Craft your calling of walking alongside and serving survivors of trauma.

Students who graduate with a Master of Education in Neuroscience and Trauma will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with survivors of acute stress and trauma. 

Trauma-responsive education and training is a major deficit and need right now, especially in the fields of education, social work, ministry, law enforcement, foster care, etc.

Beginning with brain physiology, anatomy, and cognition, students begin by learning about optimal brain function and health. They are then introduced to the effects of trauma on the whole person, culminating in trauma-responsive practices and care.

Why Tabor?

  • Tabor’s Master of Education in Neuroscience and Trauma is designed for anyone who works with children/youth who have suffered acute stress and/or trauma. M.Ed. Graduates include teachers, social workers, police officers, ministers, foster parents, adopting parents, therapists, and more.
  • The program is the only fully online Neuroscience AND Trauma Program in the country. In addition to asynchronous courses, synchronous courses are provided to allow students interaction with peers and faculty on a weekly basis.
  • Our students progress sequentially from neuroanatomy/physiology to behavior analysis and trauma-informed skillsets.
  • M.Ed. students can produce a traditional master’s thesis or choose to work on alternative capstone experiences/projects that are tailored fit to their respective professions.
  • Students become transformed because personal development is integrated through self-reflective assignments that apply knowledge to practice throughout the program.

Our promise to students:

  • To provide an education that encourages you to place Christ at the center and be challenged to pursue excellence.
  • When you complete your degree, you will be equipped to make the world a better place, helping you discern your career as a calling to partner with Christ and His kingdom.
  • To support you on each step of your journey.

3 Easy Steps to Making a Difference in your Classroom and the World

Graphic about taking innovative classes at Tabor College

Step 2.
Take Innovative Classes

Graphic about how Tabor can help you make a difference in the world

Step 3.
Make a difference in your Classroom & the world

Picture Yourself at Tabor

  • Our price model includes all fees and residencies. Our students are not nickel and dimed.
  • The program is designed with working professionals and their schedules in mind.
  • All courses are taught by Christian professors who have backgrounds in neuroscience, psychology, and trauma-responsive education. Students of all faith backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Faith and spirituality is a theme that is examined through the lens of neuroscience throughout the program.
David Stevens

“Today in America there is an extreme need for trauma-informed teachers and professionals to work with American youth. We have responded to the crisis and developed a program that will tailor fit anyone who works with children who face difficult life challenges.”

-Dr. David Stevens, M.Ed. Program Director

Program Overview

  • Program can be completed in 30 Credit Hours in one year over four terms. 
  • Courses are 7 weeks long and designed for working professionals.
  • Now offering a Spring & Summer start to the program.
  • While courses are fully online, students attend a two-day orientation on campus to meet their peers and professors.  Students have the option to attend a five-day  “Writer’s Retreat” with faculty during the summer term to work on research projects and theses. 
  • Courses in the Master of Education in Neuroscience and Trauma:
    • Fundamentals of Neuroscience (Anatomy and Physiology)
    • Advanced Cognitive Psychology (Application)
    • Cognitive Neuroscience (Learning and Behavior)
    • Current Trends (Neuroscience, Psychology, Trauma)
    • Educational Research Methods
    • Learning and Behavior Analysis
    • The Neuroscience of Stress, Trauma, and Resiliency
    • Trauma-Informed Learning Communities
    • Behavior Interventions

M.Ed. Application Requirements

  • An official transcript showing a conferred bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited program.
  • An overall cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 and 3.0 in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework. Students may petition for probationary status if their cumulative GPA is below 2.7
  • International students are also required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) before being considered for admission. The minimum TOEFL score is 560.
  • All applicants must provide three letters of professional reference. References should be from faculty members, professional colleagues, or work supervisors who can evaluate your potential for success in a graduate program. Recommendations from family, friends and other students are NOT appropriate.
  • All applicants must submit an online application for admission, official transcripts from each college attended, three reference letters, goal statement, and a resume.
  • Criminal background check is required to enter into the program. Current teachers and some professionals will already have had a background check.

What does it cost?

  • Total costs: $18,000
  • Total semester/terms in M.Ed. summer entry: 4
  • Total price per term: $4,500
  • Total semester/terms in M.Ed. spring entry: 5
  • Total price per term: $3,600

* The spring cohort will begin in January 2024 and the summer cohort will begin in May 2024.

M.Ed. Faculty

David Stevens
David Stevens, Ed.D
Program Director
davidstevens@tabor.edu
Lara Vanderhoof
Lara Vanderhoof, D.S.W.
M.Ed. Professor
larav@tabor.edu
Briana Jamieson
Briana Jamieson, M.Ed.
Distinguished Visiting Professor
briana.jamieson@tabor.edu
Professor of English, Deborah Penner
Deborah Penner, Ph.D.
Professor of Research
Professor Emerita of English
deborahp@tabor.edu
Sarah Tham
Sarah Tham, Ph.D.
Asst. Professor of Education
sarahtham@tabor.edu
Janyne McConnaughey Ph.D. neuroscience
Janyne McConnaughey, Ph.D.
Distinguished Visiting Professor
janyne.mcconnaughey@tabor.edu
Shana Schmidt
Shana Schmidt, M.S.
Distinguished Visiting Professor
shanaschmidt@tabor.edu
Jim Paulus
Jim Paulus, M.S., M.A.
Asst. Professor of Psychology
jimp@tabor.edu
Ken Baugh
Ken Baugh, D.Min
Distinguished Visiting Professor
kenneth.baugh@tabor.edu
Craig Bartholio, Ed.D.
Craig Bartholio, Ed.D.
Adjunct Professor
craig.bartholio@tabor.edu