phd in positive psychology online

How to Get a Ph.D. in Positive Psychology

How to obtain a PhD in Positive Psychology

In order to find a satisfactory answer to this question, we asked:

this question in our positive psychology Facebook community
all the people whom we know and are currently doing a Ph.D. within the field of positive psychology
Dr. Martin Seligman , Lisa Sansom, and Louis Alloro

After putting all of their responses to this question together, we feel like we’re in a good position to give you a satisfactory answer to this question.

Doctoral Programs in Positive Psychology

Option 1: claremont graduate university (cgu).

The Quality of Life Research Center at Claremont Graduate University offers two streams of Ph.D. positions:

one in Positive Developmental Psychology
one in Positive Organizational Psychology

Please visit their website or send an e-mail to [email protected] if you want to find out more.

Option 2: University of East London (UEL)

Although it’s not as clear as CGU’s program, apparently there is a possibility of doing a Ph.D. at the University of East London as well. You can follow the link and fill in the form for further inquiry.

I will ask the current lecturers of the MAPP program at the UEL for more information and update this page accordingly.

Option 3: Get the Ph.D. position in a field of your own choice

Lisa Sansom remarked that “at the Ph.D. level, it’s more about your supervisor than the actual name of the program. Marty’s Ph.D. students at Penn don’t, as far as I know, get a Ph.D. in positive psychology but that is what they are studying effectively. Same with Barb and Sonja and most of the big names. Find the supervisor who is working and researching in the field you want to spend several years of your life and go there.”

PhD programs in positive psychology facebook

This means that if you know which branch of positive psychology (e.g. subjective wellbeing , mindfulness , resilience , positive psychotherapy etc.) you like to do research into, you should find a positive psychology researcher who is active in that field by using this list and then contact him or her about the possibilities for doing a Ph.D. under their guidance.

What is a Ph.D. Exactly?

A Ph.D. is a research degree while BSc and MSc (or BA and MA) are taught degrees. In a research degree, students learn through research and take full responsibility for their learning. In other words, a Ph.D. is a relatively big research project that the research student conducts independently with only the supervision of a senior research professor at the university.

Such research projects lead to a thesis of publishable quality of roughly about 80,000 words. The research and hence the thesis should make an original scientific contribution to the field of its study.

What does a Ph.D. in Psychology Look Like?

A Ph.D. in psychology usually takes three years full-time, and up to six years when studied part-time. What you need to consider about a Ph.D. in positive psychology, is that at the Ph.D. level, positive psychology merges with psychology in general. So, you do not need to find a university specializing in positive psychology. In fact, even universities that do not teach positive psychology at BSc or MSc level, conduct some research on various topics that are directly related to positive psychology.

Know your Outcome

However, before you make a final decision, think carefully about the topic of your research. It would be hard to spend three years researching a topic that you’re not truly passionate about.

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Choosing a University

Make sure that you choose a university that is suitable for you in all respects. Gather as much information as possible beforehand. Find out about their facilities, accommodation (if required) and most importantly about their research culture.

Also, learn about your potential supervisor (e.g. about his/her research experience, publications and methods) and arrange to meet your supervisor (or at least contact him/her by email) even before applying for the course, to see if they are willing to supervise your proposed topic. Be aware of miscalculating what is required of you.

How to get Funding or a Scholarship?

Securing the necessary funding for your Ph.D. is another vital step in achieving your research ambitions and there are various funding systems.

Obviously, one method is raising your own private funds (self-funding), but most people rely on studentships granted by the university or a research body (e.g. Medical Research Council in the UK) that supports the university. Your chosen university can provide details of such grants.

Make sure that you understand the available funding systems, the eligibility criteria for each scheme and the extent of the support provided by each arrangement, before applying for the course.

An important point to remember is the fact that Ph.D.’s supported by studentships, grants or scholarships usually relate to a specific topic. Such subject matters could cover a wide spectrum or can be associated with a narrowly defined area. This will limit your choices, so you need to search far and wide to find the studentship that supports your favorite topic.

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Further Resources

Visit the following websites to see a selection of advertised studentships and additional information about Ph.D. places.

http://www.jobs.ac.uk/phd
http://www.findaphd.com
Positive Psychology Degree

That’s all there is to it!

We wish you the best of luck in finding a Ph.D. position within the field of Positive Psychology! If there’s anything that we can help you with please don’t hesitate to ask.

All the best!

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Article feedback

What our readers think.

In this article post, Martin Seligman mentioned a list of Phd professionals in relevant related fields of positive psychology. Do you happen to have that list so that readers such as myself can find out more about their work in different institutions?

I have found this link for you! There you can see who is currently an active positive psychology researcher.

I hope this helps! Kind regards, Julia | Community Manager

Nirwan University, Jaipur (NUJ) has a strong commitment to high quality research and aims to enhance the professional competence of the scholars. The University offers Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) Programme to the eligible scholars, who are interested in doing research. Every candidate is expected to follow the procedures laid down for fulfilling the requirements of Ph.D. Programme of the University & University Grant Commission (UGC).

I hold a PhD in psychology, an MS in counseling psychology, and post-doc work in marriage and family therapy – do I need to pursue further studies in positive psychology to obtain a license to practice as a positive psychotherapist?

Hi Jacqueline,

The requirements to become licensed and practice as a therapist tend to differ between locations. Generally, yes, you need to complete a number of practicum hours, be supervised by another licensed therapist, and obtain a license to begin practicing. To help, we recently released a comprehensive guide on becoming a therapist to help you figure out these requirements. You can learn more about the guide here .

Hope this helps!

– Nicole | Community Manager

Hi , i want to know more about funding system .. I’m from Egypt and i want really have PhD in positive psychology but have some issues with it’s fees

I’m an m.sc psychology post graduate from India. I do not have funds for my PhD. I would like to do my PhD in positive psychology. How do u suggest me to go about it.

yes , wonderful to be part of this affirmation community .Appreciative enquiry is the leading topic and relevant topic today .I live in India and I want to pursue Ph.D. in this field . How can some one help me

I am interested in positive psychology in changing the lives of the severely mentally ill. I believe a real connection with positive life will lead against what exists in Australia as a culture of failure, abominably referred to as “mental health” ( what I call ‘Pantosis’) As you would understand low expectations lead to low outcomes. Please contact that I may more substantially raise awareness of ability to overcome for the neglected and assigned; those who are said to be psychotic.

Pointer: consult your GP whether there are any sort of IAPT solutions (Improving Access to Mental Treatment) in your area.

Mr zolfagharifard salam.etelat dar morede gereftane paziresh PHD dar reshteye positive psychology mikham.che tor mitunam ba shoma tamas dashte basham?sepasgozar

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3 Positive Psychology Tools (PDF)

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The new school of positive psychology, welcome to our internet home, the new science of the mind, human nature and well-being, a new paradigm in higher education for, the nontraditional student, important message.

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From martin e. p. seligman, phd.

“You assuredly do not need to be a licensed psychologist to practice positive psychology or to be a coach. Freud’s

followers made the momentous error of restricting psychoanalysis to physicians, and positive psychology is not intended

as an umbrella for yet another self-protective guild.

If you are adequately trained in the techniques of coaching, in the theories of positive psychology, in valid measurement of

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Positive Organizational Psychology

Phd in psychology.

Request Info Visit Us Apply Now

Quality of Life Research Center

Institute for Research on Social Issues
Kravis Leadership Institute

Doctoral study in Positive Organizational Psychology trains scholars whose research seeks to enhance and broaden the human experience within organizational settings.

Program Highlights

Curriculum and graduate seminars provide students with the theoretical, methodological, and practical experience to pursue careers in academia or in a range of high-level research and consulting positions.
CGU leaped to the forefront of positive psychology research in 1999, when Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi founded the Quality of Life Research Center, a nonprofit institute that researches a range of cutting-edge issues in positive psychology and provides a forum for scholars from across the globe to extend their research and studies in the field.
Proximity to organizations in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties provides many employment and educational opportunities for students.
All organizational psychology research graduate students are encouraged to gain practical experience through projects, internships, or jobs, often at CGU’s research centers and affiliates, such as the Claremont Evaluation Center or the Health Psychology and Prevention Science Institute.
All organizational psychology research students who request financial aid receive fellowships. DBOS also regularly hires students for paid teaching assistantships.
DBOS offers a certificate program and professional development workshops in evaluation and applied methods for those seeking continuing education.

Program At a Glance

UNITS 72 units

*Actual completion times will vary and may be higher, depending on full- or part-time course registration, units transferred, and time to complete other degree requirements.

COURSES BEGIN Fall | Spring

DIVISION Division of Behavioral & Organizational Sciences

DEGREE AWARDED PhD in Psychology

Featured Courses

Provides basic understanding of prevalent evaluation theories, systems for categorizing these theories, the process of theory development in evaluation, and more.

Doctoral seminar covering core areas of organizational behavior, including such topics as organizational structure, roles, technology, communication, effectiveness, job design, and more.

Doctoral seminar exploring organizational change processes, including problem diagnosis, development of alternative interventions, change management, and more.

Topics covered in this course will include theories of organizational structure, organizations as systems and cultures, decision making, intergroup conflict and negotiation, and impacts of information technology on modern organizations.

Provides an overview of psychosocial development in early, middle, and late adulthood from a lifespan perspective from both classic and positive-psychology perspectives.

Introduces the history, intellectual sources, and main topics of research and application in the burgeoning field of positive psychology.

Student Spotlight

PhD Unit Requirements 72 units

Positive Organizational Psychology Core Courses (20 units) Foundations of Positive Psychology (4 units) Advanced Topics in Organization Psychology OR Positive Psychology (4 units) Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Behavior (4 units) Positive Organizational Psychology (4 units) Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Theory OR Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Development & Change (4 units)

Positive Organizational Psychology & Related Electives (24 units) Students are required to take an additional 24 units of Positive Organizational Psychology or related coursework, following an approved plan of study. Choose from:

Doctoral Seminar on Industrial Psychology (4 units) Positive Psychology Research Practicum (2 to 4 units) Motivation & Peak Performance (4 units) Flow: The Psychology of Positive Experience (2 units) Creativity & Innovation (2 units) Job Design (2 units) Good Work (4 units) Appreciative Inquiry for Organizational Change (2 units) Organizational Learning: Theory & Practice (4 units) Organizational Culture (4 units) Leadership (4 units) Training & Development (4 units) Theory & Practice of Consulting (4 units) Adult Development: Classic & Positive Perspectives (4 units) The Study of Experience (4 units) Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (4 units) Talent Management (4 units) Interpersonal Dynamics in Organizations (4 units) Jobs, Careers & Calling (4 units)

Students are also encouraged to take elective courses in the School of Educational Studies, the Drucker School of Management, the Division of Politics & Economics, the Center for Information Systems & Technology, the School of Arts & Humanities, and the Institute of Mathematical Sciences.

Statistics & Methodology (20 units) Research Methods (4 units) Directed Research Seminar: Organizational Behavior (two 2-unit courses) Intermediate Statistics (2 units) Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (2 units) Categorical Data Analysis (2 units) Applied Multiple Regression (2 units) PSYCH 315 Sequence: 4 additional units of Advanced Methodology

Field/Teaching Experience (4 units) Supervised Teaching Seminar (4 units) or Field Placement (4 units)

Transdisciplinary Core Course (4 units) All PhD students are required to enroll in a transdisciplinary core course from the “TNDY” course sequence during their first three semesters at Claremont Graduate University.

Portfolio In addition to 72 units of coursework, all students must complete a portfolio that represents a cohesive set of experiences balancing training in their area of specialization.

