M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction – Trauma-Informed Educational Practice
Create Classrooms Where Every Student Can Learn and Thrive
Regent University’s M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction — Trauma-Informed Educational Practice is designed to equip K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, intervention specialists, and curriculum leaders with the knowledge and tools to design learning environments that are safe, responsive, and academically effective for all students. Offered entirely online and grounded in a Christian worldview, this 30-credit-hour concentration integrates evidence-based trauma-informed principles directly into curriculum design, instructional delivery, assessment, and behavior support — allowing graduates not only to help students thrive, but to sustain themselves.
Embed Trauma-Informed Practice into Your Instruction
This concentration focuses on the classroom. Rather than treating trauma support as a separate intervention model, learn to embed trauma-informed principles directly into curriculum design, instructional delivery, assessment, and classroom climate — making every lesson and learning experience more equitable and responsive.
Connect Trauma-Responsive Pedagogy to Academic Achievement
Trauma-informed teaching isn’t separate from rigorous instruction, but makes it possible. This concentration connects evidence-based trauma-informed practices with differentiated instruction, culturally responsive teaching, student engagement, and academic success across diverse learning populations, so graduates can serve the whole learner without sacrificing academic outcomes.
Apply What You Learn
Every course emphasizes immediately applicable strategies for classroom climate, restorative practice, behavior support, co-regulation, and responsive instruction, all of which educators can bring back to their classrooms right away. The focus is on practical tools for real educational settings, not abstract theory.
Prepare for the Long Term — For Your Students and Yourself
Burnout is one of the greatest challenges facing educators who work with trauma-affected populations. This concentration is designed to equip graduates to support struggling learners while developing the resilience, ethical grounding, and sustainable professional habits needed for long-term effectiveness in education. Grounded in faith-based principles of stewardship and community, the program aims to prepare the whole educator.
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.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction — Trauma-Informed Educational Practice, you can:
- Design responsive curricula and learning environments that prioritize equity, emotional safety, and academic achievement for diverse student populations.
- Implement evidence-based trauma-informed instructional strategies, restorative practices, and behavior support frameworks in K-12 classrooms.
- Evaluate and develop school-wide programs that address the academic and behavioral needs of trauma-affected learners.
- Coach and mentor other educators in trauma-responsive instructional practices across grade levels and content areas.
- Sustain professional resilience and model ethical, compassionate practice in high-need educational environments.
Career Opportunities
- Trauma-Informed Instructional Coach
- Student Wellness Coordinator
- Behavior and Student Support Specialist
- Curriculum and Instruction Specialist
- Alternative Education
The M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction is also available with the following concentrations:
| 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 525 | Trauma-Informed Curriculum & Assessment | Credits: 3 | Examines how trauma and adverse experiences influence students’ engagement with curriculum, learning processes, and assessment outcomes. Students learn to design responsive curricula that prioritize equity, flexibility, and emotional safety. Topics include culturally responsive pedagogy, differentiated instruction, and alternative assessment models that support healing-centered education. |
| Code: TRAU 530 | Special Populations & Trauma | Credits: 3 | Students explore the intersection of trauma with special education, disability, and linguistic or cultural diversity. The course addresses how trauma may present differently in students with exceptionalities and how traditional interventions can retraumatize. Emphasis is placed on trauma-sensitive IEP development, inclusive practices, and collaborative approaches with families and specialists. |
| Code: TRAU 540 | Media, Technology, & Trauma-Affected Students | Credits: 3 | Investigates the impact of digital environments, media exposure, and social media use on trauma-affected youth. Students examine how technology can both exacerbate and alleviate stress, anxiety, and disconnection. Practical strategies are provided for guiding students toward healthy digital engagement, media literacy, and online regulation within trauma-informed frameworks. |
| 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. |
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.