Social, Emotional and Behavioral Wellness (PK-12) Certificate

As an educator, you may have seen firsthand how children struggle to build and master social, emotional and behavioral wellness skills. The effect this can have on their learning ability and the disruption it can cause in your classroom is significant.

Although research supports social-emotional learning (SEL) programs as a core curriculum component, it's rare for teachers to have the formal training needed to seamlessly help children develop these skills in tandem with academic learning. To prepare for the barriers your students may face and support their growth, you need to add to your own skillset, which is why earning a certificate in Social, Emotional and Behavioral Wellness (SEBW) of PK-12 students can be so beneficial.

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What Sets Our Program Apart

  • The Social, Emotional and Behavioral Wellness (SEBW) of PK-12 Students certificate program at Saint Joseph's University is a 4-course, 12-credit program that prepares professional educators to identify and support their students' SEL needs.

    The program meets the educational requirements for the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Social, Emotional and Behavioral Wellness Endorsement.

  • Designed to meet the needs of both working professionals in the education field and students seeking to earn the certificate as part of their Master's of Science in Special Education, Saint Joseph's SEBW certification program is offered completely online. As an online student, you'll benefit from graduate-level courses taught by our expert faculty and acquire new tools to better help your students and meet their needs.

    The full curriculum can be completed in as little as two semesters (less than one year) or can be spread out to align with your schedule and goals. In general, the SEBW certificate can be earned through 12 credits of graduate coursework — four courses total — and related field experiences. Those who have already earned their master's degree in special education at Saint Joseph's will only need to take two courses. Act 48 credits will also be offered for these courses.

  • Taught by faculty who are experts in their field, the certificate program can help you improve the social, emotional and behavioral wellness of your students. Graduates of Saint Joseph's online SEBW (PK-12) program will:

    • Recognize the characteristics and impact of adverse childhood experience, trauma and mental illness on PK-12 students
    • Understand behavioral and mental health literacy
    • Carry out interventions to support social, emotional and behavioral wellness across PK-12 educational environments
    • Collaborate effectively with families, agencies and the community

What Can I Do with a Social, Emotional and Behavioral Wellness Certificate?

This certificate will teach you SEL interventions that can drastically improve the lives of your students. Studies show that SEL interventions increased academic performance by 11 percentile points and that SEL programming can have a positive impact up to 18 years later.

Saint Joseph's online SEBW certificate is also designed to enhance the skills and training of classroom teachers, educational administrators, school counselors, school psychologists and social workers.

Program Details

  • View required courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

  • Affordable tuition rates can be found on our tuition and fees website.*

    *Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our tuition & fees page for a detailed breakdown.

    Financial Aid & Discount Eligibility: Financial aid and discount options may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our financial aid page.

  • Graduate assistantships are offered on a limited basis. Please contact the program director for availability.

Admission Information

    • Apply online.
    • Submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
    • Submit a personal statement.
    • Submit resume.
    • Submit two letters of recommendation.

    Visit our graduate admission information page to learn more about admission requirements, key deadlines and how to submit your application.

  • Graduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. New students may enroll in courses during the fall, spring or summer semesters.

    Start Terms:

    1. Fall: August and October
    2. Spring: January and March
    3. Summer: May

  • If you’re applying as an international student, you must provide proof of English Language Proficiency and Certification of Finances along with your application. Check the graduate admission page for additional requirements.

  • SJU is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans’ Services can help you access and understand your benefits.

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