PhD Completion

PhD qualifying exam
Dissertation proposal
Dissertation and oral defense

Tarek Azzam

Senior Visiting Fellow

Research Interests

Social Research and Methodologies, Policy & Program Evaluations, Data Visualization and Evaluation

Michelle Bligh

Interim Executive Vice President & Provost Professor of Organizational Behavior

Leadership, Organizational Culture, Charismatic Leadership

Stewart I. Donaldson

Distinguished University Professor Executive Director, Claremont Evaluation Center Executive Director, The Evaluators' Institute (TEI)

Positive Organizational Psychology, Health/Well-Being & Positive Functioning Across Cultures, Program Design & Re-Design, Culturally Responsive Theory-Driven Measurement & Evaluation

Affiliated with

Claremont Evaluation Center

The Evaluators’ Institute

M. Gloria González-Morales

Associate Professor of Psychology Director, Center for Academic & Faculty Excellence

Work stress; work-life issues; workplace victimization and incivility; relational practices and cultures; diversity; positive organizational interventions to enhance well-being and performance.

Jeanne Nakamura

Associate Professor Director, Quality of Life Research Center

Engagement, Mentoring, Positive Aging

Becky Reichard

Full Professor

Development of those not typically represented in leadership roles (e.g., women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+), Psychological mechanisms underlying the process of leader development (e.g., feedback, goal striving, self-views, implicit theories, leader development readiness), Development of leadership through experiences outside of the work context (e.g., global, sports, volunteering, crisis)

Jason T. Siegel

Professor of Psychology

Social Psychology, Health Psychology, Persuasion, Survey Research

Paul J. Zak

Professor of Economic Sciences, Psychology & Management Director, Center for Neuroeconomics Studies

Neuroeconomics, Neuroscience of Narratives, Neuromanagement

Claremont McKenna College

Jennifer Feitosa

Culture, Diversity, Organizational Psychology, Statistics, Teams, Teamwork, Workplace Issues and Trends

Allen Omoto

Pitzer College

Social psychology; volunteerism and prosocial action; environmental concerns; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues; sense of community; civic engagement and civil society

Ronald Riggio

Human resources management, innovation, leadership, Non-verbal communication, organizational psychology

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Master of Applied Positive Psychology

Photo of Dr. Seligman, founder of the discipline of positive psychology

The first in the world, and always ahead of the curve

Rapidly becoming one of psychology’s most transformative fields, positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable humans and organizations to flourish. The Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program at the University of Pennsylvania was the first in the world to offer a degree in this rigorous field of study. Dr. Seligman, founder of the discipline of positive psychology, along with leading researchers and practitioners educate students at the cutting edge of the field.

Our program's hybrid model allows you to explore the theory and practice of positive psychology without relocating to Philadelphia, so you can continue working full-time. The low-residency format consists of 10 required on-site visits to the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia, where students and faculty gather for intensive weekends of learning and networking. Whether you are a credentialed professional seeking to transform your workplace or career or are building a foundation for further graduate study, the MAPP curriculum allows you to apply the topics most relevant to your interests and goals.

We look forward to speaking with you about the exciting opportunities at MAPP.

Make a difference in the world with the science of well-being

Hear from program staff, alumni, and current students about how the Master of Applied Positive Psychology creates a unique community that comes together to learn the theory and tools of positive psychology and enables immediate change in the lives around us.

If you are having trouble viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube .

Master the history, theory, and research methods of applied positive psychology

Students in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program take a series of courses during one year of full-time study. The program begins in the fall with an introduction to essential concepts in positive psychology, as well as research methods and the factors that contribute to well-being among individuals, groups, and communities. In the spring semester you learn how to apply positive psychology in institutions such as workplaces, schools, and nonprofits; understand the role of the humanities in cultivating well-being; learn resilience skills for individuals; and design positive interventions for a real organization. Finally, the summer capstone project allows you to apply everything you have learned in the program to the professional or research area that is most significant to you.

See courses and curriculum >

The Master of Applied Positive Psychology faculty

The MAPP faculty team is made up of preeminent scholars and practitioners in positive psychology, including one of the founders of the field, Dr. Martin Seligman. Dr. Seligman is the former president of the American Psychological Association and the author of many books, including Learned Optimism, Authentic Happiness , and (with Christopher Peterson) Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification . Other principal faculty members include program director Dr. James Pawelski, Dr. Karen Reivich, and Dr. Allyson Mackey.

See MAPP faculty >

Application deadline

MAPP admits students for fall terms only. The application deadline is March 1 of the year in which you intend to enroll.

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Meet our program team and learn more about the MAPP curriculum, application process, faculty, and more.

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“Coming to Penn was one of the best decisions I ever made because it shaped the trajectory of my life.” - Eunbit Hwang, MAPP '14

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Positive Psychology Degrees: PhD, Master's & Online Class Info
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Master's and PhD in Positive Psychology at a Glance

Positive psychology is a new field of psychology that has grown up since the late 1990s. Critiquing the approaches that psychology has taken since the mid-twentieth century as too focused on negative aspects, such as psychological illnesses, it strives to understand the psychology of well-functioning people and develop ways that positive behaviors can be reinforced. These approaches go far beyond believing in the 'power of positive thinking' and strive to understand the roots of happiness, satisfaction and positive social relationships. Although there are no firm numbers on job growth, the demand for psychologists as a whole is rising, predicted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to rise 22% from 2010-2020.

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures)

Master's in Positive Psychology

A master's degree in positive psychology can be applied across many fields, depending on the expertise of the student. Some schools may offer specializations as well, applying positive psychology to such areas as developmental studies and organizational studies. Students may be either traditional or non-traditional, with some working their way into the field immediately after completing undergraduate programs, while others are mid-career or second-career professionals set on applying the knowledge of positive psychology to their current careers.

Pros and Cons

Potential employees with master's degrees in positive psychology are relatively rare, allowing you, as a graduate, to offer something unique to organizations
These master's degrees can and have been applied across a number of fields, where these new approaches are making inroads towards professional acceptance
The popularity of positive psychology has spurred demand for people who understand the research and can apply this knowledge to organizations
Because of the newness of the field of study, positive psychology lacks the infrastructure and institutional support that ties traditional psychology to certain career outcomes
Many positions are research-related in this growing field, so some students may find the training of a PhD program necessary for their goals
A master's degree in psychology may not prepare you to work as a psychologist

Courses and Requirements

Instead of focusing, as traditional psychology does, on aberrant behavior, positive psychology focuses on what is going well, and how people and organizations can measure and promote these behaviors. Courses may not only offer the opportunity to truly contrast these two approaches, but also develop measures of positive activities and interactions. Programs may also offer an introduction to research methods, teaching students not just to apply these concepts, but also to measure them statistically and rigorously. Topics covered may include:

Development in traditional psychology and positive psychology
Developmental psychology and life stages
Flow and positive contexts
Statistical analysis and research methodologies in positive psychology
Understanding and promoting innovation and creativity

Online Degree Options

As of October 2012, no programs focusing completely on positive psychology are available. Nonetheless, prospective students may seek out a hybrid-format program with limited on-campus requirements designed for working professionals. Such programs provide a flexibility that allows students to develop their educational credentials without leaving their careers.

Stand Out with This Degree

As positive psychology is a recent and growing field, you may benefit from seeking out mentors who are leaders in the approach. Following research publications to keep up with the state of the field and communicating your interest to possible mentors can provide context and create networking opportunities, assisting in steps from selecting a program to developing a research topic. Combining an interest in research with application of ideas to personal areas of expertise developed through work and career experience can form a strong synergy and promote career growth by defining a niche of expertise.

Doctorate in Positive Psychology

The field of positive psychology has grown since its inception under the then-president of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Positive psychology is a new field related to traditional psychology, and although it has a different research focus, the relationship between the two disciplines has not yet been fully defined and solidified, and those teaching in positive psychology programs have earned doctorates themselves in other disciplines, especially psychology.

Because the field of positive psychology is relatively new, the opportunities to earn a PhD or Psy.D. in the specialty is limited. Nonetheless, such programs are becoming available, and it is also possible to earn a degree from a psychology program while researching positive psychology. In order to do so, students should research possible mentors at psychology programs and contact them in advance.

Because of the newness of the field, students have the ability to come in on the forefront of its expansion
Research and teaching positions in universities can not only include positive psychology programs, but also traditional psychology and management programs
A doctoral degree in psychology is commonly required for licensure to work as psychologist
Because of the limited number of programs that focus entirely on positive psychology, competition for entry may be high
Research and teaching positions at colleges and universities are generally extremely competitive
The rarity of these programs makes it likely that interested students will need to relocate to find a suitable program

The coursework requirements for PhD programs are similar to those for the master's degree. PhD programs, however, provide a more in-depth knowledge of research methods in preparation for dissertation research. PhD programs may also require other professional development activities, including student teaching, field experience and portfolio development. The process of original dissertation research sets a PhD program apart from other graduate programs, as these programs prepare candidates to pursue their own careers in research and teaching settings.

As of October 2012, there are no online or hybrid doctoral programs available in positive psychology. Students interested in seeking out online psychology PhD programs may find a few options online, but careful attention should be paid to both accreditation and state licensing requirements.

Although the field of positive psychology's popularity has grown in recent years, it is still a relatively small field. Students looking to stand out with this degree will want to seek out a mentor in the field. Especially for those seeking to develop academic careers, relocating to be close to programs that offer the correct coursework and best opportunities may be of benefit. Getting involved with current research in the field through assistantships and internships can provide a path to publication and standing above other candidates.

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NEW! FOUNDATIONS OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Earn an online certificate—taught by Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman and his colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania—in Foundations of Positive Psychology.

The Hope Circuit: A Psychologist's Journey from Helplessness to Optimism

New Book by Dr. Martin Seligman

Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Program

at the University of Pennsylvania

SeeingHappy.org

SeeingHappy encourages people to take and share photos of what makes them happy

The World Well-Being Project

Analyzing and predicting well-being through social media

Authentic Happiness Website

Learn about Positive Psychology

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

New Book by Dr. Angela Duckworth

Happy Together: Using the Science of Positive Psychology to Build Love That Lasts

New Book by Suzann Pileggi Pawelski and Dr. James O. Pawelski

Participate in Research Study

Help Researchers Understand the Connection between Positive Psychology and COVID-19

New Book: Tomorrowmind
Online Certificate in Applied Positive Psych
Master of Applied Positive Psychology
Online Positive Psychology Course
Online Resilience Course
HBR: Cultivating Creativity
HBR: A Sense of Wonder
Podcast: Interview with Dr. Seligman
Podcast: Bolster Your Resilience
Podcast: Building Resilience & Well-Being
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Positive psychology

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Graduate certificate

Help individuals, communities and workplaces thrive. The University of Missouri’s (Mizzou) online graduate certificate in positive psychology connects 21st-century theories with ancient philosophies to expand your understanding of this subfield’s methods and applications.

Ideal for current counseling and psychology professionals, this 15-credit-hour program equips you to support individuals and organizations as they think about their place in the world — including relationships, culture, purpose and meaning — and dedicate themselves toward transformation, improvement and fulfillment.

About the online graduate certificate in positive psychology

As a discipline, positive psychology focuses on the intersection of culture, science and mental health. This overlap highlights the path forward, allowing individuals, communities, cultures and organizations to fully embrace their potential. In the process, each entity contemplates what brings them fulfillment and develops strategies to reach this goal and ultimately thrive.

