Play Therapy Coursework
The Department of Counseling and Human Development offers graduate coursework that may assist individuals in earning their or credential. Students completing play therapy coursework are also working towards a master's degree in a counseling-related field, or they have already completed their master's degree.
Play therapists are mental health professionals who are often employed in mental health agencies, schools, hospitals and private practices. The Association for Play Therapy confers or credentials to assist the public in recognizing those who have specialized training and supervision in the practice of play therapy.
Admission Requirements
Play therapy coursework is completed in a cohort model. Cohorts typically begin in the fall. Play therapy studies include at least seven graduate credits. If you are already enrolled in a counseling and human resource development graduate program, please contact Naomi Timm-Davis to learn about the next play therapy course offering.
If you are not enrolled in a CHRD graduate program and would like to apply to study play therapy, in one email please submit a letter of interest, resume, two letters of professional reference and a writing sample to Naomi Timm-Davis via email. Upon review, qualified candidates will interview with faculty to determine admissions. Admissions materials must be received by April 1 for consideration for fall term.
RPT Credential
This guide describes how coursework and experience earned at South Dakota State University can be applied towards a play therapist credential.
Visit the for additional information on the credentials and a list of current supervisors.
Phase One: Instruction
APT Requirements:
Hours Required: 35-55
Phase one only: Theories: 20-30, Skills and Methods: 10-20, Applicant’s Choice: up to 15
In any phase: History: up to five, Special Topics: 0-5
SDSU Offering/Recommendation:
CHRD 706
Phase One: Experience
APT Requirements:
At least 50, but no more than 75, hours of supervised play therapy experience must be completed during phase one
SDSU Offering/Recommendation:
CHRD 710 (one credit), 786* or 794* only if access to RPT-S available
Phase One: Supervision
APT Requirements:
At least five, not more than 10
Note: of the required 35 hours, no more than 10 group supervision hours will be accepted
Observe one play therapy session
*Must be an RPT-S
SDSU Offering/Recommendation:
CHRD 710
Phase Two: Instructions
APT Requirements:
Hours Required: 55-70
Phase two only: Theories: 25-30, Skills and Methods: 25-30, Special Topics: 5-10
In any phase: History: up to five, Applicant's Choice: up to 15.
SDSU Offering/Recommendation:
CHRD 707, 708; play therapy workshops and/or conferences
Phase Two: Experience
APT Requirements:
At least 100, but no more than 150, hours of supervised play therapy experience must be completed during phase two
SDSU Offering/Recommendation:
CHRD 711 (one credit), 786* or 794* only if access to RPT-S available
Phase Two: Supervision
APT Requirements:
At least 10, not more than 15
Note: of the required 35 hours, no more than 10 group supervision hours will be accepted
Observe two play therapy sessions
*Must be an RPT-S
SDSU Offering/Recommendation:
CHRD 711
Phase Three: Instruction
APT Requirements:
Hours Required: 45-60
Phase three only: Any Theory: 10-15, Skills and Methods: 15-20, Special Topics: 20-25
In any phase: History: up to five, Applicant's Choice: up to 15
SDSU Offering/Recommendation:
CHRD 709; play therapy workshops and/or conferences
Phase Three: Experience
APT Requirements:
At least 100 , but no more than 175, hours of supervised play therapy experience must be completed during phase three
SDSU Offering/Recommendation:
Prelicense practice
Phase Three: Supervision
APT Requirements:
At least 10 not more than 20
Note: of the required 35 hours, no more than 10 group supervision hours will be accepted
Observe two play therapy sessions
*Must be an RPT-S
SDSU Offering/Recommendation:
Prelicense practice with an RPT-S supervisor
| Course | Title | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHRD 706 | Introduction to Play Therapy: Theory and Techniques | 2 | Basic theoretical approaches of play therapy are explored, as well as the theory related to techniques, assessment and treatment. Play materials and use of play media to facilitate expression, self-understanding and growth are introduced. This course is designed for those who have completed a theory course in their respective degree area. |
| CHRD 707 | Advanced Play Therapy and Techniques | 2 | Advanced theoretical approaches of play therapy are applied, as well as nature of theory related to techniques, assessment and treatment. Students will develop proficient skills in use of play materials to facilitate expression, self-understanding and growth. Prerequisite: CHRD 706 |
| CHRD 708 | Play Therapy: Filial and Family | 1 | This course focuses on working with and training parents and caregivers to be therapeutic agents in their children’s lives through the utilization of play therapy skills in parent-child structured play sessions. Prerequisite: CHRD 707 |
| CHRD 709 | Applications of Play Therapy | 2 | Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in play therapy principles and practices. Students engage in advanced study of play therapy, including theories, application of skills and parent consultation. Group play therapy will be examined and practiced. Prerequisite: CHRD 708 |
