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Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.
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.
Classes Start April 11th
Ready to get started? We’re ready for you. Chat with an enrollment counselor or apply now to take the first step on the journey toward your future.
$50 application fee (waived w/promo WINTER).
What you’ll learn
Gain foundational knowledge
Explore the core systems of play therapy and learn about play therapy techniques, models, and applications.
Learn best practices
Understand experientially based supervision practices in filial play therapy and individual and group play therapy.
Embrace diversity
Gain knowledge of developmental and multicultural considerations, plus ethical and legal issues for diverse populations.
Apply what you’re learning
Find new ways to apply the theory and methodology of play therapy.
Program features
Our program offers additional benefits you might be interested in.
Professionally aligned
Covers core academic content areas required by the Association of Play Therapy to earn RPT and/or Supervisor (RPT-S) credentials.
Relevant & applicable
Our competency-based learning model allows you to immediately apply valuable skills to the work you do every day.
Scholar-practitioner faculty
Learn play therapy theory, methodology, and applications from registered play therapists or registered play therapist supervisors.
Learn in a flexible, engaging online learning environment
You‘ll have access to your courses anytime, anywhere, on any device. And because there are no set class times, you can set your own schedule while meeting deadlines.
Cost & learning format
Online education isn’t one-size-fits-all. We know you’re busy—you need a learning experience tailored to your life, not the other way around. Capella has learning and tuition formats to suit you, however you learn.
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 term
$12,375
estimated tuition*
$495 per credit,
25 total quarter credits,
0 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, using general program pricing, and it does not include fees (including application and resource kit fees). Your price may be higher or lower depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. If transfer credits are allowed in this offering, the prices above show what you would pay if you brought in the average number of transfer credits and the price if you brought in the maximum allowed transfer credits.
Get the details
Speak with an enrollment counselor to get a personalized cost estimate for what you can expect to pay.
Ways to save
At Capella, we believe your education is an investment in your future. It’s also an investment within your grasp. Your goals are achievable—there are more ways to save than you might think.
10% military discount
If you're an active-duty military service member, spouse, or veteran, discounts may be available.
Employer & association discounts
If your employer or organization is a partner with Capella, you may be eligible for a tuition discount. Ask your employer what offers are available.
$1K toward your certificate
Apply for a $1K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your certificate.
Accredited & recognized
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all of our accreditations and recognitions.
Sample courses
The curriculum in Capella’s online Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy focuses on systems, techniques, models, and applications, as well as developmental, multicultural, ethical, and legal issues associated with play therapy.
| PSY5244 |
Play Therapy 1: The History and Systems of Play Therapy
In this course, 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. |
5 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY5246 * |
Play Therapy 2: Theories and Practices of Play Therapy
Learners analyze the major theories and techniques that inform the applications of play in therapy using an interdisciplinary approach and emphasizing related research. Learners investigate key topics such as play materials, developmental and multicultural considerations, ethical and legal issues, and play therapy for all ages and populations. Prerequisite(s): PSY5244. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY5248 * |
Filial Play Therapy
Learners in this course study the history, theoretical foundations, research, and practical applications of filial play therapy. In particular, learners study and prepare to practice filial therapy in one-on-one situations with caregivers. Learners also evaluate filial therapy from a family systems perspective, exploring outcomes research that emphasizes the ways in which parents who are attuned to and understand their children are more easily able to engage relationally with them in ways that promote the well being of the family as a whole. Prerequisite(s): PSY5244, PSY5246, PSY5247. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY5250 * |
Play Therapy Supervision Practices
This course introduces learners to the theories, models, principles, and practice of play therapy supervision. Learners develop ethical and practical skills about standard practices in supervision and consider their own theoretical orientation in the supervision of play therapy. Learners examine creative, experiential, and playful supervision practices through supervisory sessions with other learners. Learners also develop mentoring and facilitating skills in class and apply them during practice sessions. Prerequisite(s): PSY5244, PSY5246. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY5252 * |
Applications of Play Therapy
Learners in this course study 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): PSY5244, PSY5246. |
5 quarter credits |
Faculty & support
You’re never going it alone at Capella. Our dedicated faculty and support teams are waiting to guide, help, and advise you through every step of your educational journey.
Enrollment counselors
These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree and program, and answer all your questions about Capella.
Advisors
Advisors know the details of your program. Got questions about courses? Instructors? Resources? Advisors have answers.
Faculty
Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who hold top credentials and have hands-on expertise in their fields. They know what you need to know today.
Career center
For this team, it’s more than resumes and interview tips. It’s about thoughtful and strategic career planning—beyond graduation.
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