Master of Arts in Educational Leadership: Social Emotional Learning, Character, and Ethics (MAEL)
Specialize in SEL education practices essential to student well-being.
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Lead a Culture of Whole-Child Education
Concordia University Irvine brings a unique approach to social emotional learning (SEL) that blends leading practices with a special focus on character and ethics, so you can foster learning environments where all your students can thrive. Social emotional health is important at all ages, but it’s especially crucial for children as they navigate personal learning and relationships at home, school, and in the community.
In fact, according to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), SEL in education has been known to1:
- Have a positive impact on students’ academic achievement
- Decrease emotional distress, and increase positive attitudes about self and others
- Reduce in bullying and aggression
- Enhance young people’s coping skills, resiliency, and emotion identification
- Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in the short term
That’s why the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with specialization in Social Emotional Learning, Character, and Ethics helps you develop skills that are in demand. The program embodies the principles of servant leadership and the practices of SEL to train leaders who can meet students’ mental, social, emotional, and educational needs.
Online
Study fully online where it’s convenient for you.
30 Units
Complete your program in about 10 months.
$710/Unit
Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
“What I liked about Concordia was it was a nice blend of pedagogy and practical application in the classroom. It was really tailored to the working educator. It was something I knew would further my professional growth – and it certainly did.”
Greg McFall ’07
Getting Started
The master’s in social emotional learning program consists of 15 units of core classes and 15 units of specialization classes.
According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), recent surveys³ have shown that:
- 88% of parents want schools to teach students social and emotional skills like respect, cooperation, perseverance, and empathy.
- 81% of parents want their children’s school to continue teaching SEL or do more on SEL.
- 90% of teachers agree that promoting SEL improves students’ academic achievement.
- 84% of teachers say it has a positive impact on skills such as collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.
Next Start
January 11, 2027
Curriculum
Core Curriculum (Sample Courses):
- EDCE533 – SEL Core Competencies
- EDCE541 – Mental Health Issues in Today’s Schools
- EDCE543 – Managing Classroom and School Wide Behavior
- EDCE553 – Building Character and Ethics in Today’s Schools
- EDCE561 – Trauma-Informed Practices
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
Upon graduating with the MAEL degree, you’ll understand how to:
- Facilitate the development and implementation of a vision of learning that recognizes the needs of the school community.
- Collaborate with the community to promote social-emotional learning, character, and ethics within school systems.
- Model servant leadership while actively nurturing and sustaining a school culture and instructional programs conducive to student learning and professional growth for faculty and staff.
- Implement a balanced approach to decision-making in an educational environment.
- Identify strategies for lifelong learning in a global and digital world, including shaping a personal network to support continuous professional growth in servant leadership.
This program offers an additional opportunity: Students who’ve earned an M.A. in Educational Leadership in Social Emotional Learning, Character, and Ethics at Concordia may use EDCE541 and EDCE561 toward completion of an MAEd in School Counseling with Pupil Personnel Services Credential.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. View tuition costs and fees.
Lutheran Educator Discount
For applicants currently serving as a teacher or administrator in a Lutheran school, Concordia offers a 10% discount on tuition when you pursue a degree through Concordia University Irvine’s School of Education. Candidates for this special discount simply need to submit a signed letter from their school administrator verifying employment along with all application materials.*
CUI Alumni Loyalty Discount
For applicants who have earned a degree from Concordia University Irvine, the university offers a 10% discount on tuition when you pursue an additional degree or program through our School of Education. Candidates for this special discount simply need to inform the Admissions Office of your eligibility when applying for admissions.*
*Students receiving Concordia Faculty/Staff Waiver, Graduate Assistants, and Scholarship Athletes cannot combine with tuition discounts.
Admission Requirements
View the Graduate Application page for full details on application and admission requirements.
Information Sessions
Attend and Information Session online to learn more about our program, the application process, financial aid, payment plans, and more.
Career Outcomes
Because those who’ve completed SEL in education master’s programs walk away with an in-demand skill set, there are a number of paths you can take after graduation.
Average or above average growth is expected in careers2 from 2023 to 2033:
- Mental health, behavioral disorder, and substance abuse counselors: 19%
- Social workers: 7%
- School and career counselors and advisors: 4%
MAED/MAEL Program Handbook
The Program Handbook provides you with certain graduate degree program descriptions and requirements needed to earn a MAED/MAEL degree.
Networking Opportunities
As a graduate student at Concordia, you’ll become part of a vibrant community of over 25,000 alumni and over 3,500 peers, fostering meaningful connections that support both personal and professional growth. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to helping you discover and develop your callings through mentorship and collaboration.
Located in Irvine — home to more than 900 tech companies and a hub for innovation — students benefit from proximity to leading industries in life sciences and information technology. One-third of all Fortune 500 companies have a presence in Irvine, offering abundant opportunities for internships, mentorships, and career advancement.
Irvine’s strategic position in Southern California provides access to a dynamic business ecosystem, making it an ideal place to build your professional network. Whether you’re attending on-campus events or engaging with our online community, Concordia offers the resources and support to help you thrive in your various vocations.
Explore Financial Aid
Reduce your tuition costs with financial aid — with help from a team that wants to make your time at Concordia as affordable as possible.
Meet Our Faculty
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Cari Chittick
Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs and LCMS Placement, Professor of…
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Kathy Mueller
Administrative Assistant to the Dean/Assistant Director of Events and Partnerships
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Sandra Mercier
Director, MAEd Learning, Design, and Technology & Curriculum & Instruction
FAQs
What are social emotional programs?
Social emotional programs at the graduate-degree level focus on understanding and promoting social and emotional learning, development, and well-being. These programs equip you to help children develop emotional intelligence, resilience, empathy, and social skills.
As you start your specialization courses, Concordia’s master’s degree in social emotional learning allows you to understand the benefits of including an SEL program into your school curriculum: reducing stress and anxiety, promoting well-being, enhancing relationships, and advocating for safety and personal health.
What can you do with a master’s in social emotional learning?
With a master’s degree in social emotional learning, you can explore several options. While many graduates will take the education route, others may decide to work in mental health or even social work.
At Concordia, the Master of Arts in social emotional learning focuses on mental, social, emotional, and educational needs, making it ideal to work with students or clients in a number of workplaces.
What is the best SEL program?
The best master’s program for SEL all depends on what you want to get out of a degree and what your career goals are.
Concordia’s master’s degree focusing on SEL is unique in that it also combines the study with that character and ethics. Specialization courses tackle mental health, behavior, well-being, and more.
Who is responsible for SEL in schools?
Ideally, everyone would be equipped to support SEL in schools — anyone who comes into contact with students throughout the school day. School leaders should take it upon themselves to make sure SEL needs are being met. At the same time, teachers, staff, and peers can support and model SEL.
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Sources
1Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), What Does the Research Say?, on the internet, at:
- https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/what-does-the-research-say/ (viewed Dec. 18, 2024).
2U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm (viewed Dec. 18, 2024),
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm (viewed Dec. 18, 2024),
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm (viewed Dec. 18, 2024)
³Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), Making the Case for SEL, on the internet, at:
- https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/how-can-you-make-the-case-for-sel/ (viewed Nov. 22, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.