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Play Therapy
Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy
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)
Classes start October 7
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- 100% Online
- 4 Core courses
Reduce your tuition by $1,000
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.
Explore play therapy courses
- This certificate requires a total of 16 program credits
- You’ll need to complete four courses
Show all descriptions
PLAY6203
The History and Systems of Play Therapy
4 quarter credits
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
PLAY6206
Theories and Skills of Play Therapy
4 quarter credits
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 or PSY5244. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
PLAY6209
Advanced Play Therapy
4 quarter credits
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 or PSY5244; PLAY6206 or PSY5246. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
PLAY6212
Special Topics in Play Therapy
4 quarter credits
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 or PSY5244; PLAY6206 or PSY5246. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you’ll learn
- Explore the evolution and core systems of play therapy
- Learn to apply play therapy techniques and models
- Evaluate the influence of developmental and multicultural factors in the use of play therapy
- Examine ethical and legal issues in practicing play therapy
How much does a graduate certificate cost?
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.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$8,160
estimated tuition*
$510 per credit, $160 resource kit fee, 16 total quarter credits, 0 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program tuition estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50-$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
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What are the admission requirements for this certificate?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy program must provide the following information for admission:
- Master’s degree in counseling or psychology from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
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:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
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