LIBERAL ARTS
Art Therapy Degree
Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The pre-professional art therapy major prepares students to apply to graduate programs in art therapy. Art therapists can find employment in a variety of areas including senior centers, hospitals, mental health centers, special education programs, veteran services, and penal institutions. The art therapy major combines coursework in art, psychology, and social work.
Take Me To
Why should I earn an art therapy degree?
Helping Hand
Teach art skills while helping adults and children improve their mental health and grow as individuals.
Double-Discipline
Become an expert in both art instruction and mental health.
High Earning Potential
According to a 2009 survey conducted by the American Medical Association, experienced art therapists may earn salaries between $80,000 to $100,000.
What Can I Do With an Art Therapy Degree
- Counselor
- Art therapist
- Case worker
- Group home supervisor
- Community arts educator/administrator
- On Campus
On Campus
Storm Lake
Why study art therapy at BVU?
Creative Spaces Abound
As an art therapy major, get ready to call the art studios your home away from home. The dedicated studios are large, contemporary, and versatile. Here is a taste of what you’ll get to experience:
Metal Shop – MIG, TIG, ARC, and oxy-acetylene welders; plasma cutter, dry cut saws, band saws, and sand blasting.
Woodshop – Band saw, table saw, panel saw, radial arm saw, sliding compound miter saw, lathe, laser drill press, sanding station, and many hand tools.
Ceramics – Mixing clay, formulating and applying glazes, kiln firing, electric and kick wheels, plus extruders and slab rollers.
Painting – A flexible space with many easels and taborets along with custom pigment mixing for oil, acrylic, and encaustic paints.
Printmaking – Four high-end intaglio and lithograph presses, including lithography stones.
Mac Lab – Mac computers with large monitors, loaded with the most recent version of Adobe CS, several digital scanners, color laser printers, large format printers, and an archival printer.
Gallery Spaces – Two different gallery spaces with customizable lighting and digital projection capabilities.
BVU seeks to unite students with artists, innovators, and creators to mentor and inspire Beavers while showcasing their own talents and work. Artist-in-Residence Program
Art Therapy Courses
On Campus: Meet Your Academic Recruitment Specialist
Financial Aid & Scholarships
We’ll help you figure out your options for financial assistance and possible scholarships.
Learn MoreArt Therapy Faculty
Our instructors are committed to helping you build the future in Iowa and beyond.
See Our FacultyTransfer Your Credits
Do you have previously earned credits or an associate degree? BVU accepts most—if not all—of your credits so you don’t have to retake courses.
View Course EquivalenciesFind Your Program
Explore your future potential through our wide selection of outstanding undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
- Accounting
Become the numbers expert you’re made to be when you learn to develop, interpret, and communicate data in any organizational setting.
Learn More - Agricultural Business
From managing production risk, to operating your own business, to analyzing ag loans, BVU’s Ag Business degree sets you up for success in today’s fast-paced environment.
Learn More - Agricultural Education
Gain the skills and knowledge to teach agriculture science and business for traditional classrooms, as well as Extension and virtual environments. Spread your passion for agriculture on to the next generation.
Learn More - Agricultural Science
Dive into an agronomy and animal science curriculum that explores the science behind production and research practices that feed, clothe, and fuel the world.
Learn More - All Social Science for Secondary Education Degree
Education Bachelor's Degree Program The All Social Science for Secondary Education program will prepare students for a teaching career working with adolescent and young adult learners.
Learn More - Animation
Animation students begin their academic career by building a foundation in traditional art and then focusing on advanced courses in the art of animated storytelling.
Learn More - Art Education
An art education degree prepares future educators to teach art in grades K-12.
Learn More - Art Therapy
The pre-professional art therapy major prepares students to apply to graduate programs in art therapy.
Learn More - Athletic Training, 3+2 Program
Earn your undergraduate and graduate degrees in just 5 years with this athletic training dual degree with Drake University.
Learn More - Biology
Develop exceptional professional competency by studying biology at BVU.
Learn More - Biomedical Sciences
The biomedical sciences bachelor’s degree program is fundamentally focused on the health sciences as a whole but leaves ample room for development of outside interests that enhance an application for professional schools.
Learn More - Business
With strong foundational classes, BVU’s business major offers concentrations in management, marketing, sports business, ...
Learn More - Communication Studies
Learn how to tune yourself to the important relationship building that happens through our interactions with others.
Learn More - Computer Science
A computer science degree prepares you for a career in software development, computer security, robotics, information technology, and more.
Learn More - Corporate Mathematics
Corporate math teaches you the quantitative, analytical, and critical thinking skills needed to excel in today’s data-driven corporate environment.
Learn More - Criminology and Criminal Justice
Make a difference in society by studying criminology.
Learn More - Digital Media
Students who major in digital media are prepared to become professional multimedia storytellers.
Learn More - Educational Studies
Designed for students who have an interest in an education-oriented career beyond becoming a licensed teacher.
Learn More - Elementary Education
An elementary education major prepares future teachers to teach grades kindergarten through six.
Learn More - English Secondary Education Degree
Education Bachelor’s Degree Program The English language arts for secondary education program will prepare pre-service teachers to enter the teaching field...