Overseeing the program, the Department of Educational, School & Counseling Psychology fosters a diverse, supportive environment rooted in a scientist-practitioner instructional model. For professionals aiming to enrich their practice, the online graduate certificate in positive psychology:

Encourages advancement of the individual and their collective well-being
Explores the science of well-being and how applied theories and interventions guide individuals toward personal and professional success
Applies principles toward lived experiences to nurture an individual's personal, social, academic and professional development
Considers well-being in relation to self-reflection, emotional health, personal strengths, relationships, meaning, purpose, achievements, culture and community
Emphasizes the importance of conducting research to observe modern positive psychology applications and develop interventions
Goes beyond the individual to highlight how positive psychology theories enrich businesses, government agencies and educational environments

Quick facts

Official name, program type, academic home, delivery mode, accreditation, credit hours, estimated cost.

*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid .

Career prospects

Enrich what you know about the psychology profession, make yourself more marketable or serve clients through a broader array of services. Or, venture into the field of organizational psychology: work with businesses and other entities to overhaul their culture, support the professional and personal development of employees and improve engagement.

When you earn an online graduate certificate in positive psychology, you'll enhance your credentials as a:

Life/career coach
Organizational consultant

Note: This graduate certificate does not provide counselor certification.

Program structure

The online graduate certificate in positive psychology requires 15 credit hours and allows for flexibility. Through one core course and 12 credit hours of electives, delve into the foundation of positive emotions, engagement and supportive relationships. Use these principles to help clients identify their strengths, virtues, purpose and personal meaning and strive toward a sense of accomplishment.

The program uses a fully online, semester-based structure. No campus visits are required. Students typically take one or two classes each semester and finish in less than two years.

Course work includes

Grow what you know about:

Positivity, creativity and fulfillment in human behavior
Applying positive psychology theories
Life and career coaching strategies
Identifying meaning in work
The significance of community, including in relation to personal and social well-being
Positive organizational psychology tactics

Review all requirements for the online graduate certificate in positive psychology .

Calendar system

Typical program length, typical course load.

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission , one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. The College of Education and Human Development is a member of the Teacher Education Accreditation Council .

Learn more about this program

Positive Psychology Degree Programs and Career Opportunities

What is positive psychology.

Positive psychology is a scientific study that focuses on helping people build on their strengths rather than try to “fix” what is wrong with them. It is the science of “what makes life worth living.” Tal Ben-Shahar, former Harvard professor and co-founder of the Wholebeing Institute , defines it this way in a WOBI presentation : “The aim of positive psychology is to catalyze a change in psychology from a preoccupation only with repairing the worse things in life to also building the best qualities in lives. It focuses on strength rather than deficiencies; on what works accentuating it rather than on what doesn’t work.” Shahar also provides an illustration of the application of positive psychology by looking at case studies about why at-risk populations in poor areas often have trouble succeeding in school and life. Many studies have been done about this topic, and they ask questions such as “Why do so many in this population drop out of school?” “Why do they turn to drugs?” These studies have yielded little helpful information. However, more recent studies have instead focused on the question, “How is it that some people in this population overcome barriers and lead successful lives?” When looking at the issue that way, scientists came up with useful data. The positive psychology approach is built atop three pillars:

Understanding positive experiences: What’s the effect of being at peace with the past, joyful in the moment, and optimistic for the future?
Understanding positive individual traits: How can we help people use their strengths—such as courage, love, and creativity—to lead fulfilling lives?
Understanding positive institutions: How can our individual strengths radiate outward to build workplaces, schools, and communities that nurture individuals?

According to the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania , some of the goals of positive psychology are to “…build a science that supports:

Families and schools that allow children to flourish
Workplaces that foster satisfaction and high productivity
Communities that encourage civic engagement
Therapists who nurture their patients’ strengths
The teaching of Positive Psychology
Dissemination of Positive Psychology interventions in schools, organizations, and communities.”

What Does a Positive Psychologist Do?

Positive psychology is an approach to psychology. Although some professionals call themselves positive psychologists, others simply apply the method in their chosen profession. This could include researchers, school psychologists, or clinical psychologists. Counselors and therapists, who are not actual psychologists because they don’t hold a doctorate, may also use the approach in working with their clients. Essentially, however, the role of a positive psychologist breaks down into two categories: research and clinical application.

Researchers who focus on positive psychology work to answer questions that can be used in clinical applications. They might explore why some people are more resilient, how learned helplessness can be an obstacle to positive growth, and how to help young children build self-control. Researchers are often also postsecondary teachers. They conduct their studies at the school they teach at, often with the aid of their graduate students. You can find current research in positive psychology at U Penn’s Positive Psychology Center .

Clinical Application

Practitioners in nearly every clinical profession in psychology can incorporate positive psychology into their practices as a way of breeding hope and focusing attention away from negative aspects. According to Martin Seligman, positive psychology techniques may be most effective when used as a complement to traditional therapy: using a “build what’s strong” approach to augment the “fix what’s broken” approach. So, for example, school psychologists asses students not only for areas in which they need improvement but for strengths that can be nourished. School counselor Sara Solemani-Alizdah comments, “Instead of looking at the child and assessing deficits, I have taken the perspective of ‘looking at wellness not illness,’ which is has been the influence of strength-based approaches [such as] positive psychology.” Counseling psychologists might use exercises that help people focus on what they are good at and identify the positive elements in their lives. Those who work with couples might first ask the couple, “What is good about your marriage?” rather than “What is wrong with your marriage?” Seligman suggests that couples devise a “strength date.” He says, “We get couples to identify their highest strengths on the strengths test, and then to design an evening in which they both use their strengths. We find this is a strengthener of relationships.”

How to Become a Positive Psychologist

To become a psychologist of any kind, you need to earn a doctorate. There are few degrees offered in positive psychology, but some schools provide positive psychology concentrations, while others offer courses on the topic. We provide a list of programs later in this guide. Once you complete the program, you will probably need to get a license. Some states don’t require researchers to become licensed, but all states require those who work with patients to have a license. Here are the general steps for licensure:

Get a doctorate in psychology . As mentioned previously, you can complete a program that focuses specifically on positive psychology or one that incorporates courses about positive psychology into their program. It is important that you research schools carefully to ensure that they have coursework you want to pursue.
Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Each state has its own score requirements. The standard minimum passing score is 500. States also may require exams on ethics and/or law.
Complete supervised clinical hours. States require anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 hours of direct, supervised contact with patients before they can practice on their own. The standard is 2,000 hours during their doctoral internship and 2,000 hours from a postdoctoral fellowship.
Apply for licensure as a psychologist. This is done on a state level. Those who graduate from an APA-accredited program may have an easier time getting credentialed in other states.

For specific information about getting licensed in your state, contact your state board .

Positive Psychology Programs

Few colleges offer a positive psychology degree. However, the field’s foremost proponent is an Ivy League school, the University of Pennsylvania. That alone may have been enough to bring individual courses to many of the top schools in psychology, including Stanford and the University of North Carolina. Below we highlight schools with certificates, bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees, and doctorates in this emerging field.

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania was the first in the world to offer a graduate degree in the field of positive psychology. The director of the program is Dr. Martin Seligman, who many see as the founder of positive psychology. Students in the low-residency master’s program will have the opportunity to work with him directly; cohorts gather ten times at UPenn’s Philadelphia campus throughout the program. Degrees offered

Master of Applied Positive Psychology
Foundations of Positive Psychology Certificate

Sample courses

Research Methods and Evaluation
Foundations of Positive Interventions
Humanities and Human Flourishing
$28,024 for fall and spring semesters
$7,006 for summer semester

Claremont Graduate University

Claremont Graduate University is a small graduate-only institution that offers a number of prestigious master’s and doctoral programs. In its positive psychology programs, students will conduct cutting-edge research under the supervision of faculty who are renowned in their field. Degrees offered

Masters in Psychology, Positive Developmental Psychology and Evaluation
Masters in Psychology, Positive Organizational Psychology and Evaluation
M.A. in Positive Health Psychology
Ph.D. in Psychology, Positive Developmental Psychology
Ph.D. in Psychology, Positive Organizational Psychology
Child Development: Traditional and Positive Perspectives
Positive Contexts
Positive Leadership
$2,000 per credit hour (48 hours needed for master‘s programs and 72 for Ph.D. programs)

University of Missouri

Mizzou Online offers in-state tuition rates to all learners. Its program is geared toward life or career coaches, teachers, managers, and others interested in spurring individual and organizational excellence. Degree offered

Online Graduate Certificate in Positive Psychology
Community and Stewardship
Life/Career Coaching and Development
Meaning in Work
$386 per credit hour (for 15 credits), plus fees

Hodges University (Naples, Florida)

Hodges is a small, private university that runs a mix of on-site and online degree programs; the applied positive psychology degree is one of the latter. Online programs employ an eight-week course format to accommodate work schedules. Degree offered

Masters in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP)
Behaviorism
Motivational Enhancement
Positive Psychology Applied to Administration/Supervision Skills
$750 per credit hour (for 30 credits)

Positive Psychologist Salary and Career Outlook

Because most positive psychologists do not identify themselves purely as such, there is no data about salary and career outlook for this career. However, the O*NET Online website (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor) reports that career the outlook for postsecondary psychology teachers as well as school, clinical, counseling, and industrial-organizational psychologists is bright, with a projected 11% growth in jobs from 2018 to 2028. Salaries will vary depending on what specialty you go into. O*NET Online reports the following median salaries as of May 2018:

Positive Psychologist Salaries

Clinical, school, and counseling psychologists

Industrial-organizational psychologist

Psychology teacher, postsecondary (research)

Positive Psychology Resources

The resources that follow will help you learn more about positive psychology—what it is, how it is applied, and current research in the field.

Positive Psychology Center, University of Pennsylvania: Martin Seligman promoted the concept of positive psychology at UPenn. Now, the university’s Positive Psychology Center publishes original research, disseminates others’ findings, and maintains an extensive catalog of video lectures by eminent psychologists. Aspiring positive psychologists may find its professional directories helpful when looking for programs.
International Positive Psychology Association: The International Positive Psychology Association ‘s student division, SIPPA, arranges mentorships and broadcasts webinars with experts. Members can access a learning library of video presentations covering everything from cross-cultural views of wellbeing to the benefits of nature.
Division 7 (School Counseling) of the American Psychological Association, Positive Psychology website: Division 7 of the American Psychological Association focuses on one of the APA-identified specialists in psychology, counseling psychology. They offer a website that provides information about positive psychology research, teaching, events, strengths-based books, and other resources.
Positive Psychology News: Geared toward MAPP students and alumni, Positive Psychology News is more focused on connecting people to coaches than disseminating Ph.D.-level research. Contributors from various fields write accessible articles on applying the discipline to work, relationships, health, and other areas.
Psychology Tools: The Amazon of psychology resources, Psychology Tools has created handouts on mindfulness and assertive communication, as well as a gratitude journal and values worksheet.
TED Talk: The new era of positive psychology by Martin Seligman: This video is an excellent introduction to positive psychology.

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Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology MPhil PhD

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Studying for an MPhil/PhD with UEL's School of Psychology will push you to the limit - and our world-class academic staff will support you.

The School of Psychology has a thriving research community with a solid theoretical and applied research tradition. Our research integrates cross-disciplinary expertise in a wide array of topics related to positive psychology and coaching psychology.

If you are an international student, please contact the International office and visit their pages . For general enquiries related to the MPhil/PhD in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, please contact Ilona Boniwell .

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September 2024

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements, accepted qualifications.

Master's degree in a related subject. Bachelor's degree with minimum Upper Second Class (2:1) or equivalent in a related subject. Applicants will need to provide an academic reference.

International Qualifications

We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit our International page for full details.

English Language requirements

Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in Writing and Speaking; minimum 6.0 in Reading and Listening (or recognised equivalent).

If you do not meet the academic English language requirements for your course, you may be eligible to enrol onto a pre-sessional English course .

The length of the course will depend on your current level of English and the requirements for your degree programme. We offer a 5-week and an 10-week pre-sessional course.

