Master of Education in Social Emotional Learning

Help Students Thrive Inside and Outside the Classroom

Today's educators are expected to do more than deliver instruction. They are called to help students build confidence, develop healthy relationships, manage emotions, and create a foundation for lifelong success. Waldorf University's online Master of Education in Social Emotional Learning prepares educators to foster supportive learning environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Developed in partnership with Erin Gruwell, award-winning author and founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation, this program equips educators with practical strategies to build student engagement, strengthen classroom culture, and support learners from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Whether your goal is to improve classroom effectiveness, strengthen student relationships, or become a leader in student engagement and well-being initiatives, this flexible online program can help you advance your career while continuing to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. 

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Designed for Educators Who Impact the Whole Student

Today's educators are increasingly expected to support both academic achievement and student well-being. Waldorf University's online format allows professionals to develop practical strategies that support student success, strengthen classroom culture, and foster meaningful connections while continuing to serve students, families, and communities in their current roles. 

Program Highlights

• 100% online format

• Flexible scheduling for working professionals

• 36-credit curriculum

• Student well-being and engagement focus

• Developed in partnership with Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers Foundation

• No campus residency requirements

Why Professionals Pursue an M.Ed in Social Emotional Learning

Schools across the country are placing greater emphasis on student well-being, engagement, belonging, and relationship-building. Educators increasingly recognize that students learn best when they feel connected, supported, and empowered to succeed, creating a growing need for professionals who understand how to support the whole student. 

Students who develop self-awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, empathy, and emotional resilience are often better equipped to succeed both academically and personally. These competencies contribute to healthier classroom environments, stronger engagement, and long-term success. 

Professionals interested in strengthening student engagement, well-being, and classroom culture often seek to: 

• Improve student engagement and classroom culture

• Support student well-being and resilience

• Strengthen relationship-building skills

• Create more inclusive learning environments

• Enhance communication and collaboration

• Lead student engagement and well-being initiatives within schools and districts 

For many educators, the degree provides an opportunity to make a lasting impact on students while strengthening their effectiveness as educational leaders.

What Can You Do with an M.Ed in Social Emotional Learning?

Schools increasingly seek educators and student-support professionals who can foster positive school climates, strengthen student engagement, support behavioral growth, and create environments where learners feel connected, supported, and empowered to succeed. 

Potential Career Paths

Why Educators Choose Waldorf University

Waldorf University's online education programs are designed for working professionals balancing graduate education alongside career responsibilities, family commitments, and personal goals.

Students benefit from a supportive learning environment that emphasizes practical application and real-world relevance. Coursework is designed to help professionals immediately connect what they learn to classroom experiences, student support initiatives, and educational leadership opportunities.

Students benefit from:

• Practical coursework connected to real-world educational challenges

• Faculty focused on professional application and student success

• Opportunities to immediately apply concepts within educational settings

• Flexible online learning designed for working adults

• A supportive educational environment focused on professional growth

Developed in partnership with Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers Foundation, the program incorporates real-world scenarios that reflect the challenges educators face when supporting students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning needs. By combining student-centered strategies with educational leadership and classroom practice, Waldorf University helps educators create positive learning experiences that support student success. 

"I wanted to pursue a Social Emotional Learning degree after starting to teach during the pandemic. It made me realize the importance of this field not only for our students, but for society as a whole. I don't think I could have earned a master's degree without this program because it offered so much flexibility. I was able to continue teaching full-time, mentor new teachers, coach, and volunteer while completing my degree. The online program truly works for busy professionals."

— Bri Larcom, M.Ed. Social Emotional Learning, 2025

The Power of AND at Waldorf

Support Academic Success AND Student Well-Being

Today's educators face growing expectations. Students need academic support, emotional resilience, positive relationships, and a sense of belonging in order to thrive.

At Waldorf University, you don't have to choose between supporting student achievement and supporting student well-being.

