Bachelors of Actuarial Science
The Actuarial Science program at Franklin College provides a comprehensive foundation i...
Bachelors of Art Studio - Art Therapy (Pre Professional)
Franklin, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Pre-Art Therapy concentration within the Art Studio major at Franklin College is designed to equip students with the artistic and psychological groundwork necessary for graduate-level art therapy programs. It cultivates students' understanding of how art-making can be used as a therapeutic tool for healing, self-expression, and personal growth. The program's pre-professional nature ensures that students fulfill the prerequisite coursework and gain relevant experience, making them competitive applicants for master's programs in art therapy. This includes hands-on learning through art creation and an introduction to therapeutic techniques, guided by experienced faculty.
Curriculum: The curriculum is carefully structured to blend artistic development with psychological principles. Students engage in a broad spectrum of studio art courses, covering various mediums and techniques such as ceramics, painting, drawing, and digital art. This ensures a strong foundation in artistic practice and creative expression. Concurrently, the program integrates critical psychology courses, including General Psychology, Lifespan Development, Psychological Disorders and Mental Wellness, and Introduction to Counseling. This dual focus provides students with a deep understanding of human behavior, mental health, and the therapeutic process, which are fundamental to the practice of art therapy.
Research Focus: While the undergraduate program's primary aim is to prepare students for graduate studies, it encourages an applied understanding of research principles within art therapy. Students learn to critically engage with theoretical frameworks and explore how art can be used in therapeutic contexts. Opportunities for practical experience through internships and community projects allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, which can inform a nascent understanding of research in the field. Although formal extensive undergraduate research may vary, students are likely encouraged to analyze case studies and theoretical applications of art therapy as part of their coursework, fostering an analytical approach to the discipline.
Industry Engagement: Franklin College places significant emphasis on practical experience and industry engagement for its pre-professional programs. A crucial component for Art Therapy (Pre-Professional) students includes practical experience gained through internships and community projects. These opportunities allow students to apply their artistic and psychological skills in supervised settings, observing and participating in therapeutic processes. This direct exposure to the field helps students build professional networks, understand the daily responsibilities of an art therapist, and solidify their career aspirations, ultimately enhancing their preparedness for graduate studies and future careers.
Global Perspective: While the Art Therapy (Pre-Professional) program at Franklin College primarily focuses on preparing students for graduate studies and practice within the United States, the fundamental principles of art therapy have a universal application. The program’s emphasis on understanding human behavior, cultural contexts, and the power of creative expression inherently lends itself to a global perspective. Although not explicitly detailed, a liberal arts education at Franklin College often encourages global awareness through various courses and potentially through study-away opportunities. This broader educational context can enrich a student's understanding of diverse populations and their unique needs, making them more adaptable and culturally sensitive practitioners should they pursue opportunities abroad or work with diverse populations domestically.
Location
Franklin, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 40010
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Franklin College offers a range of scholarship opportunities to support international students in pursuing their academic goals. These scholarships are designed to recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement, making higher education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission. These awards are competitive and primarily based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and personal achievements. Scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and may be renewable each year based on satisfactory academic progress.
Specialized Scholarships: In addition to general merit awards, Franklin College provides targeted scholarships for students excelling in specific fields such as science, arts, athletics, or community service. Some scholarships also focus on promoting diversity and inclusion by supporting students from underrepresented regions or backgrounds.
Franklin College, with its Bachelor of Art Studio - Art Therapy (Pre-Professional) program, equips students with a unique blend of artistic skill and psychological understanding, serving as a vital stepping stone for those aspiring to careers in art therapy and related fields.
Art Therapy Assistant/Aide: Graduates can work in supportive roles within art therapy settings, assisting licensed art therapists with administrative tasks, preparing art materials, and facilitating art-making activities under supervision in hospitals, clinics, and community centers.
Mental Health Technician/Behavioral Health Aide: With their foundational knowledge of psychology and mental health, graduates can work in mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers, or residential programs, providing direct support to patients, assisting with daily activities, and observing behaviors.
Activity Coordinator/Recreational Therapist Assistant: In settings like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or community centers, graduates can plan and lead creative activities, including art-based interventions, to promote well-being, social interaction, and cognitive stimulation for diverse populations.
Community Arts Educator/Facilitator: Leveraging their studio art skills, graduates can lead art workshops and programs in schools, community centers, or non-profit organizations, focusing on creative expression, skill development, and fostering a sense of community through art.
Direct Support Professional: Working with individuals with disabilities or special needs, graduates can utilize their understanding of human behavior and creative expression to provide personalized support, encouraging artistic engagement as a means of communication and development.
Art Museum or Gallery Educator: Combining their artistic knowledge with an understanding of human development, graduates can work in museums or galleries, designing and leading educational programs and tours that engage diverse audiences, including those with special needs, with art.
Social Services Assistant: Graduates can find roles in social service agencies, supporting case managers and social workers by assisting clients with various needs, and potentially utilizing art-based activities as a tool for engagement and assessment.
Youth Program Coordinator: In youth organizations or after-school programs, graduates can develop and implement art-focused activities that promote positive youth development, emotional expression, and healthy coping mechanisms.
Fine Artist/Studio Artist: The strong studio art component of the degree prepares individuals to pursue careers as independent artists, creating and exhibiting their own artwork, or working as freelance artists for various commissions.
Pre-Professional for Graduate Studies in Art Therapy, Counseling, or Social Work: This degree serves as an excellent springboard for pursuing master's degrees in Art Therapy, which is required for licensure, or related fields like counseling or social work, where an understanding of expressive arts can be a valuable asset.
