Social Emotional Learning Certificate
Who is the Social Emotional Learning Certificate for?
The Social Emotional Learning Certificate is designed for teachers and school administrators who want to build supportive, student-centered classrooms. This online certificate program from Fresno Pacific University provides practical, evidence-based strategies for helping students manage emotions, develop empathy, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. Educators gain tools they can immediately apply to create safe learning environments and strengthen partnerships with families and school communities.
What is Social Emotional Learning?
Social emotional learning (SEL) helps students develop the skills needed to understand and manage emotions, set positive goals, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. In schools, SEL supports both academic success and student well-being by strengthening communication, empathy, and resilience. When integrated into classroom instruction, social emotional learning helps create a positive school culture where students feel supported and ready to learn.
“My instruction has provided a very well thought out, sequential, and valuable course on teaching Social and Emotional skills in our classrooms. I highly recommend this class!” -Educator, California
“This course was deep, interesting, relevant, and insightful for any person looking to know how to better be available to others who are coping with grief and loss. I am grateful to have taken it.” - Educator, Pennsylvania
How do I earn my SEL certificate?
Enroll in at least 15 credits from any of the courses below to complete the certificate program.
- EDUC-928: Whole Student Education for Social Emotional Learning
- ECE-902: Guidance in Social / Emotional Behavior
- EDU-947: Hillbilly Elegy (Book Application)
- EDU-948: Helping Children Succeed (Book Application)
- EDU-950: Whole-Brain Child (Book Application)
- EDU-951: Lost at School (Book Application)
- EDU-952: Grit: Passion & Perseverance (Book Application)
- EDU-955: Teaching Empathy: The Human Experience and Process Drama
- EDUC-902: Addressing Bullying and Aggression for SEL
- EDUC-929: Trauma-Informed Teaching
- EDUC-930: Cultural Intelligence in Education
- EDUC-932: Brainstorm: The Power of the Teenage Brain (Book Application)
- EDUC-935: Helping Students Cope with Grief & Loss
- EDUC-945: The Happy Classroom: Practicing and Teaching Well-Being
- PED-922: Social Emotional Learning through Sport and PE
Benefits of earning an online Social Emotional Certificate
Convenience
- Complete coursework fully online and move through the material at your own pace while continuing your teaching career.
Flexibility
- Enroll in individual courses anytime and take up to an entire year to complete each course online. There is no time limit on when you need to complete all the required/elective courses to earn your certificate.
Support
- Instructors are available to give you lifelong individualized support, whether you are a current or previous student.
Value
- FPU’s certificate emphasizes the importance of social emotional learning in the classroom and gives time for teacher practice, engagement, and reflection.
Expertise
- Course instructors at FPU are veteran teachers with classroom experience and advanced degrees who are instrumental in the development of engaging courses.
Salary
- Professional development courses can help you earn certifications and increase your salary. Some districts offer thousands of dollars per year for taking courses.
How do I obtain the certificate?
- Complete the required course and at least 4-5 elective courses as specified above.
- Click to download the application form.
- Return completed application form to CE office, as stated on the form.
- Upon receipt of the completed application form, and verification of successful completion of the 15 units, the certificate is awarded and posted to the participant's transcript.