Trauma-Informed Practice Programs

Why pursue a trauma-informed practice degree or certificate?

Trauma impacts learning, health, relationships and workplace success across the lifespan. Organizations increasingly need professionals who understand the connection between stress, brain development, behavior and human performance.

North Central's curriculum goes beyond awareness. Students learn to apply trauma-informed principles to systems, policies, programs and everyday interactions to create environments that foster trust, resilience, healing and belonging. Special attention is given to understanding how trauma is shaped by historical, structural, and social inequities and how organizations can respond effectively to the unique needs of individuals and communities from historically marginalized populations.

Grounded in public health principles, neuroscience, and evidence-based practice, the program prepares graduates to lead sustainable organizational change across education, healthcare, mental health, child welfare, nonprofit and community settings.

Who is this program for?

Our students represent a wide range of professions, including:

• Teachers and school leaders
• School counselors, psychologists, and social workers
• Healthcare professionals
• Mental health providers
• Child welfare and family service professionals
• Nonprofit and community leaders
• Public health professionals
• Higher education professionals

Since 2020, students have joined our program from across the United States and internationally, creating a rich and diverse professional learning community.

Why choose North Central for your trauma-informed practice education?

A Truly Transformational Learning Experience

Many trauma-informed programs teach concepts. North Central's program develops leaders.

Cohort-Based Saturday Learning

Students progress together as a cohort, building meaningful professional relationships and engaging in live synchronous Saturday morning learning sessions that promote reflection, discussion, and real-world application.

Signature Workshop Experience

During the first three courses, students create a three-hour workshop experience that bridges theory and practice, helping them deepen their learning and apply trauma-informed principles to their professional settings.

Evidence-Based and Action-Oriented

The curriculum integrates current research, neuroscience, trauma theory, equity-focused practice, and organizational leadership strategies so graduates can confidently lead change efforts in their communities. Coursework emphasizes culturally responsive, trauma-informed approaches that address disparities in access, outcomes, and support experienced by historically marginalized populations.

Train-the-Trainer Focus

Students graduate prepared not only to implement trauma-informed practices but also to educate colleagues, facilitate professional learning, and influence systemic change throughout their organizations.

What Our Graduates Are Saying

"This program was excellent in giving merit, language, and research to back the trauma-informed work to be done. What I didn't expect was how much I would learn about myself."

"After this program, I do not look at people or their experiences in the same way. My lens is forever changed for the better. This program changed my life, made me a better human, and gave me the tools to be a better educator."

"If someone asks me about my time in this program, I will 100% recommend it. The concepts we have learned are so important for creating change."

Master of Arts in Trauma-Informed Practice

Designed for professionals seeking advanced expertise and leadership preparation to influence systems-level change.

The Master of Arts in Trauma-Informed Practice prepares educators, leaders, and service professionals to implement trauma-informed, equity-centered practices in schools, organizations, and communities. Through a combination of trauma-focused coursework and leadership development, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to create meaningful change at the individual, organizational, and community levels.

Program Highlights:

• 33 credit hours (11 courses)
  • 15 credit hours of Trauma-Informed courses
  • 12 credit hours of core Leadership courses
  • 6 credit hours of electives
• 100% online
• Cohort-based model that starts each Spring semester
• Complete the degree in approximately two years

Courses are offered in primarily asynchronous, seven-week sessions, allowing students to learn on a flexible schedule while progressing through one course at a time. Students should plan to dedicate approximately 9-12 hours per week to coursework.

Selected courses (MHTS/MEDU 501, 502, 503, 684/694, and 686/696) include three required live synchronous online Saturday sessions from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CT.

View in-depth course descriptions here.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

• Analyze the effects of childhood trauma on physical, social, emotional, and neurological development, as well as its impact on communities
• Assess regulatory states through a trauma-informed lens and apply appropriate evidence-based interventions
• Design and facilitate effective trauma-informed professional learning experiences
• Develop evidence-based trauma-informed projects that demonstrate professional application and leadership in practice

Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Educational Practices

Ideal for professionals seeking specialized training and immediate application within their current roles.

The Trauma-Informed Educational Practices Certificate prepares educators, youth-serving professionals, and community leaders to support children and young adults through trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches. Grounded in public health principles and current trauma research, the program helps students understand the impact of childhood trauma and develop strategies and environments conducive to healing.

Program Highlights:

• 9 credit hours (3 courses)
  • Seven-week courses delivered primarily asynchronously
• 100% online
• Cohort-based model that starts each Spring semester

Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexibility while maintaining a rigorous learning experience. Students should plan to dedicate approximately 9-12 hours per week to coursework.