Mature applicants and those without formal qualifications

As an inclusive university, we recognise those who have been out of education for some time may not have the formal qualifications usually required. We welcome applications from those who can demonstrate their enthusiasm and commitment to study and have the relevant life/work experience that equips them to succeed on the course. We will assess this from the information provided in your application or may request additional information such as a CV or attendance at an interview. Please note that some courses require applicants to meet the entry requirements outlined.

An interview is required with a member of the academic teaching team. Further information will be provide on receipt of an application.

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We are committed to fair admissions and access by recruiting students regardless of their social, cultural or economic background. Our admissions policy sets out the principles and procedures we use to admit new students for all courses offered by the university and its partners.

Further advice and guidance

You can speak to a member of our Applicant Enquiries team on +44 (0)20 8223 3333, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Alternatively, you can visit our Information, Advice and Guidance centre.

MPhil PhD Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology

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Fees, funding and additional costs

EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals starting a course from September 2021, will no longer be eligible for Home fees. However, such nationals benefitting from Settled Status or Citizens' Rights may become eligible for Home fees as and when the UK Government confirms any new fee regulations. Further information can be found at UKCISA .

Tuition fees are subject to annual change. Fees for future years will be published in due course.

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Postgraduate loans scheme.

£10,280 to fund your Masters Programme under the Postgraduate Loans (PGL) scheme

Postgraduate Loans (PGL)

The Postgraduate Loan (PGL) provide non-means-tested loans of up to £10,906 to taught and research masters students. It will be paid to students as a contribution towards tuition fees, living costs and other course costs. Applications are made directly through Student Finance England

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Whether you qualify depends on: • if you've studied a postgraduate course before • your course • your age • your nationality or residency status

Full eligibility can be found on the Government's Postgraduate Loan webpage .

Please take a look at the Postgraduate Loans for an overview of the new funding.

Postgraduate Scholarship

Apply for a 50 per cent discount on your tuition fees! You can get a 50 per cent discount on course fees through a UEL Postgraduate Scholarship. The scholarship is open to full-time and part-time UK and EU students of taught postgraduate courses. *Exclusions apply.

Find out more about full eligibility criteria and how to apply .

Terms and conditions apply.

Our scholarships and bursaries can help you

How we can help you

Did you know that with a postgraduate qualification, you can expect to earn more than someone who only holds an undergraduate degree?

If you want to build new skills, change career paths, or further your career prospects, a postgraduate degree can help you. Our range of scholarships and bursaries will make financing your education that much easier. Below is some of the funding available to support you in your studies:

Alumni Discount - up to 15% fee waiver *exclusions apply. Please see the Alumni Discount page for information.
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Full information on making payments can be found on our Finance page .

If you wish to discuss payments to the University, please contact our Income Team on 020 8223 2974 or you can email [email protected]

Ideas for funding your postgraduate study

Below are some ideas on how to fund your postgraduate study:

Apply for a Postgraduate Loan
Take advantage of UEL scholarships and bursaries
Ask your employer to sponsor your study
Study part-time so you can work at the same time (applicable to courses that have a part-time mode)
Look at UK Research and Innovation funding options

The Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) are here to help you navigate your finances while you're a student at the University of East London. We can give you advice, information and guidance on government and university funds so that you receive your full funding entitlement. Live chat: Click the live chat icon in the bottom left of the screen Phone: 020 8223 4444

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Living costs for international students.

As part of the Tier 4 student visa requirements, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) estimate that you will need £1,265* per month to cover your living costs. It includes expenses for accommodation, food and drink, travel within London, textbooks, entertainment, clothing, toiletries and laundry. Most Tier 4 students are required to show they have sufficient funds to cover the first nine months of the course before they start - a total of £11,385 - in addition to the tuition fees. You can find more information about the specific requirements of the Tier 4 student visa. The amount that you will spend can vary depending on your lifestyle. The UKCISA International Student Calculator can help you plan and manage your money.

* Please note the Immigration Rules are subject to change and this figure is likely to be increased by UKVI year on year. Please therefore check our ISA page for more information at the time of preparing your visa application.

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Deposits and paying by instalments International students are required to pay a deposit before being issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Your remaining balance will be paid in five monthly instalments over your first term. The first of these instalments must be paid when completing your enrolment on arrival at UEL. Please follow the payment instructions on our Make a Payment page . After the required payment has been made, you will be asked to complete the online International Student Reply Form to confirm your acceptance of our offer and of our terms of admittance and fee policy.

Our International team at UEL are available for advice and guidance on studying in London, fees, scholarships and visa requirements. Email: [email protected]

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Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to, or be required to, buy your own copy of key textbooks.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences.

Free WiFi is available on each of our campuses.

In the majority of cases, coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Travel costs are not included but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses and halls of residence.

For this course, you will be:

involved in processes of making, as a means of exploration, experimentation, and understanding your practice, by using a diverse range of media and materials
required to purchase your own copy of books, for required reading
required to produce physical artefacts for assessment
able to participate in optional study visits and/or field trips

However, over and above this you may incur extra costs associated with your studies, which you will need to plan for.

To help you budget, the information below indicates what activities and materials are not covered by your tuition fees:

personal laptops and other personal devices
personal copies of books
optional study visits and field trips (and any associated visa costs)
printing costs
your own chosen materials and equipment
costs of participating in external events, exhibitions, performances etc.

The costs vary every year and with every student, according to the intentions for the type of work they wish to do. Attainment at assessment is not dependent upon the costs of materials chosen.

Learn about applying

Important information about your application, uk full-time starting sept.

How to apply Apply directly to UEL by clicking on the apply button. For further information read our Guide to Applying . When to apply Places on many courses are limited and allocated on a first-come first-served basis. We advise you to apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of receiving an offer. Advice and guidance Our Information, Advice and Guidance team provide impartial advice on courses, entry requirements, pre-entry and access programmes in person and via the telephone. +44 (0)20 8223 4354 Already applied? You can track the progress of your application by contacting our Applicant Engagement team on +44 (0)20 8223 3333 (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm). Read our guide to applying for further information. Need help? Contact our Applicant Engagement team (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm) +44 (0)20 8223 3333

UK Part-time starting Sept

How to apply Apply directly to UEL by clicking on the apply button. For further information read our Guide to Applying . When to apply Places on many courses are limited and allocated on a first-come first-served basis. We advise you to apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of receiving an offer. Advice and guidance Our Information, Advice and Guidance team provide impartial advice on courses, entry requirements, pre-entry and access programmes in person and via the telephone. +44 (0)20 8223 4354 Already applied? You can track the progress of your application by contacting our Applicant Engagement team on +44 (0)20 8223 3333 (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm). Read our guide to applying for further information. Need help? Contact our applicant engagement team (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm) +44 (0)20 8223 3333

International Full-time starting Sept

Submitting your application please read and consider the entry and visa requirements for this course before you submit your application. for more information please visit our international student advice pages . .

How to Apply We accept direct applications for international students. The easiest way to apply is directly to UEL by clicking on the red apply button. Please be sure to watch our videos on the application process.

When to Apply Please ensure that you refer to the international admissions deadline . We advise you to apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of receiving an offer.

International students who reside overseas Please ensure that you have read and considered the entry requirements for this course before you submit your application. Our enquiries team can provide advice if you are unsure if you are qualified for entry or have any other questions. Please be sure to read about the Tier 4 visa requirements .

Advice and guidance Our Information, Advice and Guidance team provide impartial advice on courses, entry requirements, pre-entry and access programmes in person and via the telephone.

+44 (0)20 8223 4354 Need help? Contact our applicant engagement team (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm)

+44 (0)20 8223 3333

About our foundation years

Our Foundation Year courses are perfect for you if you...

are returning to education after a long time, or you don't have the qualifications for direct entry into our degree programmes
are thinking of re-training and would like an introduction to the area
are an international student wanting an additional year to adapt to the UK academic system
are still evaluating which degree pathway at UEL is the right one for you

Please note: Foundation years can only be studied full-time. However, you can transfer to part-time delivery once you have completed your foundation year. Please apply to the full-time option if you wish to study in this way.

What makes this course different

Research excellence

92 per cent of our research rated 'World-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (REF, 2021)

Students chatting whilst working on laptops

82% of students felt their research skills developed during their course

Postgraduate students score our academic staff highly in terms of support and the quality of their teaching.

50 years of experience

We're one of the oldest and largest psychology departments in the country, with over 50 years' experience of teaching.

Course modules

Independent research.

PhD candidates will be undertaking their own research in communication with their supervisor.

NOTE: Modules are subject to change. For those studying part time courses the modules may vary.

Download course specification

PDF, 241.7kb

What we're researching

Some areas of research related to Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology within the School of Psychology include existential positive psychology interventions, personal growth, the integration of positive psychology and coaching, arts and psychological wellbeing, creativity in positive psychology and coaching, positive education and coaching in education, health and wellbeing.

Your future career

Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.

How we support your career ambitions

We offer dedicated careers support, further opportunities to thrive, such as volunteering and industry networking. our courses are created in collaboration with employers and industry to ensure they accurately reflect the real-life practices of your future career and provide you with the essential skills needed. You can focus on building interpersonal skills through group work and benefit from our investment in the latest cutting edge technologies and facilities.

Career Zone

Our dedicated and award-winning team provide you with careers and employability resources, including:

Online jobs board for internships, placements, graduate opportunities, flexible part-time work.
Mentoring programmes for insight with industry experts
1-2-1 career coaching services
Careers workshops and employer events
Learning pathways to gain new skills and industry insight

Mental Wealth programme

Our Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth programme which issues you with a Careers Passport to track the skills you’ve mastered. Some of these are externally validated by corporations like Amazon and Microsoft.

We are careers first

Our teaching methods and geographical location put us right up top

Enterprise and entrepreneurship support
We are ranked 6th for graduate start-ups
Networking and visits to leading organisations
Support in starting a new business, freelancing and self-employment
London on our doorstep

What you'll learn

A PhD is an original and distinct contribution to the knowledge of the field of study. It is often essential for those wishing to follow an academic or research career in organisations. PhD research can be carried out in all subject areas.

How you'll learn

All postgraduate research students are supervised by at least two research-active staff. Your supervisors will support your programme of research through regular meetings and reviews. The PhD course usually takes a minimum of 36 months (full-time) or 60 months (part-time) to complete. At the end of your PhD, you will be required to submit an 80,000-word thesis summarising your research. You will then have to undergo an oral examination (a viva) on your thesis.

How you will be assessed

Research proposals give us a better understanding of the area you want to study for a PhD. You don't have to follow a predetermined structure when writing your proposal. Still, it is a good idea to include a title that describes the aims and scope of your research and information on how your ideas fit in with the research interests of UEL. Other essential elements include relevant academic literature, how your research will advance knowledge in this area and a possible methodology. You should also have a timescale for your research. To find out more about how to write your research proposal, see our research proposal guidance .

Campus and facilities

Our campus and the surrounding area.

Our historic Stratford campus is located one of the best-connected areas of London: close to Stratford's thriving town centre, the 2012 Olympic Park, and just 15 minutes from London's West End. Stratford’s facilities include a state-of-the-art library and learning centre, the majestic great hall and specialist laboratories and computing services. The School of Education and Communities, and Centre for Clinical Education in Podiatry, Physiotherapy and Sports Science are housed in new buildings. There is also a campus restaurant and bookshop, and a Students' Union café-bar. Westfield Stratford City - Europe's largest indoor shopping mall - is just one of Stratford's attractions, alongside many other shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There are two multiscreen cinemas, a theatre, an arts centre and much more.

Who teaches this course

This course is delivered by School of Psychology

The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.

Ilona Boniwell

Related courses

This course is part of the Psychology subject area.

