Marylhurst University is a private institution of higher learning
open to individuals of any race or religion, dedicated to making
innovative education accessible to self-directed students.
Undergraduate and graduate degree programs support professional
development and personal enrichment goals.
Founded in 1893 by the Sisters of the Holy Names, Marylhurst was
the first liberal arts college for women in the Northwest.
Today, Marylhurst is a co-educational university serving a
diverse student body of all ages, faiths and backgrounds. It is
recognized for its academic excellence, seminar-style classes and
flexible scheduling options: courses are offered days, evenings,
weekends and online.
Marylhurst University is accredited at the baccalaureate and
master's levels by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and
Universities (NWCCU).
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Marylhurst University also offers the following certificate
programs:
- Certificate in Music - Sacred Music
