National University

What you'll study

The degree totals 30 semester credit hours (ten courses at 3.0 credits each). Courses and focal topics described in the program materials include:

• Social Emotional Learning Foundations (SEL6000) — essential elements, theoretical lenses, frameworks, programs and policies that shape SEL in classrooms and schools.
• Cognition and Critical Thinking (prerequisite: SEL6000) — research on learner cognition and critical thinking and how SEL intersects with and supports those processes; development of a personal SEL philosophy for practice.
• Community Building & Classroom/School Climate (prerequisite: SEL6000) — research-based practices for building classroom and school communities, evaluation of climate frameworks and strategies grounded in SEL for well-being.
• Relationships, Rapport, and Trauma‑Informed SEL Practices (prerequisite: SEL6000) — trauma-informed SEL resources and strategies, the role of relationships and rapport, and applications for classrooms and schools.
• Integrating SEL into Classroom and School Communication (prerequisite: SEL6000) — SEL-infused approaches to communication, and research-based practices to foster effective communication and community support for SEL.
• Specialization Intersection & Scholarly Practice (prerequisite: SEL6010, SEL6020, SEL6030, SEL6040; follow-on course prereq SEL6050 noted in materials) — a synthesis course where students examine intersections between an educational specialization and SEL, select targeted practice-based strategies, and identify research and scholarly-writing resources.

The program allows up to 3 semester credit hours of transfer graduate credit from another institution if applicable to the degree, completed within the past seven years and not previously used toward another advanced degree.

Entry requirements

The program advertises a $0 application fee and does not require essays or exams for application. Admissions review is conducted year-round. For transfer and progression purposes, transferred credits must meet recency and applicability rules; courses transferred into the program must have a grade of B or better when applied toward future doctoral specializations per the published equivalencies.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to lead and implement SEL initiatives that strengthen classroom and school cultures, promote student and teacher well‑being, and inform communication and community-building practices. Typical roles include teacher leaders, instructional coaches, SEL coordinators and other school- or district-level positions focused on integrating SEL into curriculum, climate and policy.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program page does not list specific scholarships. Prospective students should contact the university’s admissions or financial aid office to learn about institutional scholarships, employer tuition benefits, federal aid eligibility and transfer-credit implications that may affect cost and time-to-completion.