2021-2022 Graduate Catalog

Certificate of Advanced Study in Play Therapy

CIP Code

51.2317

The Certificate of Advanced Study in Play Therapy program is available for:

  • Current students enrolled in counseling, social work, couples and family, psychology or another approved licensure prep program at a regionally accredited university
  • Applicants who have completed a master’s degree in counseling, social work, couples and family, psychology or another approved licensure prep program from an accredited university

The CAS in play therapy meets the post-master’s educational requirements for the Registered Play Therapy (RPT) credential as detailed by the Association for Play Therapy (APT). The Institute for Play Therapy and Expressive Arts Education and Research at Sacred Heart University is an Approved Center for Play Therapy Education by The Association for Play Therapy.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will meet the post-master’s educational requirements for the Registered Play Therapy (RPT) credential as detailed by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) and be prepared to lead in this innovative field as qualified play therapy practitioners. 

Career Outlook

The CAS in play therapy prepares current students and mental health clinicians to become registered play therapists (RPT) or school-based RPTs in accordance with training standards and protocols set forth by the Association for Play Therapy. Graduates will be qualified to work in: 

  • Mental health settings
  • Schools
  • Hospitals
  • Private practices
  • Child advocacy centers
  • Child services agencies
  • Inpatient treatment facilities
  • Outpatient treatment facilities
  • Among many other careers

Degree Requirements

This is an 18 credit, online program.

Required Courses

Fall I - 3 credits

COU 501 - History & Introduction to Play Therapy

 

Spring I - 3 credits

COU 601 - Play Therapy Practicum I: Skills and Methods

ELECTIVE

 

Summer I - 3 credits

COU 502 - Seminal Theories of Play Therapy

 

Fall II - 3 credits

COU 602 - Play Therapy Residency

COU 504 - Play Therapy in the School Setting  OR  COU 505 - Play Therapy in Mental Health Setting

 

Spring II - 3 credits

COU 503 - Play Therapy, Sandtray, and Expressive Arts

 

Summer II - 3 credits

COU 603 - Play Therapy Practicum II: Skills and Methods

ELECTIVE