Social Emotional Learning Certificate (K–12)
100% Online | Complete Part Time in 9 Months | No GRE or GMAT Required
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Social Emotional Learning (K–12)
Create safe and supportive classroom environments with an SEL Certificate from Merrimack College.
Using evidence-based strategies, this certificate provides educators, counselors and administrators with the tools to manage the complex challenges of trauma and emotional development, and promote mental wellness across diverse populations.
Complete four courses and you may qualify for a salary change (master’s +15 credits) or continue your studies with a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.
Quick Facts:
Qualifies for master’s +15 credits
Online courses
Complete part time in nine months
Six starts per year
$9,920 tuition
School district partnership discounts
No licensure required
No GRE or GMAT required
Financial aid eligible
Learn more about Merrimack’s Social Emotional Learning (K-12) Certificate.
Who should get an SEL Certificate?
- Teachers and paraprofessionals looking to stay current in their practice, potentially qualify for a salary increase, or provide input on policy
- Building and district leaders looking to support academic performance and enhance school climate
- Mental health professionals, including school counselors, therapists and social workers
SEL benefits both students and teachers.
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) reports that teachers with high levels of social competence are better able to protect themselves from burnout by:
- Developing and managing nurturing relationships with their students
- Serving as behavioral role models for children
- Regulating their own emotions
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Certificate (K–12) Coursework
Complete four courses and earn your Social Emotional Learning Certificate (K–12).
This course will address several major aspects of teaching social studies. Initially, there will be a focus on the broad aims of the social studies (with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction). Secondly, the course will focus on developing social studies skills such as: critical, creative, and analytical thinking; problem solving; valuing; and decision-making. Third, the course will apply cooperative learning, vocabulary and concept formation, children’s literature, and online resources to the study of the social studies. Throughout the course, there will be a focus on the organization of curriculum, instructional methods and student assessment processes about the topics of Massachusetts, United States, and world history; geography skills and global awareness; economics principles and concepts; and US political principles. Credits: 4
This course examines the field of social emotional learning, applying its concepts to programs that seek to provide positive development for young people. The course will begin with an overview of the field and emphasize practical application in learning spaces for youth and young adults.
Mental Health First Aid (Youth & Adult) (4 credits)
Participants in this two-credit graduate course will complete the National Mental Health First Aid certification program for Youth and explore applications of MHFA to different mental health crisis situations. The course focuses on recognizing signs and symptoms of an emerging or existing mental health issue, developing resiliency factors in young people, and noting risk factors. Note: This course has sensitive content and involves interactive units around mental health wellness and crisis.
Student Outcomes:
- Students will be able to describe and recognize the symptoms of major mental illnesses
- Students will be able to initiate conversations to refer students to appropriate services
Participants in this two-credit graduate course will complete the National Mental Health First Aid certification program for Adults and explore applications of MHFA to different mental health crisis situations. The course focuses on recognizing signs and symptoms of emerging or existing mental health issues and reducing stigma. Note: This course has sensitive content and involves interactive units around mental health wellness and crisis. (Course may be customized to specific populations: higher education, fire and EMS, law enforcement/corrections, veterans, older adults.)
Student Outcomes:
- Students will be able to describe and recognize the symptoms of major mental illnesses
- Students will be able to initiate conversations to refer students to appropriate services
Elective of Your Choice (4 credits)
- Ethics and Identity in Educational Settings (EDU 6140)
- Diversity and Difference for K–12 Educators (EDU 6145)
- Resiliency and Wellness in the Professions (coming soon)
- Conflict Analysis and Resolution (EDU 5921)
- Critical Issues in Education (EDU 5000)
- Educational Leadership and Managerial Strategies (EDU 6308)
- Financial Leadership (EDU 6307)
- Project-Based Digital Learning (EDU 5611)
- Designing Virtual Classrooms
- Information Technology in Education (EDU 5850)
- Fundamentals Independent School Leadership (EDU 6301)
- Fundamentals of Faith-Based Education (EDU 6305)
Tuition and Financial Aid
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Certificate (K–12)
$620
per credit*
16
credits
$9,920
tuition
*Tuition based on 2025–2026 academic year.
Tuition and fees are subject to change annually.
Additional program fees may apply.
Financial Aid
As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal support in the form of loans. We strongly encourage all eligible graduate students to apply for federal financial aid, even if they don’t demonstrate an exceptional financial need.**
All graduate students also have the option of obtaining private loans and/or enrolling in an institutional payment plan.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Merrimack College’s FAFSA school code is 002120.
**Certificate programs do not qualify for federal financial aid.
Partnership Discounts and Employer Tuition Assistance
Merrimack partners with many school districts across Massachusetts to offer 10 percent off your tuition. Contact us to see if your school district is a Merrimack partner. We also accept employer financial/tuition assistance.
It’s Easy To Apply Online
A complete application includes:
- Online application (no fee)
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resume or LinkedIn profile
- Personal statement
GRE and GMAT scores are not required. Additional materials may be requested.
Key Dates and Deadlines
This program enrolls six times a year. Each term is eight weeks.
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Accolades and Accreditation
At Merrimack College, we’re proud of our long history of providing quality degrees to students entering the job market. Our faculty are more than just teachers. We are committed to helping you grow — academically, personally and spiritually — so that you may graduate as a confident, well-prepared citizen of the world.
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2026)
- Most Innovative Schools (No. 8)
- Regional Universities North (No. 38)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (No. 20)
- Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (No. 82)
(at schools where doctorate not offered) - Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 16)
- Best Value Schools (No. 52)
NECHE-Accredited
- Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Tell me more about Merrimack’s programs.
*This applies to new students entering the Spring II 2026 term. Does not roll over to subsequent terms. MBA, MED-SC, CMHC, MSN excluded. Not combinable with other offers (i.e. Double Warrior, Fellowship, Partnership Discounts, etc). For CSC 6000, credit will be applied to their second course.