MPhil PhD Psychology

Studying for a PhD with UEL's School of Psychology will push you to the limit - and you'll be supported all the way by our world-class academic staff.

MSc Integrative Counselling and Coaching

The MSc Integrative Counselling and Coaching is the only postgraduate course in the UK, maybe the world, that offers integration of counselling and coaching practices.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Modal

Terms of Admittance to the University of East London

The Terms of Admittance govern your contractual relationship with the University of East London ("UEL"). A contract between you, the Student, and us, UEL, is entered into once you accept an offer of a place on a programme at UEL and this contract is subject to consumer protection legislation. You are entitled to cancel this contract within 14 days of enrolment onto your programme.

1) Student enrolment

Enrolment at UEL is the process whereby you officially become a UEL student. The enrolment process requires you to:

Ensure that we are holding the correct personal details for you
Agree to abide by our regulations and policies
Pay your tuition fees/confirm who is paying your tuition fees

You are expected to enrol by the first day of your academic year (click on "Discover") which will be notified to you in your enrolment instructions. Failure to enrol by the deadline contained in our Fees Policy (for most students by the end of the second week of teaching) may lead to the cancellation of student status and all rights attached to that status, including attendance and use of UEL's facilities. If you do not complete the formal process of enrolment but, by your actions, are deemed to be undertaking activities compatible with the status of an enrolled student, UEL will formally enrol you and charge the relevant tuition fee. Such activities would include attendance in classes, use of online learning materials, submission of work and frequent use of a student ID card to gain access to university buildings and facilities. Late enrolment charges may be applied if you do not complete your enrolment by the relevant deadline.

2) Tuition fees

Your tuition fee is determined by:

the programme you are studying;
if you are studying full or part-time;
whether you are a UK/EU or International student; and when you started your studies with us.

We will tell you the tuition fee that you are due to pay when we send you an offer as well as confirm any additional costs that will be incurred, such as bench fees or exceptional overseas study trips. Unregulated tuition fees (where the UK government has not set a maximum fee to be charged) are generally charged annually and may increase each year you are on the programme. Any annual increase will be limited to a maximum of 5% of the previous year's fee. Regulated tuition fees (where the UK government has set a maximum fee to be charged) may also be subject to an annual increase. Any annual increase will be in line with the increase determined by the UK government. You will be notified of any increases in tuition fees at re-enrolment in the programme. Further information on tuition fees and payment options is contained in our Fees Policy .

3) Student ID Cards

To produce an ID card, we need a recent photograph of you that is not obscured and is a true likeness. We will either ask you to send us/upload a photograph in advance of enrolment or take one of you at the point of enrolment. The photograph will be held on our student records system for identification purposes by administrative, academic and security/reception staff. By accepting these Terms of Admittance you are confirming that you agree to your photograph being used in this way. If you object to your photograph being used in this way please contact the University Secretary via email at gov&[email protected] . You are required to provide proof of your identity at initial enrolment and prior to the issue of your UEL student ID card. This is usually a full and valid passport but instead of this you may bring two of the following:

A (full or provisional) driving licence showing current address
An international driving licence
An original birth certificate (in English)
A debit or credit card (one only)
A benefit book or benefit award letter (dated within the last 3 months)
An Armed Forces Identity card
A police warrant card

You are required to carry and display your student ID card whilst on UEL premises and must keep it safe so that it is not misused by others.

4) Proof of qualifications

You are required to produce evidence of having satisfied the entry requirements for your programme. Such evidence must be in the form of the original certificates or certified notification of results from the examining body. All qualifications must be in English or supported by an official certified translation. If you fail to provide evidence of having satisfied the requirements for the programme you are liable to be withdrawn from the programme.

5) Non-academic entry requirements

You may need to demonstrate that you have met non-academic entry requirements prior to enrolment by providing additional information to UEL. For example, if you:-

are under 18 years of age at the time of initial enrolment,
are applying to a programme that requires health clearance for study as stated in the programme specification,
have declared a relevant criminal conviction,
will be studying a programme that involves contact with children and/or vulnerable adults or leads to membership in a professional body that deals with children and/or vulnerable adults.

You will not be permitted to enrol and any offer will be withdrawn if UEL deems that you are unsuitable for study following assessment of this additional information in line with published policies. These policies will be provided to you when the additional information is requested.

6) Criminal convictions

UEL has a responsibility to safeguard staff, students and the wider community. You are required to inform UEL of any relevant criminal convictions you have and provide further information relating to these as requested. This includes any relevant criminal convictions received whilst studying at UEL. UEL will assess all information received in line with published policies and may remove you from a programme if the conviction makes you unsuitable for study in UEL's opinion. Failure to declare a relevant criminal conviction or provide further information about you may result in expulsion from UEL.

7) Providing false information to UEL

If you are discovered to have falsified or misrepresented information presented to UEL at application, enrolment or during your studies, you may be expelled from UEL.

8) Continued enrolment and student status

You are expected to abide by all UEL policies and regulations, both those in force at the time of first and subsequent enrolment and as later revised and published from time to time. UEL reserves the right to make reasonable changes to its policies and regulations and any substantial amendments will be brought to your attention. You are also required to take personal responsibility for your studies; this includes undertaking all studies in support of your programme as prescribed by UEL. Key policies include: Manual of General Regulations This describes the general regulatory framework of UEL and gives information about how UEL confers its degrees, diplomas and certificates. It includes important information about academic performance requirements for continued study. Engagement Attendance Policy This outlines UEL's expectations of students in relation to attendance on and engagement with taught programmes. These students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and engage fully with learning materials and resources provided to them - failure to do so may result in withdrawal from module(s) and/or the programme. Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Degrees The purpose of this code is to provide a framework for the successful organisation and implementation of good practice in all matters relating to postgraduate research degrees at UEL. It aims to ensure that all students are effectively supported and supervised so that the full scope and potential of their research is realised; that their thesis is submitted within regulatory periods and that they complete their programme with a suitable and sufficient portfolio of research and employment-related skills and competencies. Health and Safety Policy This describes the structures and processes by which UEL protects the health and safety of its staff, students and visitors. It confirms that students will receive sufficient information, instruction and induction in relation to health and safety. All students should take reasonable care of their health and safety. They must abide by UEL’s rules and regulations and cooperate with supervisors to enable them to fulfil their obligations. Students must not interfere intentionally, or recklessly misuse anything provided for health and safety. UEL has consulted with its students and staff and has adopted a No Smoking Policy to safeguard the health and well-being of its community. Students are required to comply with this policy which restricts smoking to designated shelters and prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes within any UEL building or near building entrances. For further information on our Healthy Campus initiatives and support please visit the Health and Safety pages . Student Disciplinary Regulations and Procedures (incorporating the student code of conduct) This code is more than a list of things that we should and should not do: it reminds us that we should always consider how our behaviour affects others. The code applies:

to all students;
at all sites throughout our estate, and;
when we represent UEL on business beyond our campus, both in real (face-to-face) and virtual environments.

And outlines expectations of students:

verbal and physical behaviour should always be polite and respectful;
behaviour should not impair the engagement, learning or participation of others;
anti-social behaviour by individuals and groups will not be tolerated.

9) Changes to scheduled programmes

UEL will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the programme of study that you have accepted will conform to the programme specification published on our website and will ensure that the necessary resources required to enable you to meet the required learning outcomes and pass the relevant assessments are available. In order to ensure that our programmes are current and relevant, they are subject to regular review. From time to time, to ensure the maintenance of academic standards and/or compliance with professional body requirements, it may be necessary to amend a module or make adjustments to programme content. Major changes to programmes that in the reasonable opinion of UEL, will have a significant impact on students will involve consultation with students already enrolled on the programme when the changes are proposed. Once any changes are confirmed, UEL will notify all students and applicants of the changes. When UEL reasonably considers that the change may only impact one or more cohorts on the relevant programme, UEL may decide to only consult with the relevant cohort. In the event that we discontinue a programme, we will normally permit existing students to complete the programme within the typical duration of study. In these circumstances, UEL will use reasonable endeavours to continue the programme for existing students without making major changes. If this is not possible, we will support students in changing to another UEL programme on which a place is available, and for which the student is suitably qualified, or assist with transfer to another HEI to complete the programme elsewhere.

10) Changes to these terms

We may change these terms from time to time where, in UEL's opinion, it will assist in the proper delivery of any programme of study or in order to:- (a) Comply with any changes in relevant laws and regulatory requirements; (b) Implement legal advice, national guidance or good practice; (c) Provide for new or improved delivery of any programme of study; (d) Reflect market practice; (e) In our opinion make them clearer or more favourable to you; (f) Rectify any error or mistake; or (g) Incorporate existing arrangements or practices. No variation or amendment to these Terms of Admittance may be made without our prior written agreement. In the event that we agree to transfer you to an alternative programme of study, the transfer will be considered to be a variation to the Terms of Admittance, which shall otherwise remain in full force and existence. If we revise the Terms of Admittance, we will publish the amended Terms of Admittance by such means as we consider reasonably appropriate. We will use reasonable endeavours to give you notice of any changes before they take effect.

11) Data Protection

UEL is committed to adhering to its obligations under the Data Protection Act 2018 and will act as a Data Controller when it processes your personal data. You can find our registration to the Data controller register on ico.org.uk . UEL processes your personal data to fulfil its contractual and legal obligations to students. Personal data that we process about you includes:

Your contact details and other information submitted during the application and enrolment processes;
Details of courses, modules, timetables and room bookings, assessment marks and examinations related to your study;
Financial and personal information collected for the purposes of administering fees and charges, loans, grants, scholarships and hardship funds;
Photographs, and video recordings for the purpose of recording lectures, student assessments and examinations and for the purposes of university promotion that is in our legitimate interest but still fair to you;
Information about your engagement with the University such as attendance data and use of electronic services such as Moodle, Civitas and YourTutor;
Contact details for next of kin to be used in an emergency;
Details of those with looked-after status or those who have left the care system for the provision of support;
Information related to the prevention and detection of crime and the safety and security of staff and students, including, but not limited to, CCTV recording and data relating to breaches of University regulations;

This is not an exhaustive list, for further information please refer to our fair processing notice pages on uel.ac.uk. In all of its data processing activities, UEL is committed to ensuring that the personal data it collects stores and uses will be processed in line with the data protection principles which can be summarised as:

Being processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner;
Collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes;
Adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary;
Accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date;
Kept in a form which permits identification of data subjects for no longer than is necessary;
Processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the personal information;
Be accountable for, and be able to demonstrate compliance with, the six principles above.

Student Responsibilities You must ensure that:

All personal data provided to UEL is accurate and up-to-date. You must ensure that changes of address etc. are notified to the Student Hub.
Students who use UEL's computing facilities may process personal data as part of their studies. If the processing of personal data takes place, students must take responsibility for that processing activity to ensure that it is in line with the data protection principles above.
Students who are undertaking research projects using personal data must ensure that:
The research subject is informed of the nature of the research and is given a copy of UEL's Fair Processing Notice and this Data Protection Policy.

12) Legal basis for use of data

By agreeing to these Terms of Admittance and enrolling at UEL, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of a contract for the use of your personal data relating to your enrolment, and if appropriate, registration and ongoing participation in a programme of study. Your personal or special category data will be collected, processed, published and used by UEL, its online learning and teaching services and/or its partners and agents in ways which support the effective management of UEL and your programme of study, to allow for the delivery of bursary schemes and to support improvements to student experience and progression, and are consistent with: The terms of the Data Protection Act 2018; Any notification submitted to the Information Commissioner in accordance with this legislation; and compliance with any other relevant legislation. You have fundamental rights associated with how organisations use your personal data. Further information on data protection and use of your personal data can be found in our Data Protection Policy and on uel.ac.uk.

