• Apply research and inquiry in trauma-informed and social emotional learning practices to improve student outcomes using assessment and reflective practice.
• Design culturally responsive, trauma-sensitive learning environments that promote equity, belonging and resilience for diverse learners.
• Integrate SEL competencies into differentiated instructional planning and use data to monitor and improve student learning.
• Demonstrate ethical leadership, family and community collaboration, and advocacy for equitable systems that support the holistic development of children and youth.

This program prepares educators to serve as scholar-practitioners, collaborative community members, effective instructional leaders and advocates for student well-being.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Advanced Knowledge and Inquiry in Trauma-Informed Practice: Graduates apply current research in trauma-informed education and SEL to improve student learning and well-being, using inquiry, assessment of literacy, and reflective practice to evaluate impact.

2. Equity-Centered and Culturally Responsive Learning Environments: Graduates design inclusive, trauma-sensitive environments that respond to individual learning needs and address inequities affecting diverse student populations.

3. Instructional Design and Data-Informed SEL Integration: Graduates design, implement and assess differentiated instruction integrating SEL competencies across disciplines, using data to guide continuous improvement.

4. Professional Leadership and Advocacy: Graduates model ethical, collaborative and servant leadership to advance trauma-informed systems and equitable practices within schools and communities.

Admission Policies

1. No more than nine semester credits should be taken prior to admission to the program, as there is no guarantee those credits will count toward a graduate degree.
2. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
3. Complete an online application by the posted deadline found on each program's webpage.
4. There are three levels of admission, as follows:
   1. Full admission: cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher, satisfaction of all prerequisites and acceptable recommendations.
   2. Restricted admission: cumulative grade-point average of 2.7 or higher, acceptable recommendations and conditions identified by the admissions committee.
   3. Conditional admission: a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher and conditions identified by the admissions committee.
5. The entrance-exam requirement is waived for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 must submit official GRE or MAT scores or complete an analytical essay in lieu of GRE or MAT scores. Please see the application for the essay prompt. 
6. Prerequisites or corequisites prior to graduate study may be required where applicants lack appropriate preparation. Students whose first language is not English may be required to complete prerequisites prior to consideration for admission. These courses are determined with an advisor to improve expertise in English, math, education methods and study skills.
7. Part of the application process is completion of the character-and-fitness supplement. Based upon a review and documentation of items disclosed in this supplement, Whitworth may deny admission to any individual. Applicants with suspended or revoked educational certificates (teachers, counselors, principals, psychologists or others) for a program leading to state certification will not be processed for admission until such certificates have been reinstated. This includes certificates from other states as well as those from Washington.
8. For international students, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the GRE are required prior to admission. The minimum score accepted is 88 on the TOEFL or an overall score of 7.0 on the IELTS. Testing is also done in English and in math prior to the student’s graduate coursework, to determine any prerequisites that need to be written into the degree plan. International applicants with diplomas from non-English-speaking universities may be required to provide a professional credential evaluation of their university transcripts from World Education Services. International students must also provide a current passport copy and proof of adequate financial resources for graduate study prior to admission.
9. Trauma-informed social emotional learning applicants will be interviewed as part of their admissions process.
10. Graduates of the graduate studies in education and master in teaching programs at Whitworth seeking an additional master’s degree may have the core classes waived if they have been completed within the previous six years. These classes include Educational Research, Milestones in Education, Curriculum Development and Psychology of Learning or course equivalents. 

Note: At any given time, one or more of our programs may be undergoing revision to stay current with changing Washington State Board of Education requirements. Please consult your advisor to ensure that you have the most current information on your program.

Academic Policies for Graduate Education Programs

Academic Standards

Whitworth Graduate Studies in Education offers guided studies that may be taken on a tutorial basis. Program director approval is required. Proposals are submitted with the approvals of the faculty supervisor and the director/department chair via the electronic guided study proposal form by the registration deadline of the term during which the study will be taken.

Admission and Expulsion

1. Students who take no courses toward the completion of their master’s degree within a one-year period will be placed on inactive status, unless arrangements have been made for a hiatus. In order for a student to return to active status they must reapply and they will be responsible for any new university or program requirements.
2. Students may be suspended or expelled for failure to meet academic standards and for plagiarism, cheating, misrepresentation of background information, or violation of program requirements. Subsequent readmission follows the procedures for new admission under the catalog requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.
3. Whitworth reserves the right to withhold transcripts and diplomas until all campus debts are settled.
4. Students are prohibited from bringing children, other family members and/or guests to their classes except in an emergency and with the permission of the instructor.

General Guidelines

1. Trauma-informed social emotional learning students self-register for courses online.
2. Check with your advisor each term for pre-registration advising and for exit requirements. Students must be cleared by their advisor prior to course registration each term.
3. Tuition is paid through student financial services located in McEachran Hall. If a student enrolls in a course that is not approved for a specific program, that class will be considered an enrichment course only; it will not count toward a graduate degree or certification program.