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Play Therapy
Graduate Certificate in Psychology
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 10
Use the code SUMMER to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- 100% Online
- 5 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 25 program credits
- You’ll need to complete five courses
| 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 |
In addition, choose three from the following courses:
| PSY5247 * |
Child-Centered Play Therapy
In this course, 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): PSY5244, PSY5246. |
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 |
*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 in psycholoogy 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 term
$12,500
estimated tuition*
$500 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
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 undergraduate certificate in psychology admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Business, Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Psychology, 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
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation and other administrative costs
- 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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