Learn More - English
With a degree in English, you will study the language, stories, and poetry that shape our lives. English students sharpen their communication skills and explore literature, critical theory, cultural studies, and creative writing. Prepare for careers in a world shaped increasingly by the powers of text, imagination, and tale.
Learn More - Game Design
BVU’s game design serves students who aspire to join the video game industry video game industry as artists, animators, programmers, directors, sound engineers, writers, etc.
Learn More - Gender Studies
The gender studies minor seeks to enable students to develop an understanding of women and other marginalized groups by considering perspectives of the past, present, and future.
Learn More - General - Distributive
Designed for students who are undecided on a major or whose academic interests do not coincide with a single department or discipline, this interdisciplinary major offers an exciting student-designed alternative.
Learn More - Graphic Design
The graphic design major prepares students to practice graphic design professionally in print, interactive, and motion design.
Learn More - History
The history major and minor at BVU focus on the human story: people’s experiences in the past, the choices they made, and the impact on future generations.
Learn More - Human Services
BVU’s human services major uses an interdisciplinary approach to prepare students to work in the social services industry.
Learn More - Kinesiology and Exercise Science
BVU’s kinesiology and exercise science bachelor’s degree provides students with a comprehensive and proactive academic and clinical education so that they can seek careers in a wide variety of health-related professions.
Learn More - Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education
This online master’s program equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to effectively teach students in secondary schools in Iowa.
Learn More - Master of Arts in Teaching – Special Education
This online master’s program equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to effectively teach students with unique needs in Iowa.
Learn More - Master of Education – Special Education
This online master’s in special education program is intended to advance the skills of practicing professionals.
Learn More - Master of Education – Teacher Leadership Curriculum Instruction
The online Master of Education – Teacher Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction program provides four tracks designed for working teachers seeking to advance their career in the classroom.
Learn More - Master of Education in Educational Administration
This online master’s program equips currently licensed educators with the knowledge, skills, and certification necessary to effectively lead their K-12 school administration.
Learn More - Master of Science in Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
This CACREP-accredited program prepares students to address the growing need for accessible, professional mental health services.
Learn More - Master of Science in Education – Professional School Counseling
BVU’s master’s in school counseling equips you to make a difference in elementary, middle, and high schools. Professional school counselors promote growth, enhance learning, and contribute to student success.
Learn More - Mathematics
Become the numbers expert you’re made to be when you learn to develop, interpret, and communicate data in any organizational setting.
Learn More - Military Science
BVU's military science minor is created for students who want to develop their leadership skills, explore military doctrine, and study the military's role in American domestic and foreign policy.
Learn More - Music Production and Technology
With the explosion of electronic devices and Internet access, music and video is used by just about everyone.
Learn More - Nursing 3+1 Program
Buena Vista University and Mercy College of Health Sciences offer an accelerated 3+1 nursing program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in four years without leaving the BVU campus.
Learn More - Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
The master’s in organizational leadership provides the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead people in an ever-changing work environment and can be completed in as few as 1.5 years.
Learn More - Organizational Leadership
This organizational leadership program provides the cross-disciplinary tools and skills necessary...
Learn More - Physical Education and Coaching
Students majoring in physical education and coaching learn in a variety of contexts.
Learn More - Physics Engineering Program
As a physics engineering student at BVU, you’ll have access to a dual degree engineering program partnered with Washington University in St. Louis.
Learn More - Plus One Programs Overview
Already a Beaver? If a master’s degree is in your future, BVU has unique programs that can save you time and money.
Learn More - Political Science
Political science majors are, by nature, curious and ambitious people who seek an understanding of public problems and potential solutions.
Learn More - Pre-Law
As a pre-law major at BVU, you’ll gain a competitive edge through engaging courses taught by expert faculty, co-curricular activities, internships, leadership opportunities, and unique professional development experiences.
Learn More - Psychology
As a psychology major, study the cognition and behavior of humans and animals from an empirical, research-based perspective.
Learn More - Rehabilitation Health Sciences
Learn from biology and exercise science faculty who will help prepare you for careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training.
Learn More - Scientific Illustration
At BVU the experience and practice of the visual arts is an interdisciplinary pursuit.
Learn More - Secondary Education
Secondary education students find their passion in a certifiable teaching subject with their desire to become a licensed educator in grades 5-12.
Learn More - Social Innovation
BVU’s social innovation minor is designed to heighten students’ abilities and commitments to collaboratively ...
Learn More - Social Science with Teaching Licensure (5-12) Degree
Guide the next generation as they explore the complexities of society, geography, and human relationships as a social science major.
Learn More - Social Work
As a social work major, help people by looking at the challenges of their lives and environment and then working to bring about change using their strengths.
Learn More - Spanish
The Spanish major enables students to become better communicators and more globally aware citizens.
Learn More - Strategic Public Relations
Whether in business, politics, sports, or the arts, effective communication campaigns are the foundation of success.
Learn More - Studio Art
At BVU, the experience and practice of the visual arts is an interdisciplinary pursuit.
Learn More
Sorry, there weren't any matches to your selected criteria. Please try a different combination.
REQUEST INFORMATION
Explore an Art Therapy Degree
Find out more about earning a bachelor’s in Liberal Arts with BVU.
