This program has been suspended effective Spring 2026.
The Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy is housed within the Counselor Education program in the College of Community Innovation and Education. The certificate program is designed to provide advanced training to students in the Counselor Education program and for practicing counselors and therapists working with children and adolescents.
The Play Therapy Graduate Certificate does not directly certify individuals in Play Therapy; however, it can be listed as a Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy as part of one's credentials. The educational courses are designed toward credentials to be registered as a play therapist. Applicants should also contact the Association for Play Therapy to verify the courses needed to be registered as a play therapist.
Total Credit Hours Required: 9 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Master's Degree
Program Prerequisites
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution recognized by UCF or those currently enrolled in or possessing a master's degree in counseling or a related field.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses
9 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- MHS6421 - Foundations of Play Therapy Theories and Techniques for Individuals and Groups (3)
- MHS6422 - Advanced Theories and Techniques of Play Therapy (3)
- MHS6403 - Family Play Therapy (3)
Grand Total Credits: 9
Application Requirements
Application Deadlines
Play Therapy Certificate program aligns with the requirements to obtain a credential as a registered play therapist through the Association for Play Therapy (www.a4pt.org). Specifically, APT requires 150 hours of instruction in certain categories. UCF's play therapy courses and how they align to the requirements of APT are below:
- MHS 6421: History of Play Therapy (5 hours), Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories (30 hours), Play Therapy Skills and Methods (32.5)
- MHS 6422: Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories (25 hours), Play Therapy Skills and Methods (25 hours), Play Therapy Special Topics (17.5 hours)
- MHS 6403: Play Therapy Special Topics (67.5 hours)
