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Make a positive impact in the lives of children
Build on your ability to make a lasting difference for children. With the online Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy at Capella, you’ll explore the theory, methodology and applications of play therapy. Our courses are developed and led by expert faculty who are registered play therapists or registered play therapist supervisors.
This certificate addresses the core academic content areas required by the Association of Play Therapy to earn its Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and/or Supervisor (RPT-S)
Use the code MSFALL to waive the $50 application fee.
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $1K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your certificate. Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
PLAY6203 |
The History and Systems of Play Therapy
Learners examine the historical origins of and rationale for integrating play into the practice of therapy and discuss the core systems of and approaches to play therapy. Learners also review the contributions of play to child development and well-being throughout the lifespan. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
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PLAY6206 * |
Theories and Skills of Play Therapy
Learners expand on their knowledge of the major theories of play therapy and the skills and interventions that define those theories. Learners assess the major theories and apply these to their work with a diversity of child clients and client scenarios. Learners also develop a personal theoretical orientation and apply this approach to personal practice. Learners assess ethical and legal issues unique to the field specific to providing culturally and socially diverse play therapy services. Prerequisite(s): PLAY6203. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
PLAY6209 * |
Advanced Play Therapy
Learners examine the historical and theoretical foundations of child-centered play therapy and the ways in which this approach differs from other forms of play therapy. Learners practice and evaluate basic child-centered skills and analyze child-centered play therapy in real-world applications. Prerequisite(s): PLAY6203, PLAY6206. |
4 quarter credits |
PLAY6212 * |
Special Topics in Play Therapy
Learners investigate the theoretical foundations, research and practical applications of play therapy in various environments including schools, groups and families. Learners also examine play therapy with a range of populations and explore associated adaptations of the playroom, therapeutic play therapy models and play therapy outcomes research. Prerequisite(s): PLAY6203, PLAY6206. |
4 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
The total cost of your certificate will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, tuition discounts and other factors. See cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
$510 per credit, $175 resource kit fee, 16 total quarter credits, 0 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
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Admission requirements
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy program must provide the following information for admission:
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
Learn more about international student admissions.
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