BA in Art

The Bachelor of Arts degree program is ideal for students seeking a general knowledge of art for the purpose of working in art-related fields, art administration, art education or preparing to enter the Marylhurst MA in Art Therapy Counseling program. For the BA degree, 78 credits in art are required, including fundamental courses in design, drawing, art history and photography.

You will study with working professional artists. Our faculty participate in regular gallery shows, produce large-scale commissioned artworks and design public spaces. Their goal as teachers is to help you discover your identity as an artist.

BA in Art Therapy Counseling - Pre-professional Track Programs

Applicants to the MA in Art Therapy Counseling program must meet several requirements, including a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 27 credits in art and 18 credits in psychology. The pre-professional art therapy counseling track programs are designed to meet one or more of these requirements.

Individuals without a bachelor's degree may choose to enroll in one of three pre-professional art therapy track programs:

• BA in Art
• BA in Psychology
• BA in Interdisciplinary Studies

Each program is designed to prepare students for graduate-level studies in art therapy counseling.

Bachelor of Fine Arts

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program is intended for the person who wants professional training in the fine arts. Of the 180 quarter credits required, 120 are in art. The curriculum is built on foundation coursework in design, drawing, art history and photography. Advanced coursework includes art theory and criticism as well as studio work in your area of interest.

You will examine issues, ethics, ideas and basic business practices that influence the working artist. The art thesis project in your final year leads you through the process of producing a cohesive body of finished artwork, which is shown in the Spring thesis exhibition in The Art Gym.

The following fine arts concentrations are offered at Marylhurst:

• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture

BFA in Interior Design

Integrating architecture and art into the study of interior design will provide you with practical knowledge and creative skills you need to succeed in the field, now and in the future. The interior design program at Marylhurst University combines these essential disciplines to prepare you for the professional practice of interior design.

You will learn to analyze your client's needs, to create functional designs that meet regulatory codes and to collaborate with construction specialists such as electricians and plumbers. You'll gain experience in space planning, design development, lighting plans, material and finish selection, preparation of construction documents and professional presentation techniques.

During your senior year, you will produce your interior design thesis, an in-depth research project that serves as a practical exercise in finding solutions to design problems. You'll also obtain hands-on experience and build your portfolio through an intensive internship.

BA in Music

Music is the quintessential art form that combines intellect, emotion and physical expression. In small, seminar-style classes, Marylhurst music students receive the precise guidance, patient instruction and one-on-one support every creative artist needs.

The Bachelor of Arts in Music is a flexible program, designed to provide students with core music skills in a liberal arts setting. Integrating a traditional music education with other academic disciplines helps students develop the greatest appreciation of music and the ability to articulate its important role in society. Songwriters might choose to explore offerings in literature and writing; composers may investigate media studies; entrepreneurs could pursue the 18-credit business and management certificate.

A Marylhurst music education prepares students to be active members of their communities as both musicians and as thoughtful, persuasive advocates for music.

Bachelor of Music Therapy

Music therapy is a branch of the behavioral sciences gaining wide acceptance in medical, institutional and educational settings. The music therapy program at Marylhurst offers an accredited program that combines coursework in music with music therapy, psychology, special education, anatomy, physiology and related natural and social sciences. This curriculum is designed specifically to develop the student's musical and therapeutic skills.

Music therapists find employment in numerous environments, such as residences for developmentally disabled persons, mental health clinics, special education facilities, hospice programs, private practice, clinical research centers, correctional facilities and wellness programs.

BMus in Composition

The Bachelor of Music in Composition provides musical training to prepare students for careers as composers.

Although there are few full-time positions for composers, many create careers by working independently, composing, performing and teaching. The creative media emphasis track prepares graduates for work in film, television and game industries, while the teaching emphasis track provides traditional coursework in preparation for graduate studies.

BMus in Performance

The Bachelor of Music in Performance provides rigorous musical training to prepare students for a performance career. Concentration areas are in piano, voice and jazz.

Building a career as a professional musician demands dedication, exhaustive training, practice and a clear understanding of the business of music. There are few full-time positions today for performing musicians, and positions that are available are highly competitive. Yet remarkably, many musicians find ways to create careers by working independently, performing and teaching. The Bachelor of Music in Performance helps prepare students to chart these waters. The degree also prepares the graduate for further music study at the graduate level.

MA in Art Therapy Counseling

Initially, art therapy was used primarily for children and adults with serious emotional illnesses. Today, it is an accepted therapy for a wide variety of needs in individual and group counseling. The MA in Art Therapy Counseling program integrates students' knowledge of visual arts and art processes with the study of psychotherapy and counseling.

Art therapy is about human health and recovery. At Marylhurst, art experiences are integrated with most of the core classes. Students use creative work to understand theories of art therapy, clients and therapeutic relationships. While this artistic focus may be different from the student's prior experience, it does lead to the creation of authentic and aesthetically satisfying work.

This program offers students the following advantanges:

• Development of professional skills to prepare for clinical work
• A master's degree in as little as two years on a full- or part-time basis
• Extensive experience in therapeutic settings through the art therapy practicum

Graduate Certificate in Art Therapy

The Graduate Certificate in Art Therapy is designed for students who hold a master's or doctoral degree in a related field and would like to become a registered art therapist (ATR). In this program, students complete a 720-hour clinical practicum and all coursework necessary for pursuing the professional ATR designation. Previously completed coursework may be eligible to be applied toward the certificate requirements.

Certificate Programs

Marylhurst University also offers the following certificate programs:

• Certificate in Music - Sacred Music