Art Therapy

Combine your passion for art with the work of healing by becoming an art therapist. This unique treatment approach allows you to interact with a wide spectrum of clients who have varying physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Northwestern's art therapy degree is your first step to becoming a master's-level clinician, equipping you with the visual art skills and knowledge of psychological theories to enter grad school with ease. You'll learn from professional artists and psychologists, create a portfolio for exhibition, and collaborate on published psychology research.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Why NWC?

As an art therapy major, you'll train in a variety of artistic mediums, including drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture and printmaking. Psychological study will introduce you to the theories of human development, psychology and counseling, and you'll learn to integrate faith with evidence-based practice. Related minors include art, arts administration, entrepreneurship and a K-12 art education endorsement.

CONTACT

Phil ScorzaDepartment Chair

CONNECT WITH US

ARTISTS + PROFESSORS Art faculty have exhibited work at Hush Gallery in Seattle and CICA Museum in South Korea.

4+ ANNUAL SHOWS NWC hosts showings of both professional and student artwork.

#3 BEST PROGRAM BestColleges.com ranks NWC among the best art therapy programs of 2024.

TOP 4% PSYCH TEST SCORES Our 2021 psychology graduates scored in the top 4% on a national benchmark exam.

Outcomes

With an art therapy degree from Northwestern, you’ll be ready to pursue graduate studies in art analysis and clinical treatment. Master’s-level art therapists work in a variety of settings, such as private counseling centers, hospitals, correctional facilities and senior centers. Wherever your career takes you, our undergraduate program is an excellent foundation for the artist and psychologist seeking to provide holistic care to clients of all ages.

Join our standout alumni at:

Adler University

Chicago, IL

Promise Community Health Center

Sioux Center, IA

Radical Minds

Omaha, NE

Seasons Center for Behavioral Health

Sioux Center, IA

#RaidersStandOut

STUDENTS

**Taylor** An accomplished painter, Taylor desires to use art to help people sort through the challenges in their lives.

ALUMNI

**Jenna** After graduating with an art therapy major, Jenna is working as a paraprofessional while completing a second major in secondary education. She wants to teach and use the healing power of art, whether in a classroom or someday in a hospital.

FACULTY

**Meghan** Accomplished as an artist and experienced as a teacher, Professor Charbonneau helps students see art-making as a form of worship.

FACULTY

**Jennifer** Dr. Feenstra involves students in her research on volunteerism and service-learning.

Experience

Where you'll create

Upcoming exhibits

Compass Center for Career & Calling

Study abroad

Creative success

The Korver Visual Arts Center is fully equipped to help you experiment with new mediums, expand your portfolio, and present your work in a professional gallery setting. You’ll have access to studios, including: