With a bachelor鈥檚 in art therapy from Lewis University, you will build an interdisciplinary foundation in visual art and the study of human behaviour that will prepare you to pursue the graduate study required to become a registered art therapist. The art therapy program will start you on a path to pursue emerging careers that support mental and physical health through the therapeutic function of art. There has been renewed interest in understanding the significant role the arts play in supporting health outcomes. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized evidence supporting the positive impact of the arts on improving health and well-being. Specifically, it identified the role arts can play in promoting health equality, supporting good health, preventing illness, and treating acute and chronic conditions over a lifetime. You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand how art and psychology can improve the health and well-being of individuals.
A UNIQUE PROGRAM WITH EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
You will engage in a study of both art and psychology to serve the needs of individuals who have mental disorders, autism, developmental disabilities, substance abuse issues, and physical disabilities - from youth to elderly populations. Here, your passion for both art and human behaviour will lead you to success.
Your Senior Project/Seminar for art therapy course involves reading, writing, production, discussion, resume and portfolio preparation and progress assessment. This course prepares you to take on more challenging experiences in graduate school.
SAMPLE COURSES
2-D Design Fundamentals
3-D Design
Digital Photography
Introduction to Art Therapy
Art History
Research Methods
General Psychology
Psychological Testing and Evaluation
Abnormal Psychology
Lifespan Development
Psychotherapeutic Techniques
CAREER OUTLOOK
The largest number of employers for Art Therapists include hospitals, health facilities and government.
The ONET program is the nation's primary source of occupational information. Central to the project is the ONET database, containing information on hundreds of standardized and occupation-specific descriptors. The database, which is available to the public at no cost, is continually updated by surveying a broad range of workers from each occupation.
According to ONet, Art Therapists have a bright outlook with projected need being much faster than average鈥� at 9% or higher through 2032.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
Expected November 2025
Start date
January 2025
College of Humanities, Fine Arts and Communications
Lewis University,
One University Parkway,
Romeoville,
Illinois,
United States
Applicants must have graduated from an approved high school with a combination of grade point average, class rank, and ACT or SAT score which indicates a strong likelihood of success in university studies.
Applicants must have accumulated 18 high school units. Three of those units should be in English; the remaining 15 units should be chosen from a college preparatory curriculum.
English Proficiency Exams
IELTS - Minimum 6.5; TOEFL IBT - Minimum 79; PTE-A - Minimum 52; Duolingo Academic - Minimum 105.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
Lewis University places a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning with small class sizes and a personalized teaching approach.
