Art Education + Art Therapy

­Ensure that art is for all

With Alverno’s unique dual major in art education and art therapy, you’ll explore educational and therapeutic approaches to art-making. Our major will prepare you to be a licensed teacher of art education (PreK-12th grades), as well as a licensed adaptive arts specialist who can adapt art for children and adults.

The Alverno difference

Alverno is the only school in Wisconsin to offer an undergraduate double major in art education + art therapy. Our engaging program includes a variety of art studio and art history courses, giving you a solid and creative foundation for planning lessons and developing adaptations for your future students.

Here, learning is active and applicable to the real world. You will complete 150+ hours of field work before moving onto 1,000 hours of student teaching in regular and adaptive educational settings. This experience allows you to develop the confidence and expertise you need to be successful. In addition, there are opportunities for community work and engagement with artists regionally, nationally and globally.

At Alverno, you’ll find more than small class sizes. You’ll find a vibrant and welcoming community where you’re known for you are and supported to become who you want to be.

As an Alverno art education + art therapy student, you will learn to:

• Plan and carry out instruction for students with a variety of needs, while drawing on your knowledge of art, education and special education
• Design effective teaching, learning and assessment experiences that serve learners who are physically, cognitively, emotionally, socially, developmentally and culturally diverse
• Create a safe and supportive learning environment while managing resources effectively to support learning goals
• Exhibit professionalism and act as an advocate for students, families, colleagues, community, and the arts

Alverno art education + art therapy graduates are ready for such careers as:

• Art educator (PreK through 12th grade)
• Adaptive art specialist (PreK through young adulthood)
• Recreational activities director
• Community art educator
• Creative art facilitator
• And more!

The Alverno Art Education/Art Therapy program produces reflective and effective licensed adaptive art practitioners through rigorous studio coursework, art history, liberal arts, art education and adaptive art field experiences, media and methods courses and field experiences, psychology and exceptional education coursework, and extensive engagement with and in the community.