The counseling program in the department of intervention services and leadership in education offers a postmaster’s certificate program in child/play therapy. The certificate program curriculum is designed to meet training standards for play therapists established by the Association of Play Therapy. This certificate program is not eligible for Title IV (federal financial aid) unless the certificate is awarded as part of a degree program.

Admission Requirements

1. Evidence of having completed a master’s degree in counseling, social work or a closely related field;
2. Cumulative graduate GPA: 3.250 in required courses for the prerequisite graduate degree;
3. Resume: the resume should include evidence of experience working in a professional counseling role;
4. Goal Statement: the goal statement must indicate an intention to work with young children as part of a future professional role; and
5. References: two professional references.

Program Requirements

Background Check

Upon admission and prior to their first semester, all applicants admitted to this program must clear a criminal background check. There are two reasons for this requirement. First, it is part of the university’s due diligence before placing students in field settings. Second, the check may alert applicants or students to issues that may subsequently affect their ability to work in their chosen field. In instances when a person’s criminal history raises reasonable concerns that should be cleared to engage in the field experiences and/or subsequently obtain licensure/endorsement, WSU may take a range of actions, including rescission of admission or dismissal from the program, depending on the nature of the concern.

For information regarding this requirement, visit: Advanced Programs¹.

Curriculum

The certificate program comprises the following courses:

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The practicum requires students to conduct 100 hours of play therapy while receiving weekly supervision from an experienced play therapist.

Completion Requirements

A cumulative graduate GPA of 3.000 for all courses comprising the certificate program is required. No grades below C (2.000) are allowed in certificate program courses. In addition to these requirements, students must meet the Graduate School’s requirements in order to earn this certificate.

Completion Process

1. Students must notify the program area, in writing, of intent to complete the certificate.
2. In the semester the certificate requirements are met students must:
   1. With graduate advisor, prepare and submit to the Graduate School a plan of study for the certificate.
   2. Submit to the Graduate School an application for the certificate along with the required filing fee.

Deadlines are no later than the 20th day of fall or spring semester, or the 10th day of a summer term.