• Strengthen instructional effectiveness AND build stronger student relationships

• Support academic achievement AND student well-being 

• Advance your career AND continue serving students full-time

• Develop leadership skills AND make a greater impact in your school community

YOUR LIFE CONTINUES. YOUR EDUCATION DOES TOO.

Curriculum Designed for Student Success and Well-Being

Creating positive learning environments requires more than strong instructional practices. Educators must understand how students develop socially and emotionally, how relationships influence learning, and how to create classroom cultures where students feel supported, engaged, and empowered to succeed.

Waldorf University's program combines educational theory, classroom practice, and student-centered strategies to help educators foster stronger relationships, improve engagement, and support positive student outcomes. 

Coursework emphasizes practical application and real-world strategies that educators can immediately implement within classrooms, schools, after-school programs, and community settings.

Throughout the program, students develop skills in:

• Student engagement strategies

• Relationship-building techniques

• Positive classroom culture development

• Inclusive learning practices

• Student resilience and well-being support

• Communication and collaboration skills

• Positive behavior interventions

• Family and community engagement

This balance of educational practice and student development principles prepares graduates to create learning environments where students feel connected, supported, and ready to succeed. 

Educators interested in strengthening instructional effectiveness may also consider Waldorf University's Online Master of Education in Teaching and Learning.

Master of Education in Social Emotional Learning Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to help educators strengthen student engagement, foster student well-being, and create positive learning environments that support academic, social, and personal growth. 

This program is available online only.

Master's Degree Requirements

• Completion of 36-credit hour curriculum
• Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA
• Grade of B or higher in all required courses and professional electives

Ready to Help Students Thrive?

Learn how Waldorf University's online M.Ed programs can help you strengthen student engagement, support student well-being, and advance your professional career. 

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Who Should Consider This Program?

The Master of Education in Social Emotional Learning is designed for educators and student-support professionals who want to strengthen their ability to help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

This program may be especially valuable for:

• K–12 classroom teachers

• School counselors

• Student support specialists

• Instructional coaches

• Behavioral intervention professionals

• Educational leaders and administrators

• After-school and youth program leaders

Whether your goal is to improve student engagement, strengthen classroom culture, support student well-being, or lead student success initiatives, this program provides practical tools that can be applied immediately within educational settings. 

Online Learning Designed for Working Professionals

Returning to graduate school often means balancing professional responsibilities, family commitments, and personal goals.

This flexible online program is designed specifically for working professionals who want to advance their careers while balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities. 

Students benefit from the ability to:

• Complete coursework from virtually anywhere

• Continue working full-time while earning a graduate degree

• Apply concepts immediately within current educational environments

• Collaborate with fellow educators and professionals

• Develop practical skills that support student success and well-being

Because students remain actively engaged in educational settings throughout the program, coursework often becomes immediately relevant to real-world classroom and student-support challenges.

Note: Earning a state-issued educator certification is not included in Waldorf University's Master of Education program. If you are not a licensed teacher, you can learn more about Waldorf University's licensing partner, TeacherReady®.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this program fully online?

Yes. The Master of Education in Social Emotional Learning is offered fully online.

How is this program different from a school counseling degree?

This program focuses on helping educators integrate student engagement, relationship-building, and well-being strategies into educational environments. It does not prepare graduates for counseling licensure.

Does this degree lead to teacher licensure?

No. This program is designed for graduate-level professional development and does not lead to teacher licensure.

How long does the program take?

Many students complete the program within approximately 12–24 months, depending on course load.

What is social emotional learning?

Social emotional learning focuses on helping students develop self-awareness, relationship skills, emotional regulation, responsible decision-making, and social awareness.

Who should pursue this degree?

The program is ideal for educators, counselors, administrators, and student-support professionals interested in improving student engagement, well-being, and success.

Can I work full-time while enrolled?

Yes. The program is specifically designed for working professionals balancing graduate education with career responsibilities.

Explore Related Education Programs

• Master of Education in Leadership

• Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology

• Master of Education in Teaching and Learning

Help Students Succeed Beyond the Classroom

Develop the knowledge and skills to create positive learning environments, strengthen student relationships, and support academic and personal growth.

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