Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Certificate (K-12)
Promote wellness in the classroom.
Social Emotional Learning (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.
Who should get an SEL Certificate?
- 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
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
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
Tuition and Financial Aid
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Certificate (K-12)
$579
per credit*
16
credits
$9,264
tuition
*Tuition based on 2023-2024 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.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Merrimack College’s FAFSA school code is 002120.
Employer Tuition Assistance
Merrimack accepts employer financial/tuition assistance. We also offer partnership discounts. Contact us or ask your employer whether your organization is an official partner with Merrimack’s online programs.
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.
Merrimack College
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 (2024)
- 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)
NECHE-Accredited
- Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Tell me more about Merrimack’s online programs.