13) Intellectual property

You are entitled to the intellectual property rights created during your time studying at UEL that would belong to you under the applicable law. There are some programmes where the assignment of certain types of intellectual property to UEL is appropriate. UEL will require the assignment to it of intellectual property rights relating to postgraduate research that is part of an ongoing research programme. Where the nature of the research programme means that some assignment of intellectual property rights to UEL is appropriate, we will take what steps that we can to ensure that your interests are protected. UEL will take reasonable endeavours to ensure:-

the scope of the assignment is narrow, and is restricted to what is necessary, for example, to protect UEL’s legitimate interests in the intellectual property created as party to a research programme;
the application of the assignment is clearly defined so that it is clear to you in which circumstances the assignment will apply;
where the assignment of the intellectual property is appropriate in the circumstances, we will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the rights of the parties are evenly balanced (for example, your work being acknowledged in a publication and, where appropriate, subject to an appropriate revenue sharing scheme)
where UEL claims ownership of intellectual property rights in relation to a taught programme of study, such treatment of those rights will be made clear in the published information relating to that programme.

14) How we communicate with you

UEL will communicate with you via a variety of channels, including postal letters, e-mail, SMS text messages and online notices. To enable this, we request that you provide us with your e-mail address, postal address, and contact telephone number when you first enrol. Throughout your studies, it is important that you keep your contact details up to date. You can view and edit this information by logging into our student portal, UEL Direct at https://uel.ac.uk/Direct . We will create a UEL e-mail account for you after you enrol. Your e-mail address will be your student number, prefixed with a ‘u’ and followed by ‘@uel.ac.uk’ – e.g.: [email protected]. UEL will use this e-mail address to communicate with you and it is important that you regularly check and manage this mailbox for important updates and information. You can access your email account, plus information about our services, news and events by logging into our Intranet, intranet.uel.ac.uk. At the login screen, enter your email address (as above) and password. Your default UEL password will be your date of birth, formulated as DD-MMM-YY, e.g. 31-jan-84. Your UEL email account and associated UEL IT accounts will be deleted not more than 6 months after you graduate or withdraw from your programme of study (if earlier).

15)University of East London Students' Union

The University of East London Students' Union (UELSU) represents students at UEL. By enrolling at UEL you are automatically granted membership of both UELSU and the National Union of Students (NUS). If you wish to opt-out from this membership, please inform UELSU in writing at either [email protected] or by writing to Chief Executive, UELSU, University of East London, Docklands Campus, 4-6 University Way, London E16 2RD. UELSU provides a range of services and support to students and can provide advice and representation on any matter affecting the contract between you and UEL. For further information on this support, please visit www.uelunion.org

16) Students studying at partner institutions

If you are undertaking a programme of study at a partner institution you will need to generally abide by the above terms and also those of the partner institution. Further information and support in understanding these terms is available from the Academic Partnership Office - [email protected] .

17) International students - additional responsibilities

All international students must also comply with UK Visa and Immigration requirements. All international students are required to hold a valid visa which permits study in the UK or hold a Tier 4 visa/have applied for a Tier 4 visa with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies issued by UEL. Students who are being sponsored under a Tier 4 student visa must also understand and comply with the responsibilities of their student visa and cooperate with UEL in fulfilling our Tier 4 duties .

18) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UEL is committed to working together to build a learning community founded on equality of opportunity – a learning community which celebrates the rich diversity of our student and staff populations and one in which discriminatory behaviour is challenged and not tolerated within our community. Within the spirit of respecting difference, our equality and diversity policies promise fair treatment and equality of opportunity for all regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability or religion/belief (or lack of). In pursuing this aim, we want our community to value and to be at ease with its own diversity and to reflect the needs of the wider community within which we operate. For further information on this inclusive approach to education please visit our Student Policies page .

19) Complaints

We welcome feedback on our programmes and services and facilitate this in a variety of ways, including programme committees, module evaluation forms and surveys. However, if you are dissatisfied with a particular service or programme or the manner in which it has been delivered, you must let the person responsible for that service know as we will always try to resolve matters at the earliest opportunity via informal conciliation. If you are unsure who to approach, please e-mail The Hub who will be able to direct your concerns appropriately. If you remain dissatisfied with a service or programme, or the manner in which it is delivered, you should refer to our formal complaints procedure to have the matter formally addressed. In addition, once you have enrolled on your programme, you will also have access to the Advice and Information Service offered by UELSU. This access is not available to students studying at partner institutions.

20) Cancellation

If you wish to cancel this contract within 14 days of enrolment in your programme, you must do so in writing. Any fees that you have paid will be refunded – please see the Fees Policy for further information on obtaining a refund.

21) Further guidance

If any of the information in these Terms of Admittance or related policies is unclear or if you have any questions, please contact The Hub for guidance on +44 (0) 208 223 4444 .

22) Right to advice

This is a consumer contract and you are able to obtain independent advice in relation to its terms and conditions from UELSU as well as your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

23) General

Neither you nor UEL will be liable for failure to perform their obligations under these Terms of Admittance if such failure arises from unforeseeable events, circumstances or causes outside of that party's reasonable control. Examples of such events include, but are not limited to, war, terrorism, industrial disputes, natural disasters, fire and national emergencies. Only you and UEL are parties to these Terms of Admittance. No other person shall have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of these Terms of Admittance. Failure or delay by you or UEL to exercise any right or remedy provided under this contract shall not constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy, nor shall it prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy. No single or partial exercise of such right or remedy shall prevent or restrict the further exercise of that or any other right or remedy. These Terms of Admittance are governed by the law of England and Wales and you and UEL agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

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Home / Discover Psychology Degree Programs / Online Positive Psychology Programs / Best Online Master’s Degrees in Positive Psychology

Best Online Master’s Degrees in Positive Psychology

What will i learn in an online positive psychology master’s degree program, admissions requirements for a master’s in positive psychology, list of positive psychology master’s degree programs.

Online Positive Psychology Master's Degrees

A master’s degree in positive psychology offers an in-depth exploration of the theories, research, and practical applications of positive psychology principles, equipping graduates with advanced knowledge and skills to promote well-being and enhance human flourishing. This degree goes beyond the foundational understanding of positive psychology and delves deeper into specialized areas such as positive leadership, positive relationships, positive interventions, and positive education. With an online positive psychology master’s degree, students have the flexibility to continue working or handling other daily duties while they pursue their graduate-level education.

With a master’s degree in the subject, individuals can pursue a variety of fulfilling career paths in positive psychology . Graduates may find opportunities as positive psychology practitioners, coaches, consultants, or counselors, working with individuals, teams, or organizations to enhance well-being and optimize performance. They may also pursue roles in education, healthcare, human resources, or community development, integrating positive psychology principles to improve the quality of life and foster resilience.

In an online master’s degree program in positive psychology, students delve deeper into the theories, research, and practical applications of positive psychology principles, beyond what is learned in a bachelor’s-level program . This two-year, 36-48 credit program provides an advanced understanding of the field and equips students with the knowledge and skills to promote well-being and optimize human potential. Some typical courses and topics covered in both campus-based and online master’s degree programs in positive psychology include:

Advanced Positive Psychology Theory
Positive Leadership
Positive Relationships
Positive Interventions
Positive Education
Positive Organizational Psychology
Positive Coaching
Research Methods in Positive Psychology
Applied Positive Psychology
Capstone Project or Thesis

These courses allow students to explore specialized areas within positive psychology, such as understanding and applying positive psychology in leadership contexts, cultivating positive relationships and well-being, implementing effective positive interventions, incorporating positive psychology principles in educational settings, and examining the application of positive psychology in organizations. Research methods courses provide students with advanced skills in designing and conducting research projects relevant to positive psychology.

The capstone project or thesis allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in a focused area of interest, further contributing to the growing body of research in positive psychology. Overall, a master’s degree in positive psychology prepares students for careers as practitioners, consultants, educators, researchers, or leaders who are dedicated to fostering well-being and positive change in various settings and populations.

An online master’s degree in positive psychology provides individuals with the flexibility to pursue advanced studies in positive psychology from anywhere in the world. These programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that deepens students’ understanding of positive psychology theories, research, and applications. Admissions requirements for online master’s programs in positive psychology may vary among institutions, but here are some typical requirements:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Completed application form and application fee
Transcripts from previous educational institutions
Minimum GPA (usually around 3.0 or higher)
Statement of purpose outlining goals and interest in positive psychology
Letters of recommendation (typically 2-3)
Resume or CV highlighting relevant experiences
Writing samples or essays demonstrating writing and critical thinking abilities
Some programs may require GRE or other standardized test scores
Interview (may be required by some institutions)
English language proficiency for non-native English speakers (if applicable)

These requirements serve as a guideline, and specific criteria can vary from program to program. It is essential for prospective students to review the admissions criteria of their desired institution to ensure they meet all the requirements and provide the necessary documentation.

Find an online or campus-based bachelor’s program in positive psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

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M.S. Positive Psychology (Online) Online

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Online Master of Arts - Psychology: Life Coaching and Positive Psychology Online

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Philadelphia college of osteopathic medicine.

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Master of Applied Positive Psychology Hybrid

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Applied Positive Psychology, MAPP

Rapidly becoming one of psychology’s most transformative fields, positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable humans and organizations to flourish. The Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program at the University of Pennsylvania was the first in the world to offer a degree in this rigorous field of study. Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman, founder of the discipline of positive psychology, along with leading researchers and practitioners educate students at the cutting edge of the field. The MAPP curriculum is designed to educate you in the history, theory and research methods of positive psychology, as well as its application in professional settings.

For more information: https://www.sas.upenn.edu/lps/graduate/mapp

The program consists of nine courses, completed in one year of full-time study during consecutive fall, spring and summer semesters.

During the fall semester, you will begin the program with courses that focus on the science, research and theoretical underpinnings of positive psychology, giving students a strong foundation to build on throughout the remainder of the program.
The spring semester courses offer content to help you learn how to apply positive psychology in various professional settings, including creating a plan for positive interventions in a real organization.
The capstone project, which is completed during the summer semester, allows you to integrate what you’ve learned throughout the program, and apply it in the professional or research domain most significant to you. It often serves as a stepping stone to the application of positive psychology in a particular professional domain or to further research in a specific area.

The capstone project is a distinguishing feature of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program, blending academic and professional experiences and serving as the culmination of your work in the program. Through the capstone project, you will explore, in depth, the theories and practical applications you’ve learned in the program, to advance the field of positive psychology itself. If you are interested in exploring more capstones, you can visit Penn's Scholarly Commons website to browse project abstracts or download full projects .

The capstone is completed during the summer semester and has no on-site course requirements. You will conduct this project work independently, with your advisor’s ongoing guidance, in a setting that is significant to you and most relevant to your future professional goals.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

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Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology

About the Online Applied Positive Psychology Certificate

Applied positive psychology is a discipline that examines the intersections of body, brain, culture, and science to develop tools and practices that enhance human flourishing and well-being. In this certificate program, you will be introduced to the field of positive psychology and will learn tools and practice strategies that support personal, organizational, and community well-being. The online courses in applied positive psychology teach you the theoretical and empirical foundations of human flourishing, how well-being is measured, and what activities increase human flourishing in various contexts and settings.

Applied Positive Psychology Certificate Requirements

The Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology is a 4-course, 4 c.u.* credit program of study taught by University of Pennsylvania faculty. To earn a certificate, students complete any four courses offered, in any order. Students who complete the basic certificate may pursue an advanced certificate (6-course, 6 c.u.*) by adding two additional positive psychology courses.

Flexible Course Schedule and Tuition

Penn LPS Online courses in the Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology are offered on an accelerated (8-week) schedule. Courses in the online certificate program are largely asynchronous with some synchronous sessions to be scheduled by the instructors.

