them with experiential opportunities to facilitate art activities in the community and promote wellness through art.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Art Therapy students have the opportunity to present at a variety of professional art therapy conferences, allowing them to build upon both their presentation and networking skills.
FACILITIES
Whether students take courses in graphic design, studio art, photography, or ceramics, they’ll do so in top-of-the-line facilities that give them the best art education possible.
Contact Us
Heather Denning, M.A., ATR-BC, ATCS, LSW
Program Director, Art Therapy
Office: Zurn 121A
Phone: 814-824-2212
Email: hdenning@mercyhurst.edu
