About the Play Therapy Certificate Program
Play allows children to examine their problems from a safe psychological distance
and allows them to express thoughts and feelings that are appropriate to their development.
Play therapy includes a variety of treatment methods that apply the therapeutic benefits
of play to help children learn to communicate with others, better express feelings,
modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating
to others. It can be a powerful tool to help children and families reconnect and heal
after a traumatic experience.
The online post-master's certificate program at UW was designed to meet the 150 clock training hours required by the Association for Play Therapy* to become a Registered Play Therapist or a School-Based Registered Play Therapist.
The program is designed for completion in one academic year with cohort groups beginning
annually in the fall semester.
*APT awards the certification, and students are responsible for meeting their additional requirements in order to gain the credential.
Application Deadline
July 1 - Fall Semesters (our certificate program only admits cohorts in the fall semester)
Admission Requirements
Domestic Students
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: no requirement
International Students
- TOEFL: 80 minimum online score and 20 minimum score in each subset, OR IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score with 6 minimum in each subset.
- GRE: 291 minimum
Online Learning at UW
The University of Wyoming presents an extensive array of fully online and hybrid programs, alongside the online play therapy certificate. These virtual programs are equivalent to in-person options concerning educational benchmarks and official recognition. Acknowledging the unique needs of online students, we provide a variety of academic and student resources crafted to bolster your achievements throughout your UW experience and beyond graduation.
Request InfoLearn more about the University of Wyoming's online programming!
What Can You Do with a Play Therapy Graduate Certificate?
With a play therapy graduate certificate, you can make a real difference in kids' lives! It boosts skills in your counseling, psychology or teaching career, helping you work toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist. This certificate lets you use play to help children heal and grow.
The certificate in play therapy program at UW was designed to meet the 150 clock training hours required by the Association for Play Therapy (APT). This program allows mental health professionals to expand the services they offer clients by applying to APT to become certified* as a:
- Registered Play Therapist
- School-Based Registered Play Therapist
*APT awards the certification, and students are responsible for meeting their additional
requirements in order to gain the credential.
- Licensed Professional Counselors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Elementary Teachers
- School Counselors
- Social Workers
- Psychologists
- Occupational Therapists
- School Psychologists
- Mental Health Clinicians
- Early Childhood Educators
- Pediatric Nurses or Nurse Practitioners
- Child Life Specialists
Absolutely! Our program is 100% online, providing the flexibility to fit your schedule and lifestyle. Many of our students successfully balance work and other commitments while completing the program.
Not necessarily! We welcome students from a variety of backgrounds into our program. Whether you’re a licensed professional, a graduate student or simply interested in play therapy, our program is designed to support diverse learners and help you grow your skills.
“In the play therapy experience, toys are like the child’s words, and play is the child’s language.”
- Garry Landreth