Art: Studio and Focus
Build a foundation in traditional studio practices
Art: Studio and Focus (B.A.)
The Art: Studio and Focus major is a flexible Bachelor of Arts degree designed for students who want to integrate studio art with another area of academic or professional interest.
Students build a foundation in traditional studio practices while selecting a focused set of courses in a complementary discipline. Whether paired with business, communication, psychology, education, or another field, this structure allows students to shape a creative path aligned with their goals.
This major is especially well suited for double majors and students interested in careers where creative thinking, visual communication, and cross-disciplinary knowledge are essential.
MORE ABOUT STUDIO AND FOCUS
Major | BA
- 41 Credit Hours
Minor | Art
- 18 Credit Hours
Learning Environment
- North Manchester
Start with Art — Then Shape It Around Your Goals
When we meet with prospective students, one of the first questions we ask is:
How do you want to use art in your career?
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If you want to become a high school art teacher, the Visual Art Education (Art + Education) major is likely the right path.
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If you’re interested in digital creation, media production, or communication fields, Digital Media Arts (Art + Communication) may be a better fit.
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If you’re drawn to psychology, computer science, education, or communication, there are dedicated combined majors in those areas.
But if your interests extend beyond those specific pathways — or you’re still exploring how art connects to your goals — Art: Studio and Focus provides the flexibility to design a path that fits you.
What You Can Do With Your Pre-Art Therapy Degree
Art Therapy Graduate Student
Pursues advanced study to become a licensed art therapist.
Rehabilitation Aide
Supports therapists in helping patients with physical or emotional challenges.
Mental Health Support Specialist
Assists clients in community or residential treatment settings.
Activity Coordinator
Designs and leads therapeutic art programs in hospitals or care facilities.
Combine Studio Art with Any Academic Area
Students in the Studio and Focus major build a strong foundation in traditional studio art while selecting a focused set of courses in another discipline.
Interdisciplinary combinations may include:
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Art and English — for students interested in storytelling, publishing, entertainment, video games, journalism, advertising, marketing, or art direction.
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Art and Business — for students interested in entrepreneurship, promotion, gallery work, creative industries, or managing their own artistic practice.
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Art and Environmental Studies
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Art and Peace Studies
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Art and virtually any academic area at Manchester University
Because of its flexibility, this major works exceptionally well as a double major.
Is Art: Studio and Focus the Right Fit for me?
An Art Degree Designed for Real-World Application
A common concern families have is the belief that an art major is only for students who want to become studio artists.
While art can absolutely be the focus of a career, many of our graduates incorporate artistic thinking, visual communication skills, and creative problem-solving into careers across industries.
Students who combine art with another area of study often discover that their interdisciplinary experience becomes a distinct advantage in the job market.
A Flexible, Student-Centered Art Program
Faculty work closely with each student to help align studio work with academic interests and long-term goals. The Studio and Focus major allows students to explore, refine, and integrate their creative strengths with another discipline in meaningful ways.
If you want art to be part of your future — and you want the flexibility to define how — this program was designed for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Degree in Art: Pre-Art Therapy
What is Pre‑Art Therapy at Manchester University and how does it prepare me?
Pre‑Art Therapy at MU is an integrative counseling discipline that combines studio art and psychology to develop future art therapists. The program equips compassionate, creative individuals with the knowledge of art’s reflective and transformative role in promoting healing and wellness for people facing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges.
What kinds of coursework and experiences does the program include?
Students complete foundational and advanced studio art courses alongside psychology classes. They build a strong academic foundation with at least 90 credit hours in art and psychology, including experiential learning through capstone fieldwork and clinical study.
Do I need to pursue graduate school after MU to become a licensed art therapist?
Yes. MU’s Pre‑Art Therapy program readies you for graduate study, but licensure as an art therapist requires earning a master’s degree, completing supervised clinical hours, and obtaining state credentialing.
Can I double major or combine Pre‑Art Therapy with other fields?
Absolutely. MU encourages pairing Pre‑Art Therapy with complementary areas like Psychology, Digital Media Arts, or Business Management. This multidisciplinary strategy enhances both creative and therapeutic skill sets, better preparing students for graduate admissions and diverse career pathways.
Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process
Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.
Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.