Skip to main content

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Certificate (K-12)


Create safe and supportive classroom environments with an online SEL Certificate from Merrimack College.

Using evidence-based strategies, this certificate gives educators, counselors, and administrators the tools to manage the complex challenges of trauma and emotional development, and promote mental wellness across diverse populations.

Complete four online courses and you may qualify for a salary change* (Master’s +15 credits) or continue your studies with a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction.

  • Led By Practicing Faculty-Experts
  • Complete Your Certificate In 9 Months, Part-Time
  • 100% Online (Asynchronous)
  • 4 Courses, 16 Credits
  • Apply Credits Toward A Master’s In Curriculum & Instruction
  • Student Coaching & Support From Day One
  • No Licensure Required

Learn more about Merrimack’s Social Emotional Learning (K-12) Certificate.

By submitting this form, I agree to be contacted via email, phone, or text to learn more about the programs at Merrimack College.
  • Teachers And Paraprofessionals Looking To Stay Current In Their Practice, Potentially Qualify For A Salary Increase, Or Influence Policy
  • Building And District Leaders Looking To Support Academic Performance And Enhance School Climate
  • Mental Health Professionals Including School Counselors, Therapists, And Social Workers

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

Courses & Learning Outcomes


Complete four courses and earn your Social Emotional Learning Certificate (K-12).

Establishing practices in schools and in the field that promote emotional growth, mental health wellness and social maturity and independence are key aspects of development. This course will explore strategies for incorporating practices that promote the development of these skills in youth and establish safe environments for youth to learn and grow.

Students will be able to:

  • Describe and analyze the development of psychosocial attributes for students in K-12 schools.
  • Describe and analyze the ways in which positive youth development can be used to structure school curriculum and practice.
  • Develop an intervention or program to help students in the K-12 system attain SEL skills as part of their school experience.

Mental Health First Aid (Youth) (2 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.

Mental Health First Aid (Adult) (2 cr)

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 & 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.
  • Diversity & Social Justice
  • Diversity and Difference for K-12 Educators
  • Resiliency and Wellness in the Professions (coming soon)
  • Conflict Analysis and Resolution
  • Critical Issues in Education
  • Educational Leadership and Managerial Strategies
  • Financial Leadership
  • Project-Based Digital Learning
  • Designing Virtual Classrooms
  • Technology for eLearning and Teaching
  • Fundamentals Independent School Leadership
  • Fundamentals of Faith-Based Education

It’s Easy to Apply Online

A complete application includes:

  • Online application (no fee).
  • Official college transcripts from all institutions attended.
  • Resume.
  • Interview or Personal statement.
  • Contact information for one reference or one letter of recommendation.

GRE and GMAT scores are not required.

Key Dates and Deadlines

This program enrolls six times a year. Each term is eight weeks.

Term
Application Deadline
Classes Begin
Spring I
Monday, January 6, 2025
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Spring II
Monday, March 3, 2025
Monday, March 17, 2025
Summer I
Monday, April 28, 2025
Monday, May 12, 2025
Spring I
Application Deadline
Monday, January 6, 2025
Classes Begin
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Spring II
Application Deadline
Monday, March 3, 2025
Classes Begin
Monday, March 17, 2025
Summer I
Application Deadline
Monday, April 28, 2025
Classes Begin
Monday, May 12, 2025

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.

  • Most Innovative Schools (No. 14)
  • Regional Universities North (No. 33)
  • Best Undergraduate Teaching (No. 31)
  • Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (No. 86)
    (at schools where doctorate not offered)
  • Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 14)
  • Best Value Schools (No. 47)
  • Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
U.S. News, Best Colleges 2024 badge.
Money, Best Colleges 2023 badge.
The Princeton Review, Best Regional Colleges 2023 badge.

Tell me more about Merrimack’s online programs.

By submitting this form, I agree to be contacted via email, phone, or text to learn more about the programs at Merrimack College.