Play Therapy Certificate

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: 12 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Master's Degree

The Play Therapy Graduate Certificate program has potential ties to professional licensure or certification in the field. For more information on how this program may prepare you in that regard, please visit https://apq.ucf.edu/files/Licensure-Disclosure-CCIE-Play-Therapy-GC.pdf.

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

• Complete the following:
  • MHS6421 - Foundations of Play Therapy and Expressive Arts (3)
  • MHS6422 - Advanced Theories and Techniques of Play Therapy (3)
  • MHS6403 - Group and Family Play Therapy (3)
  • MHS6424 - Filial Therapy (3)

Grand Total Credits: 12

Application Requirements

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. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline. The Play Therapy Certificate program admits twice per year in the spring and summer terms only.

Individuals seeking national certification through the Association of Play Therapy Incorporated (APT) must obtain a master's degree in counseling or a related field and possess a state license in Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Social Work. For additional play therapy certification requirements, please consult the APT website at www.a4pt.org.

Application Deadlines