You have the option to enroll in individual applied positive psychology courses without committing to the entire online certificate, enjoying the flexibility and expertise offered by Penn LPS Online to suit your schedule and interests. Visit the Cost of Attendance page for course tuition and fee rates. Courses within the Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology may be applied to our Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree, but do not count toward Penn's Master of Applied Positive Psychology degree.

Watch a video of a recent virtual information session to hear from the program team about the Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology.

If you are having trouble viewing this video, watch it on YouTube .

*Academic credit is defined by the University of Pennsylvania as a course unit (c.u.). A course unit (c.u.) is a general measure of academic work over a period of time, typically a term (semester or summer). A c.u. (or a fraction of a c.u.) represents different types of academic work across different types of academic programs and is the basic unit of progress toward a degree. One c.u. is usually converted to a four-semester-hour course.

The Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology prepares you to:

Learn the historical and empirical foundations of positive psychology and the science of well-being
Explore key research themes (e.g., positive emotions, strengths, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment) and their relevance in personal and organizational settings
Apply research in positive psychology by practicing strategies that influence well-being
Investigate applications of positive psychology in different professional settings, including business, education, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector
Learn the basics of research, measurement, and evaluation in positive psychology

Online Applied Positive Psychology Courses

It is strongly recommended that students earning the certificate first complete APOP 1000: Introduction to Positive Psychology. Certificate students who complete any four of the online courses listed below earn a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology. Those students are then eligible to pursue an Advanced Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology by taking two additional positive psychology courses.

APOP 1000: Introduction to Positive Psychology
APOP 1200: Human Flourishing: Strengths and Resilience
APOP 2000: Positive Psychology at Work
APOP 2200: Flourishing with Others: Building Thriving Relationships
APOP 2900: Understanding the Science of Positive Psychology
APOP 3400: Flourishing through Creativity and the Arts

Courses are subject to change.

See Course Tuition

Meet the Faculty

James O. Pawelski, PhD

Faculty Director, Penn LPS Online Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology
Professor of Practice and Director of Education, Positive Psychology Center

Leona Brandwene

Director, Penn LPS Online Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology
Associate Director of Education, Positive Psychology Center

Katherine Cotter, PhD

Associate Director of Research, Positive Psychology Center

Virginia Millar

Faculty, Penn LPS Online Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology

Meredith Myers

Senior Fellow, The Wharton School's Center for Leadership & Change Management

Margarita Tarragona

Faculty, Penn LPS Online Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology

Professional outcomes related to Applied Positive Psychology

The Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology is designed to help you become more effective as an individual, employee, and leader in your workplace and community. In addition to strategies for enhancing personal well-being, the certificate has broad professional applications in a range of fields.

Partner with others to build employee engagement
Increase your effectiveness and resilience as a leader
Take a strengths-based approach to your professional development
Understand how to measure changes in individual and organizational well-being

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Applied Positive Psychology Graduate Certificate

Online Graduate Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology

Transform your community and workplace

Put positive psychology into action. Learn to apply its principles in leadership and life. Make an impact in organizations, schools, coaching, and counseling.

Discover evidence-based strategies and tools to enable individuals and organizations to thrive.

Learn to use the science of psychology and understand the moving pieces of well-being and flourishing. Use positive experiences, traits and characteristics, and organizational development to help people grow.

“Positive psychology is the scientific study of human strengths and virtues. It involves an attempt to move toward a more balanced perspective on human functioning that considers motives, capacities, and human potentials.” The American Psychological Association

Designed for students and working professionals, learn to:

Define key concepts and methods in positive psychology, positive organizational scholarship, positive education, and human development.
Apply research in positive psychology through practices that influence well-being.
Adopt a strength-based approach to personal and professional development.
Improve relationships through better communication.
Optimize peak performance and focus on positive outcomes for athletes or employees.
Help communities recover in times of hardship.

Apply what you learn at work:

Craft a blueprint for creating a meaningful, connected, positive, and psychologically safe work culture.
Conduct a PPI (Positive Psychology Intervention).
Layer applications of positive psychology from the community to individuals.
Develop a career intervention program that builds on a foundation of strengths.

One of a kind

Learn from expert faculty in one of the only accredited applied positive psychology certificate programs in the U.S. Customize the program to fit your career path whether it be counselor, coach, education, or business and organizational leader. Study online on your time and apply what you learn immediately to your current position.

Advance with career opportunities

Gain essential skills for careers in schools, government, healthcare, consulting, or human resource departments that include job titles such as:

School counselor
Positive education consultant
Retreat coordinator
Meditation teacher
Chief People Officer
Chief Happiness Officer
Corporate Wellness Program coordinator
Human Resource generalist
Health psychologist
Behavioral Analyst
Change Agent

Create a meaningful life as you help individuals, communities, and workplaces thrive.

Learn more on the Applied Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Zach Mercurio, a keynote speaker, researcher, and author specializing in leadership, purpose, meaningful work, and mattering. Zach also helps instruct the Applied Positive Psychology Graduate Certificate program.

Bryan J. Dik is Professor and Associate Chair of Psychology at Colorado State University and co-founder and Chief Science Officer of jobZology, a CSU Ventures company that matches job seekers to employers using psychological assessment. His research interests focus on work as a calling or vocation; purpose, meaning, religion and spirituality in career development; vocational interests; and career development interventions. He teaches courses in vocational psychology, personality psychology, and the psychology of religion

Zach Mercurio, Ph.D.

Zach holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change from CSU's School of Education and is an organization and leadership development consultant who works with a wide variety of organizations.

His research interests include the lived experience of meaningful work, purposeful leadership, purposeful organizations, purpose in work, positive leadership, positive organizational behavior and development, fulfillment in work, organizational commitment, and organizational culture.

Michael F. Steger

Michael Steger is an Associate Professor in the Counseling Psychology and Applied Social Psychology programs at Colorado State University. He received his B.A. in Psychology from Macalester College and his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and Personality Psychology from the University of Minnesota.

His research has focused on what makes life meaningful for people, and on understanding the foundations and benefits of living a meaningful life and achieving happiness. He also studies how people adjust to traumatic life events, and social influences on depression. His most recent book was “Designing Positive Psychology.” He is currently writing a textbook for Abnormal Psychology, due to be published by McGraw-Hill.

Samuel Davis, PhD

Sam is a recent graduate of the Colorado State University’s Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program, and current post-doctoral sport psychology fellow at the Ohio State University. Sam received his BA in psychology at Goucher College, where he also spent three years competing on the varsity men’s swimming team. Through his experiences as and work with student-athletes, he developed a passion for treatment and research in the field of sport psychology. Sam is broadly interested in mental health and wellbeing in sport. Additionally, he is interested in research on identity formation, injury, and suicidality among athletes.

I have not been admitted to the Applied Positive Psychology (APP) Certificate program. Is it possible for me to enroll in courses anyway?

Yes. You may take any of the individual courses you would like. If you later were accepted and enrolled in the APP Certificate program, you may count those courses toward the certificate according to the University transfer policy . Please note that successful performance in your course(s) does not guarantee admission to the program.

Is it possible to transfer credit from another institution into the APP Certificate program?

All requests for transfer credit must be submitted to the Department of Psychology and will be reviewed by an academic advisor. A maximum of 3 transfer credits can be applied toward the certificate.

Do I have to write a thesis?

No. A thesis is not required. This is a coursework-only program.

Do I need to take the GRE?

Is the APP certificate program accredited?

Yes. All Colorado State University programs are accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

How will this program help me find a new job?

This program provides a broad but brief overview of positive psychology and its applications. A graduate certificate is not a credential required for entry into a particular job or industry, but you can tout the knowledge you obtain from the certificate as a valuable strength that may differentiate you from other job-seekers.

Why is the program called Applied Positive Psychology and not just Positive Psychology?

The classification of “applied” designates this as a practitioner-oriented program and is meant to distinguish it from other more research-intensive programs.

Where can I learn more about the field of positive psychology?

There are numerous resources for learning more about this field, beginning with the International Positive Psychology Association ( https://www.ippanetwork.org/ ) which is the leading professional association for those interested in positive psychology. You also can explore more at the special interest group that is part of the Society for Counseling Psychology ( http://www.div17pospsych.com/ ), as well as the Canadian Positive Psychology Association ( https://www.cppa.ca/ ).

This graduate certificate requires four courses total and they may be taken in any order. Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites.

Required Course

PSY 500 – Advanced Introduction to Positive Psychology

Select three courses (nine credits) from the following:

PSY 522 – Positive Sport Psychology
PSY 621 – Psychology of Calling and Meaningful Work
PSY 623 – Positive Education
PSY 624 – Positive Career Counseling and Coaching
PSY 625 – Positive Organizations and Leadership

Application Deadlines

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

1 Review Admission Requirements

The online certificate requires that students have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

2 Prepare Application Materials

Submit a brief (2-page) statement of purpose:

The statement of purpose serves as an academic writing sample for the faculty to determine your readiness for graduate level writing, learn more about you, and ascertain how your goals align with the program. Please address all of the following in your statement:

Reasons for seeking the Applied Positive Psychology Graduate Certificate
What you bring to our community of learners
Your vision for how learning through and completing this program will contribute to your life, and how it will support your personal, professional, or educational goals

3 Complete Online Application

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete, and all required materials have been received.

Select “Applied Positive Psychology (Certificate) - Distance” when choosing the Program of Study. (Note: You must first select "Certificate" at the top.)

4 Request Transcripts

Request one official transcript from the institution where you earned your bachelor’s degree. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.

Electronic (preferred): Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial. Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or [email protected] if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary) Graduate Admissions Colorado State University – Office of Admissions 1062 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.

For International Applicants

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about English language proficiency requirements .

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

Program Details

Undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year institution.

Application Dates

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By providing your information, you consent to receive calls, emails, and/or text messages from CSU Online. Consent not required to purchase goods or services. For more info, call 1-970-491-5288 . We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

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Can Positive Psychology Make You Happier?

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Shereen Lehman, MS, is a healthcare journalist and fact checker. She has co-authored two books for the popular Dummies Series (as Shereen Jegtvig).

Levels of Positive Psychology

The PERMA Model

Potential Pitfalls

Positive psychology is one of the newest branches of psychology to emerge. This particular area of psychology focuses on how to help human beings prosper and lead healthy, happy lives. While many other branches of psychology tend to focus on dysfunction and abnormal behavior , positive psychology is centered on helping people become happier.

Positive psychology is designed to "complement and extend the problem-focused psychology that has been dominant for decades," explained the late Christopher Peterson, author of "A Primer in Positive Psychology" and professor at the University of Michigan, in a 2008 article published in Psychology Today .

"Positive psychology is...a call for psychological science and practice to be as concerned with strength as with weakness; as interested in building the best things in life as in repairing the worst; and as concerned with making the lives of normal people fulfilling as with healing pathology," Peterson wrote.

According to leading authorities in the field, Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi , positive psychology will help achieve "scientific understanding and effective interventions to build thriving in individuals, families, and communities."

In order to understand the field of positive psychology, it is essential to start by learning more about its major theories, applications, and history.

Positive psychology is often referred to as having three different levels:

Subjective level: focuses on feelings of happiness, well-being, and optimism, and how these feelings transform your daily experience
Individual level: a combination of the feelings in the subjective level and virtues such as forgiveness, love, and courage
Group level: positive interaction with your community, including virtues like altruism and social responsibility that strengthen social bonds

Positive Psychology and the PERMA Model

In order to better explain and define well-being, which is a primary focus in positive psychology, Seligman created the PERMA model. PERMA is an acronym for the following five elements of well-being:

P ositive emotions , or experiencing optimism as well as gratitude about your past, contentment in the present, and hope for the future
E ngagement, or achieving " flow " with enjoyable activities and hobbies
R elationship , or forming social connections with family and friends
M eaning , or finding a purpose in life larger than you
A ccomplishments, or goals and successes

Positive psychology can have a range of real-world applications in areas including education , therapy, self-help, stress management , and workplace issues.

