M.A. in Education Psychology – Trauma & Resilience in Educational Settings (Pending SACSCOC Approval)
Understand Trauma at Its Root and Transform How Students Learn
Regent University’s Master of Arts in Education Psychology — Trauma and Resilience in Educational Settings can equip educators and school professionals with a psychologically grounded, research-informed foundation for understanding and addressing trauma’s impact on students. Going deeper than instructional strategy, this concentration explores the neurobiology of trauma, schoolwide systems for safety and belonging, crisis response, and professional resilience to prepare graduates to lead meaningful changes in learning environments across diverse educational settings. Offered entirely online and grounded in a Christian worldview, this 30-credit-hour program is designed for classroom teachers and emerging educational leaders who are ready to make their schools safer, more responsive, and more effective for every student.
Ground Your Practice in Psychology and Neuroscience
This degree program goes beyond classroom strategies to explore the psychological and neurobiological foundations of trauma’s effects on learning, behavior, motivation, and student engagement. Drawing from educational psychology, neurobiology, emotional regulation theory, and trauma research, graduates develop a deep, science-informed understanding of what trauma-affected students may require.
Design Learning Environments Where Students Feel Safe And Supported
Prepare to create psychologically responsive school climates that prioritize safety, belonging, and resilience. This concentration is for professionals who want to develop whole-school systems and practices that address the emotional, behavioral, and relational needs of diverse learners.
Lead Intervention and Crisis Response with Confidence
Develop practical expertise in trauma-responsive intervention, crisis response, de-escalation, and restorative approaches. Learn to recognize trauma-related behaviors, respond with calm authority, and implement protocols that protect student and staff well-being.
Build Professional Resilience for the Long Haul
Working with trauma-affected students is demanding work — and this concentration takes that seriously. Students develop evidence-based and faith-grounded strategies for recognizing secondary traumatic stress, preventing burnout, and sustaining the kind of compassionate, effective practice that benefits students and professionals alike over a career.
Align Yourself with Excellence
Regent is ranked among Top National Universities by U.S. News & World Report (2026) and among the Top 5 Best Online Graduate Education Programs in Virginia. More than 1,015 Regent alumni have been recognized as Teachers of the Year in Hampton Roads since 2004. This degree is supported by award-winning faculty and presented from a Christian worldview.
Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.
On completing the M.A. in Education Psychology — Trauma & Resilience in Educational Settings, you can:
- Apply neurobiological and psychological research to design trauma-informed interventions that restore safety, connection, and resilience for diverse student populations.
- Develop and implement schoolwide systems, policies, and practices that foster belonging, emotional regulation, and positive school climate.
- Serve as a resource and coach for colleagues, supporting staff well-being and building school capacity for trauma-responsive practice.
- Sustain long-term professional effectiveness through evidence-based and faith-grounded strategies for resilience and self-care.
Career Opportunities
- Trauma-Informed Learning Environment Specialist
- Student Wellness Coordinator
- Student Support Specialist
- Trauma-Responsive Educational Consultant
- Intervention Program Coordinator
| Code | Name | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code: TRAU 520 | Introduction to Trauma-Informed Education | Credits: 3 | Introduces foundational principles of trauma-informed education through the lenses of educational psychology, student development, and instructional practice. Students examine how trauma and chronic stress influence cognitive development, learning, motivation, emotional regulation, behavior, and academic performance across educational settings. Emphasis is placed on applying research from developmental psychology, learning sciences, and behavioral theory to create supportive, equitable, and relationship-centered learning environments. Students explore trauma-responsive instructional strategies, restorative and preventive approaches to behavior support, co-regulation and de-escalation practices, and systems that promote resilience, engagement, and well-being for diverse learners. Attention is also given to educator self-efficacy, reflective practice, and sustainable professional resilience. |
| Code: TRAU 545 | Resilience & Self-Care for Trauma-Informed Professionals | Credits: 3 | Equips helping professionals to recognize and respond to secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Through self-assessment and reflective practice, students develop sustainable habits for resilience, grounded in faith, community, and research-based strategies. The course emphasizes stewardship of self as essential to effective service and long-term professional well-being. |
| Code: TRAU 550 | Neurobiology of Trauma | Credits: 3 | Students investigate how trauma affects the developing brain, body, and nervous system, shaping behavior, learning, and relationships. The course bridges neuroscience and applied practice, emphasizing the roles of attachment, regulation, and sensory integration in healing. Learners apply neurobiological principles to design trauma-informed interventions that restore safety, connection, and resilience across diverse populations. |
| Code: TRAU 560 | Schoolwide Systems for Safety & Belonging | Credits: 3 | Focuses on developing trauma-informed systems and policies that foster safety, belonging, and connection across the entire school community. Students examine frameworks for implementing schoolwide practices that support regulation, inclusion, and staff well-being. Emphasis is placed on creating collaborative, sustainable cultures where every student and educator feels seen, supported, and valued. |
| Code: TRAU 565 | Trauma, Behavior, & Crisis Response in Schools | Credits: 3 | Examines the intersection of trauma, behavior, and crisis response within school environments. Students learn how to recognize trauma-related behaviors, apply de-escalation and regulation strategies, and implement crisis response protocols that prioritize safety and dignity. Emphasis is placed on maintaining calm authority, fostering emotional stability, and responding to crises in ways that prevent retraumatization and promote recovery for students and staff. |
Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.
2026-27 Semester Check-In Deadlines
All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.
| Session | Semester Check-In | Session Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Session A | Friday, August 14 | Monday, August 24 |
| Session M | Friday, September 11 | Monday, September 21 |
| Session B | Friday, October 16 | Monday, October 26 |
| Session C | Wednesday, January 6 | Monday, January 11 |
| Session T | Friday, January 29 | Monday, February 8 |
| Session D | Friday, March 5 | Monday, March 15 |
| Session E | Friday, April 30 | Monday, May 10 |
| Session F | Friday, June 11 | Monday, June 21 |
Admissions Requirements
Step 1: Apply to Regent University
Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.
Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.
Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts
Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.
Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES or NAFSA approved agency.
Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.
Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.
PART-TIME STUDENTS
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (M.A.) | $585 | 6 | $3,510 |
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $585 | 6 | $3,510 |
| M.S. in Library Science | $700 | 6 | $4,200 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $820 | 3 | $2,460 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $820 | 3 | $2,460 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (M.A.) | $585 | 9 | $5,265 |
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $585 | 9 | $5,265 |
| M.S. in Library Science | $700 | 9 | $6,300 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $820 | 9 | $7,380 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $750 |
Part-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (M.A.) | $585 | 6 | $3,510 |
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $585 | 6 | $3,510 |
| M.S. in Library Science | $700 | 6 | $4,200 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $820 | 3 | $2,460 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $820 | 3 | $2,460 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (M.A.) | $585 | 9 | $5,265 |
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $585 | 9 | $5,265 |
| M.S. in Library Science | $700 | 9 | $6,300 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $820 | 9 | $7,380 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $750 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.