Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy
The Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy provides specialized academic training in therapeutic play modalities in 12 semester credit hours.
Students pursuing an MA in Counseling, a MEd in School Counseling, or who already have a master’s degree in a counseling-related field may apply for this certificate program.
Students pursuing this graduate certificate may choose to pursue their credential as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) through the Association for Play Therapy (APT). The Registered Play Therapist credential has additional requirements above the graduate certificate (i.e., clinical experience, PT specific training, licensing, and supervision). Consult the APT for complete details.
The Play Therapy Training Institute at SHSU is an Approved Provided by APT; however, APT holds the right to accept or deny any continuing education training at its discretion. SHSU is an APT Approved Provider #07-211.
This Graduate Certificate is not eligible to receive Title IV funding – Direct Loans, Pell Grant, TEACH Grant, SEOG Grant, or Federal Work Study. Students enrolled in this program should explore alternative funding options and are encouraged to contact the financial aid office for assistance.
Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.
Applicants seeking admission to work on their Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
- Graduate Application
- Application fee
- Official transcript from current program
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of a 3.0, either overall or in the last 60 credit hours
This certificate does not equate to an official Play Therapy certification by the Association of Play Therapy (APT). Students wishing to become certified Play Therapists must complete all requirements, application, and clinical experiences for consideration by APT. More information about Play Therapy certification is available here.
For information regarding coursework for the Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy, please, contact the Play Therapy Coordinator Dr. Sinem Akay-Sullivan in the Department of Counselor Education: 936-294-2538.
Students enrolled in the 12-credit hour Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy may be taking courses alongside SHSU students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in Counseling. Course work for the Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy (3 credit hours each) are listed below.
This certificate does not equate to an official Play Therapy certification. Students wishing to become certified Play Therapists must complete all requirements and application through the Association of Play Therapy.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy | ||
| Specified Courses | ||
| COUN 5399 | Play Therapy Basics | 3 |
| COUN 6331 | Advanced Play Therapy | 3 |
| COUN 5391 | Child & Adolescent Counseling | 3 |
| COUN 5398 | Sandtray Therapy | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state's 60x30 plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.
The Play Therapy Certificate is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:
- Advanced knowledge of challenges encountered by children
- Advanced skill and intervention training when providing counseling services to children
- Evidence-based counseling services to children
- Foundational education for specialized training toward Register Play Therapist designation managed by Association for Play Therapy
