You can complete your master's degree in counseling or social work and your Play Therapy certification together at UNCP. Start your journey in Professional School Counseling and build toward a career that includes Play Therapy certification.
Play Therapy
At UNC Pembroke, we believe in meeting children where they are. The Play Therapy Graduate Certificate gives you the skills to use play as a pathway for healing and growth. Designed for professionals in counseling, psychology or social work, this program helps you build a specialized credential that deepens your impact.
Degrees
100% Online
| Semester | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
| Fall, '26 | Jul. 1, 2026 | Aug. 17, 2026 |
| Spring '27 | Jan. 7, 2027 | Jan. 11, 2027 |
| Summer I, '27 | May 20, 2027 | May 24, 2027 |
| Fall, '27 | June 30, 2027 | Aug. 16, 2027 |
the Power of Play
Learn to support children through trauma, foster emotional development and bring new depth to your clinical practice. At UNCP you will learn from expert faculty with real-world clinical experience, fulfill some education requirements for the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and School-Based Registered Play Therapist (SB-RPT) designations and make a difference in schools, private practice or community health settings.
This program gives you tools to create lasting impact. All courses are hybrid; each combined with synchronous classes via Zoom and asynchronous. The curriculum includes:
- Child development
- Play therapy techniques
- Family support strategies and
- Trauma-informed approaches
Courses in the Play Therapy Graduate Certificate are accepted by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) for the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and School-Based Registered Play Therapist (SB-RPT)credentials.
Admission Requirements
Must have completed a master’s degree in counseling, social work or psychology in an accredited university, or currently be enrolled at UNCP as a graduate student in social work or counseling.
*Please note, UNCP issues the Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy. The Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and School Based - Registered Play Therapist (SB-RPT) credentials are issued by the Association for Play Therapy and the requirements are explained at www.a4pt.org.
Make A Difference
Are you ready to take the next step in your counseling journey? Turn your passion
for helping children into a powerful credential with UNC Pembroke’s Play Therapy Certification.
Apply today and start building the skills to make a meaningful impact through the
power of play.
Students who are currently completing a master’s degree at UNCP can apply for the Play Therapy Graduate Certificate by completing this application.
Students who have already graduated with a master’s degree and wish to come back to school for the Play Therapy Graduate Certificate can apply here.
Applicants should submit the application, $55 application fee and official transcripts showing completion of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
Students who are currently completing a master’s degree at UNCP can apply for the Play Therapy Graduate Certificate by completing this application.
Students who have already graduated with a master’s degree and wish to come back to school for the Play Therapy Graduate Certificate can apply here.
Applicants should submit the application, $55 application fee and official transcripts showing completion of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
Earn Your
Professional School Counseling Degree
Beyond Graduation
We are hoping to grow the number of play therapists serving our community because we know this will help meet the mental health needs of children.
Dr. Jonathan Ricks
School Counseling ProfessorCommon Careers
- K–12 School Counseling Settings
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Private Practice
- Hospitals or Pediatric Clinics
- Family Support Programs
- Trauma Recovery Agencies
Invest in Your Success
Financial Aid Opportunities
The Play Therapy Graduate Certificate qualifies for financial aid, making it easier for you to pursue your education. With the right help, you can focus on building your skills without financial worries. Explore all your financial aid options at the link below.
Have questions?
Our Admissions counselors are here to help!
or call us at 910.521.6271
Meet Our Faculty
Jonathan Ricks
Associate Professor of Counseling and Director of Professional School Counseling
jonathan.ricks@uncp.edu910.775.4041
