Play Therapy, Graduate Certificate

Available: On Campus

Sam Houston State University’s (SHSU) Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy (offered by the Department of Counselor Education housed within the College of Education) provides specialized academic training in therapeutic play modalities for master’s level, degree-seeking students as well as post-master’s practitioners seeking professional training. Students of the certificate will be impressed with our state-of-the-art training facilities. Our main campus is outfitted with 2- play rooms, 3-sandtray rooms, as well as videotaping capabilities. Facilities at the Woodlands Center, Community Counseling Clinic, contains a play room, several portable sand tray carts as well as portable art carts.  Additionally, this facility has digital taping capabilities. There are currently 2 Registered Play Therapist Supervisors and 2 Registered Play Therapists on faculty.

The 12 semester credit hour Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy is designed for students training in clinical mental health and school counseling and related fields (i.e., school counseling, psychology, social work, and marriage and family) as well as for post-master’s professionals in counseling and related fields who want to specialize and/or work towards their professional registration through the national organization (Association for Play Therapy, APT). Students should view the total RPT application from APT to understand the full requirements and keep updated on changes (i.e., academic, PT specific training, license, supervision, clinical experiences).  The Play Therapy Training Institute at SHSU is an Approved Provider by APT; however, APT alone holds the right to accept or deny any continuing education training at its discretion has the final approval of their RPT applications. SHSU is an APT Approved Provider #07-211.

This Graduate Certificate is eligible to receive Title IV funding – Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS loans by request. To be considered for aid, students need to submit a FAFSA.

Program Breakdown

Brief breakdown of the type, or types, of degree available, their length, available enrollment, and estimated cost.
Category Certificate Summary
Catalog Entry Graduate Certificate
Length 12 Credit Hours
Enrollment Fall, Spring, Summer
Costs Rates Per Semester
Admission Requirements Application Materials

Application Deadlines

This progam follows SHSU University Admission Deadlines.

Contact Info