Undergraduate Certificate in Visual Arts in Medicine

The University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine, in conjunction with the School of Art + Art History, offers an Undergraduate Certificate in Visual Arts in Medicine. This certificate can serve as a credential for developing post-baccalaureate educational pathways and career options.

This undergraduate certificate program allows you to explore your interests in creativity and the arts through the lens of health and well-being.  In the certificate program, you will have the opportunity to observe and apply the arts in healthcare and/or community contexts.

This certificate is unique because you will have access to these types of learning experiences: hands-on practical experience with patients and/or community members, exposure to arts in health related fields, the opportunity to develop career readiness skills such as oral and written communication, leadership, collaboration and problem solving. This certificate will allow you to interact with patients and/or community members, arts in health leaders, artists, healthcare professionals, arts administrators, and non-profit organizations.

The certificate is different than a minor because you get hands-on applied experience. Making the choice to complete the certificate shows intentionality and commitment to interdisciplinary exploration and an awareness of the value of arts to health and well-being in society.

Application Procedures and Requirements

Pre-requisites: Students applying to the Undergraduate Certificate in Visual Arts in Medicine must be current students in the School of Art + Art History. Prospective students should consult with the Center for Arts in Medicine undergraduate certificate advisor and School of Art + Art History advisor to discuss options.

Application Procedures: Students interested in obtaining the Undergraduate Certificate in Visual Arts in Medicine should apply to the program by the end of their freshman year. Students must complete at least 50% of certificate requirements after they have been accepted into the program.

Application reqirements:

• Complete the online application and notify CAMundergrad@arts.ufl.edu once submitted.
  • Note: the application goes through a formal UF portal. When you navigate to the online application page, click the "Apply Online" option.
• Email a one-page personal statement to CAMundergrad@arts.ufl.edu
  • The one-page personal statement should include your goals and objectives for completing the certificate and how you envision the certificate supporting your career goals.  
  • For more information, contact the Visual Arts in Medicine discipline liaison, Molly Kempson at mkempson@arts.ufl.edu. 

• Review the certificate tracking plan with the visual arts in medicine discipline liaison.

Required Courses 

Students should note that some of the listed courses have pre-requisites. 

HUM 2592: Introduction to Arts in Medicine in a Global Context, 3 credits

Explores the field of arts in medicine in a global context, focusing on the many ways that the arts can be used to enhance health and wellbeing in healthcare or community settings and the relationship of culture to healing practices, systems, and health literacy in various regions of the world.

Note: This course is currently offered in fall and spring semesters.

ARE 2045: Introduction to Teaching Art, 3 credits

Overview of the art-teaching field. Study of rationales for teaching art, contemporary art teaching practices, community art experiences and alternative career options.

HUM 3351: Visual Arts in Medicine, 3 credits

This course explores the links between creativity and health, focusing on the many ways that visual arts practices can be used to support health and wellness in healthcare and community settings.  It includes studio workshops, lecture/discussion, video viewing, readings/literature research, group project work, and hands-on experiences and instruction on facilitating art experiences with a wide variety of materials and processes. The course will differentiate studio practice in arts in health and art therapy. 

Prereq:  HUM 2592

Note: This course is only offered in fall semesters.

ART/PGY/GRA 2000 or 3000 level studio course, 3 credits

Please note that most 3000 level studio courses have pre-requisites and all studio course work must be arranged with the permission of the School of Art + Art History Coordinator.

HUM 3940L: Arts in Medicine Practicum, 2 credits

Provides basic to intermediate-level mentored practice in the arts in healthcare in a clinical or community environment. Emphasizes a primary discipline while deepening the understanding of the practice through documentation self-assessment and a culminating paper.

Prereq: HUM 2592 and HUM 3351

Students must be registered for Practicum and contact the AIM Service Learning Coordinator by these dates:

• Fall Semester: July 1
• Spring Semester: December 1
• Summer Semester: April 1