All three courses (MHTS/MEDU 501, 502, and 503) include three required synchronous live online Saturday sessions from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CST.

View in-depth course descriptions here.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the certificate, students will be able to:

• Analyze the effects of childhood trauma on physical, social, emotional and neurological development, as well as its broader impact on communities
• Assess a child's regulatory state through a trauma-informed lens and apply appropriate evidence-based strategies
• Synthesize program knowledge and skills to design and deliver an effective trauma-informed practices seminar

Scott Family Scholarship for Trauma-Informed Certificate Students

The $500 Trauma-Informed Educational Practices Certificate Scholarship is dedicated to empowering individuals committed to creating positive change in their communities through the lens of trauma-informed education. This scholarship aims to support individuals who demonstrate a deep passion for helping others and possess a personal story of resilience and growth.

Qualifications:

• Be accepted to the Trauma-Informed Educational Practices Certificate program
• Answer three essay questions

Learn More and Apply

How to Apply

Both the degree and certificate programs start in the Spring semester (January). The application for the Spring 2027 cohort is open!

Master's Degree Application Steps

Please complete the following steps to apply to the Master of Arts in Trauma-Informed Practice. 

1. Start Your Application

Complete the free North Central College online application. You will also need to submit additional items depending on your program; these items will be viewable on your applicant portal checklist. All applicants must submit:

• Statement of purpose that discusses long-range goals, interest in the chosen discipline, and the reason(s) for applying to this program.
• A current resume that includes educational and employment history, college extracurricular activities, community activities, honors and leadership roles, hobbies and nonacademic interests.

2. Submit Official Transcripts

Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions showing an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Official transcripts must be submitted to Graduate Admission directly from the institution attended. 

• Minimum GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during the last 60 credit hours of coursework is required.

• Official transcripts should be sent electronically from verified services, such as Parchment, to North Central College.

  Alternatively, transcripts can be sent from your institution by mail to:
  Office of Graduate Admission
  30 N. Brainard St.
  Naperville, IL  60540

  Hard copy transcripts hand-delivered by students will be accepted if received in an official sealed envelope from the institution

3. Submit Letter of Recommendation

Applicants must submit one professional or academic letter of recommendation from an employer, professor, or another person who is able to judge your potential for graduate study. Use the recommendation section of the application to enter the recommender's name and email address. Recommendations are submitted online through our secure website. 

Apply Today

Certificate Application Steps

Please complete the following steps to apply to the Trauma-Informed Practices Certificate. 

1. Start Your Application

Complete the free North Central College online application. You will also need to submit additional items depending on your program; these items will be viewable on your applicant portal checklist. All applicants must submit:

• Statement of purpose that discusses long-range goals, interest in the chosen discipline, and the reason(s) for applying to this program.
• A current resume that includes educational and employment history, college extracurricular activities, community activities, honors and leadership roles, hobbies and nonacademic interests.

2. Submit Official Transcripts

Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions showing an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Official transcripts must be submitted to Graduate Admission directly from the institution attended. 

• Minimum GPA of a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale during the last 60 credit hours of coursework is required.

• Official transcripts should be sent electronically from verified services, such as Parchment, to North Central College.

  Alternatively, transcripts can be sent from your institution by mail to:
  Office of Graduate Admission
  30 N. Brainard St.
  Naperville, IL  60540

  Hard copy transcripts hand-delivered by students will be accepted if received in an official sealed envelope from the institution

Apply Today

Trauma-Informed Practice Programs Faculty

Our programs are born out of work that North Central faculty have completed, both individually and collaboratively, locally and at the state and national levels. Through these events, the need for knowledge and skills related to childhood adversity and trauma-informed practices has been evident. North Central faculty involved have developed unique insights and expertise. Faculty have experience with research and implementation of trauma-informed practices across settings and can provide mentorship to you throughout your program. Please click on each faculty member's profile to learn more about their professional experiences, teaching areas and scholarship.

For more information, contact Dr. Tammy Wynard, Director – Trauma-Informed Practice Programs, at tswynard@noctrl.edu.

Trauma-Informed Educational Practices Certificate Co-Founders

Tammy Wynard, Certificate Program Director, Dr. Bruce Spitzer, and Dr. Janis Fitzsimmons began collaborating to create the certificate in the fall of 2018. Their work as co-founders focused on seeking external input from advisory board members representing the health care, nonprofit, and education sectors to determine the design and scope of the curriculum.  The certificate program was approved by the college and began with the first cohort in the fall of 2020.