M.A. Concentration in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process of acquiring the competencies to recognize and manage emotions, develop caring and concern for others, establish positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and handle challenging situations effectively. In short, SEL competencies comprise the foundational skills for positive health practices and interpersonal relationships, engaged citizenship, and school success. SEL is sometimes called “the missing piece,” because it represents a part of education that is inextricably linked to school success, but has not been explicitly stated or given much attention until recently. SEL emphasizes active learning approaches in which skills can be generalized across curriculum areas and contexts when opportunities are provided to practice the skills that foster positive attitudes, behaviours, and thinking processes.

We have created a SEL concentration option in the HDLC M.A. program for students with an interest in learning more about theories, research, and practice in the area of social and emotional learning and development. This concentration will be offered in the HDLC Master’s programs or as a “sub-specialization” for graduate students from other programs at UBC (e.g., Social Work, Nursing, Psychology, Human Kinetics) who have an interest in developing a greater understanding of SEL.

Interested in learning more? Please take a moment to review the social and emotional learning resources available at the SEL Resource Finder site.

MA students are eligible to apply for Tri-Council Grants in their first year only.

Social and Emotional Learning Concentration Information (33 credits)


Program Prerequisites:

For students who have not had equivalent course work prior to starting the M.A.

EPSE 481 (3) Introduction to Research in Education
EPSE 482 (3) Introduction to Statistics for Research in Education

HDLC Content Requirements (9 credits):

EPSE 501 (3) Seminar in Human Development, Learning, and Culture
EPSE 503 (3) Cultural Perspectives on Learning, Development and Media
EPSE 505 (3) Foundations in Human Development: Infancy to Adulthood

HDLC Methodology Requirements (6 credits):

EPSE 595 (3) Qualitative Methodologies in Educational Psychology and Special Education
EPSE 592 (3)
OR EPSE 596 (3)
Experimental Design and Analysis in Educational Research
Correlational Design and Analysis in Educational Research

SEL Concentration Requirements (9 credits):

EPSE 585 (3) Social and Emotional Development in Education
EPSE 588 (3) Indigenous Pathways Through Social and Emotional Learning
EPSE 582 (3) Social and Emotional Learning Through the Lens of Mental Health

SEL Concentration Electives (3 credits):

EPSE 584 (3) Motivation in Education
EPSE 511 (3) Special Topics in Human Development (if topic relevant to SEL)
EPSE 604 (3) Advanced Topics in Human Development, Learning & Culture (if topic relevant to SEL)
EPSE 630 (3) Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
EPSE 583 (3) Fostering Self-Regulated Learning
ECED 531 (3) Supporting Young Children’s Social Emotional Development in Early Childhood Education
EPSE 557 (3) Social-Emotional Interventions with Children and Youth

Thesis Requirements (6 credits):

EPSE 599 (6) Master’s Thesis

PGS form can be found on HDLC Forms & Resources page.