Play Therapy, Certificate

The Counselor Education Program offers a graduate certificate in play therapy that is designed for individuals who have already completed a Master's degree or higher in counseling, psychology, or social work. The certificate is also available to students already enrolled in the Counselor Education degree programs at the Ed.S. and Ph.D levels.

The certificate program is designed to meet the requirements of the Association for Play Therapy for post-Master's graduate education for individuals interested in pursuing the Registered Play Therapy credential. The Association for Play Therapy recommends the following topics be covered in coursework for individuals seeking the Registered Play Therapy credential:

• Play Therapy History
• Play Therapy Theories
• Play Therapy Techniques or Methods
• Play Therapy Applications

The Play Therapy Certificate is open to individuals holding at least a Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, or Psychology. Current Counselor Education Ed.S. students are also eligible for the certificate and may transfer credits (e.g. EDCE 709) into the certificate program with the guidance of their advisors. No more than 9 credit hours from the Ed.S. in Counselor Education can be applied to the Play Therapy Certificate.

Applicants whose native language is not English must: 

1. Submit a satisfactory score on an English proficiency test. 

2. Take a diagnostic test in English when they arrive at the university.