Pioneering the field of arts in health education in the midwest, the University of South Dakota’s College of Fine Arts has embraced the academic exploration of the healing benefits of the use of the arts in healthcare facilities with the inclusion of the 12 credit hour Arts in Health Certificate program. Initiating the arts in health curriculum within the College of Fine Arts at USD, Ari Albright, a fine artist who works in the healthcare setting, is an instructor alongside Alison Boughn, a doctoral student and registered art therapist.
The USD Arts in Health Certificate program, exists to teach students about basic and advanced healthcare concepts, and how the fine arts can crossover to help develop patient care tools to assist medical professionals in patient treatment while introducing students to the ethics of Arts in Health and will allow students to learn best practices and apply them appropriately. Arts in health embraces the visual arts, dance & movement, music, literature & poetry, drama & theater and the contemplative arts, allowing students with varying interests and disciplines to find footing in this growing program.
Visit the USD Catalog to view Arts in Health Certificate Requirements
This course is designed to introduce students to the diverse, multi-disciplinary field of Arts in Health. Content includes the exploration of history and best practices of creative arts practitioners within a broad range of environments.
Credits: 3
This course is designed to help students understand their role in society and how that will affect their work in the profession of Arts in Health. The understanding of different cultures will also act as a means to guide artistic practices and understand the most effective topics used within specific populations. This course introduces students to the ethics of Arts in Health and will allow students to learn best practices and apply them appropriately.
Credits: 3
This course is designed to introduce students to material use and safety within the profession of Arts in Health. Particular emphasis on hands-on learning, artistic invitation strategies and project development in visual, music, movement, and contemplative mediums.
Credits: 3
This course is designed to give students essential professional experience working in the arts in health profession under the supervision of an approved site supervisor and the Arts in Health instructor.
Prerequisites and Corequisites
Prerequisite: Instructor permission required for registration approval.
Credits: 3
