Dec 11, 2024  
Graduate Catalog | 2023-2024 
    
Graduate Catalog | 2023-2024 Previous Edition

Play Therapy, Graduate Certificate


The Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy program is designed to prepare students to work with children who are 10 years and younger in a developmentally appropriate way in both school counseling and community settings.  It is available for students who have completed a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or psychology and want additional training in play therapy.  In addition, the program is available for students in other departments at UNC Charlotte and students at other universities in their M.A. and Ph.D. programs.

The Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy meets the educational requirements as specified by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) for the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential.  The Graduate Certificate is recognition of academic achievement and enhances professional standing.

Admission Requirements


  1. An earned master’s degree in counseling, social work, or psychology from a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body
  2. Online application to Graduate Admissions accompanied by the application fee in effect
  3. GPA required for entry into a master’s degree program
  4. Official transcripts
  5. Personal statement of interest

The program adheres to Graduate School Admissions deadlines.  Please note that classes may fill before the Graduate School’s final deadlines.  Students are admitted to the Graduate School in a special category for Graduate Certificate students and must comply with all policies and regulations of the Graduate School from the time they are admitted until they graduate.

Certificate Requirements


Core Course (3 credit hours)


Elective Courses (9 credit hours)


Plus one of the following:


Total = 12 Credit Hours