Trauma Informed Education, M.Ed.

Program Chair: Karen Beaman, Ed.S. and Jennifer Dollar, M.S.W.

The Master of Education in Trauma Informed Education will provide candidates with an understanding of how childhood trauma, mental health, poverty, and neurobiology development impact students’ ability to learn.   Candidates will also be equipped to establish trauma-sensitive practices in their classrooms to promote changes both school wide and district wide. 

Historically, educators and social workers train separately and do not have opportunities to collaborate and learn how both professions impact one another.  Current nationwide statistics show an increase in the prevalence of childhood trauma, mental illness, and poverty rates in PreK-12^th grade.  The MEd in Trauma Informed Education blends education and the helping professions to prepare educators, school counselors, administrators, daycare workers and professionals outside of the school system for the diverse needs of students and/or clients. 

Candidates take two courses during modules 1-5, covering 2.5 semesters. Each module is seven weeks in length and candidates are able to complete the course of study in less than one calendar year. All course-work is fully online and asynchronous. There are three start dates for the program in fall, spring, and summer.

Policy on Writing Standards

Columbia College takes seriously its commitments to academic integrity and to academic excellence. The Graduate School is especially mindful of the need for its students to demonstrate high standards of scholarship and to possess accurate, articulate communication skills. To this end, faculty closely monitor each student’s writing skills during the first semester while the student is enrolled and continues to monitor those skills throughout the program. Any deficiencies that arise are addressed with individual students.

Program Exit Criteria:

Graduate students must successfully complete the following assessment requirements to earn the M.Ed. in Trauma-Informed Education degree:

• Maintain a 3.0 GPA.
• Complete 30 semester hours of graduate work.
• Successfully complete a Professional Portfolio.