Certificate of Advanced Study in Play Therapy
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