Using strategies from positive psychology, teachers, coaches, therapists, and employers can motivate others and help individuals understand and develop their personal strengths.

Some of the major topics of interest in positive psychology include:

Character strengths and virtues
Gratifications
Happiness /pleasures
Helplessness
Mindfulness
Positive thinking

Press Play for Advice On Thinking More Positively

This episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares how to find the positive things in life. Click below to listen now.

Follow Now : Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / Amazon Music

Impact of Positive Psychology

Some of the major findings of positive psychology include:

Money doesn't necessarily buy well-being, but spending money on other people can make individuals happier.
People are generally happy.
Some of the best ways to combat disappointments and setbacks include strong social relationships and character strengths.
While happiness is influenced by genetics, people can learn to be happier by developing optimism, gratitude, and altruism .
Work can be important to well-being, especially when people are able to engage in work that is purposeful and meaningful.

Positive psychology is often confused with positive thinking, and misconstrued as self-help tactics rather than research-backed theories. Positive thinking is a way of thinking ourselves into better behavior and greater resilience, rather than behaving our way into a different frame of mind.

Positive psychology, on the other hand, is the scientific study of what makes people thrive. It focuses on behaviors that can lead to a more optimized frame of mind as well as on thought patterns that lead to more functional behaviors.

History of Positive Psychology

"Before World War II, psychology had three distinct missions: curing mental illness, making the lives of all people more productive and fulfilling, and identifying and nurturing high talent," wrote Seligman and Mihaly Csikszenmihalyi in 2000.

Shortly after WWII, the primary focus of psychology shifted to the first priority: treating abnormal behavior and mental illness. In the 1950s, humanist thinkers like Carl Rogers , Erich Fromm , and Abraham Maslow helped renew interest in the other two areas by developing theories that focused on happiness and the positive aspects of human nature.

Here are a few more significant dates in the history of positive psychology:

1998 : Seligman was elected President of the American Psychological Association and positive psychology became the theme of his term. Today, Seligman is widely viewed as the father of contemporary positive psychology.
2002 : The first International Conference on Positive Psychology was held.
2006 : Harvard's course on positive psychology became the university's most popular class.
2009 : The first World Congress on Positive Psychology took place in Philadelphia and featured talks by Seligman and Philip Zimbardo .

Other important figures in positive psychology have included:

Albert Bandura
C.R. Snyder
Carol Dweck
Christopher Peterson
Daniel Gilbert
Kennon Sheldon

General interest in positive psychology has grown tremendously since the concept was introduced. Today, more and more people are searching for information on how they can become more fulfilled and achieve their full potential.

Psychology Today. What is positive psychology, and what is it not ?

Seligman ME, Csikszentmihalyi M. Positive psychology. An introduction . Am Psychol . 2000;55(1):5‐14. doi:10.1037//0003-066x.55.1.5

Joseph S. Positive Psychology in Practice: Promoting Human Flourishing in Work, Health, Education, and Everyday Life . Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons; 2015.

Ciarrochi J, Atkins PW, Hayes LL, Sahdra BK, Parker P. Contextual positive psychology: Policy recommendations for implementing positive psychology into schools . Front Psychol . 2016;7:1561. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01561

Dunn EW, Aknin LB, Norton MI. Prosocial spending and happiness: Using money to benefit others pays off . Current Directions in Social Science . 2014;(23)1: 41-47. doi:10.1177/0963721413512503

Harzer C, Ruch W. The relationships of character strengths with coping, work-related stress, and job satisfaction . Front Psychol . 2015;6:165. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00165

Martela F, Pessi AB. Significant work is about self-realization and broader purpose: Defining the key dimensions of meaningful work . Front Psychol . 2018;9:363. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00363

Boston Globe. Harvard's crowded course to happiness .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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Top 10 tips for applying to clinical psychology Ph.D. programs

Participants of the second annual Diversifying Clinical Psychology Weekend gained skills for succeeding in graduate school.

Program offers pointers for prospective students

In an effort to help aspiring clinical psychology applicants from historically marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds feel better prepared to tackle the application process and succeed in graduate school, School of Social Ecology graduate students from the clinical psychology area hosted their second annual “Diversifying Clinical Psychology Weekend” event earlier this month. Co-sponsored by DECADE, the event included breaking down application requirements, discussing how to obtain relevant research experience, and sharing the experiences of current students to help aspiring applicants feel more confident in their own academic journeys.

Professionalism is key. Using professional email greetings, being punctual, demonstrating preparation, taking ownership and responsibility, and using critical thinking and problem solving skills goes a long way.
Get involved in research labs. Joining a research lab during undergraduate or post-bacc programs, or seeking full-time research assistant and research staff positions will help prepare you for graduate programs that place heavy emphasis on research.
Prepare an accurate and professionally-formatted CV. Keep formatting consistent, list things in reverse chronological order, use action words when describing your contributions to activities.
Personalize your Research Statements (also known as Statement of Purpose) for each program you apply to. Emphasize what draws you to each particular program, include faculty members you are interested in working with and why, and state how YOU can add value and contribute to the program.
Weave a narrative through your personal statement that goes beyond your CV. Avoid summarizing your CV. Tell a story that SHOWS the reader what lessons you have learned and your main takeaways from prior experiences that have led you to apply to their program. Relate your experiences through common themes, goals, and interests that may not be obvious to someone simply reading through your CV.
Incorporate your values, commitment to DEI, and who you are as a person in your Personal History Statement (also known as Diversity Statement). This is a great place to show parts of yourself, your background, and your experiences that don’t fit into other parts of the application.
Get feedback on your materials. Get feedback from friends, family, and colleagues on your essays.
Submit strong letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are a critical component of a well-rounded application. Be sure to request letters from writers with whom you have good relationships and believe will be able to write you a thorough and positive letter of recommendation. Don’t hesitate to ask potential letter writers if they would be able to write you a STRONG letter of recommendation.
Research your programs ahead of time to make sure they are a good fit for you. Just as schools are evaluating whether you will be a good fit for their program, you should take the time to do your research on whether programs you are applying to seem to be a good fit for your research interests, professional goals, and personal needs.
Check out additional resources and information sessions: https://tinyurl.com/ClinicalPhDInfoSessions and https://tinyurl.com/ClinicalPsychResourceSheet .

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Online Doctorate in Psychology Degrees 2024+
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25 Best Online PhD in Psychology Programs
Why A PhD In Psychology?

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An Introduction to Applied Positive Psychology (MPCE 046)
MA Psychology 2nd Year MPCE 46 POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY online Theory Counselling sessions 25-03-2024
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Womenomics, the Future of Female Economy
Master of Applied Positive Psychology Virtual Information Session
Richard Boyatzis on positive psychology and coaching

COMMENTS

How to Get a Ph.D. in Positive Psychology
Option 1: Claremont Graduate University (CGU) The Quality of Life Research Center at Claremont Graduate University offers two streams of Ph.D. positions: one in Positive Developmental Psychology. one in Positive Organizational Psychology. Please visit their website or send an e-mail to [email protected] if you want to find out more.
Positive Psychology and Well-Being: The Psychological ...
Learn how to maximize happiness from a psychological, biological, and social perspective in this online short course. Explore the fundamentals of positive psychology, well-being theory, and the neuroscience of emotion, and apply them to your personal and professional life.
The Graduate University of America, New School of Positive Psychology
Upon satisfactory completion of the exam, you will be awarded a PhD or PsyD. Tuition is $1,998 which includes the book, test, transcript, and degree. An enrollment fee of $98 is in addition to tuition. A graduation fee of $250 applies. The degree will be granted by the New School of Positive Psychology at the Graduate University of America.
PhD Positive Developmental Psychology
Learn how to design, implement, and evaluate social interventions for positive human development throughout the lifespan. This program is based on the scientific study of positive psychology, founded by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and offers online and on-campus options.
Authentic Happiness
Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. New! Foundations of Positive Psychology. Enrollment is now open for a specialization in Foundations of Positive Psychology via Coursera. Earn an online certificate taught by:
Positive Organizational Psychology
Learn how to apply positive psychology to enhance and broaden the human experience within organizational settings. This program offers a curriculum of 72 units, research opportunities, and a portfolio requirement.
Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs
Based in Pasadena, California, Saybrook University offers a 66-credit online psychology Ph.D. degree. Students need 60-75 credits to graduate, finishing the program in 5-6 years. Although the program follows a web-based format, Ph.D. candidates participate in on-campus residential orientations and conferences as well.
Online Psychology Ph.D. Programs
An online Ph.D. in psychology program focuses on studying emotional, cognitive and social functions, and human behavior. Psychologists interpret, observe, and record how people interact in various settings. Fully online psychology Ph.D. programs target students with career interests in research, academia, and non-clinical fields.
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY AT PENN
Penn offers online courses, certificates, and degrees in positive psychology, a field that studies the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. Learn from world-renowned faculty and leaders of the field, and choose the program that suits your goals and needs.
Best Online Doctorates In Psychology Of 2024
The programs on this list vary greatly in terms of cost. On the high end, the Chicago School at Los Angeles charges $1,703 per credit. At $528 per credit, Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale offers ...
Foundations of Positive Psychology Specialization
Each course in this specialization is four modules/weeks long and can be completed at your own pace once the Coursera session begins. Positive Psychology: Applications and Interventions: 4-6 hours/module. Positive Psychology: Character, Grit and Research Methods: 4-6 hours per module. Positive Psychology: Resilience Skills: 5-7 hours per module.
Master of Applied Positive Psychology
Rapidly becoming one of psychology's most transformative fields, positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable humans and organizations to flourish. The Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program at the University of Pennsylvania was the first in the world to offer a degree in this rigorous field of study.
Positive Psychology Degrees: PhD, Master's & Online Class Info
Master's and PhD in Positive Psychology at a Glance. Positive psychology is a new field of psychology that has grown up since the late 1990s. Critiquing the approaches that psychology has taken since the mid-twentieth century as too focused on negative aspects, such as psychological illnesses, it strives to understand the psychology of well-functioning people and develop ways that positive ...
Positive Psychology Center
Welcome. The mission of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania is to promote research, training, education, and the dissemination of Positive Psychology, resilience and grit.. Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The field is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and ...
Positive psychology
The online graduate certificate in positive psychology requires 15 credit hours and allows for flexibility. Through one core course and 12 credit hours of electives, delve into the foundation of positive emotions, engagement and supportive relationships. Use these principles to help clients identify their strengths, virtues, purpose and ...
Positive Psychology Degree Programs and Online Schools
Hodges is a small, private university that runs a mix of on-site and online degree programs; the applied positive psychology degree is one of the latter. Online programs employ an eight-week course format to accommodate work schedules. Degree offered. Masters in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Sample courses.
Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology MPhil PhD
Overview. Studying for an MPhil/PhD with UEL's School of Psychology will push you to the limit - and our world-class academic staff will support you. The School of Psychology has a thriving research community with a solid theoretical and applied research tradition. Our research integrates cross-disciplinary expertise in a wide array of topics ...
Master's in Positive Psychology
As a student in this master's in positive psychology online, you'll gain the foundational knowledge and skills of a traditional psychology program, while focusing your studies on topics central to the field of positive psychology, such as optimism, gratitude, coping mechanisms, resilience and mindfulness. Upon graduation, you'll walk away ...
2024 Best Online Master's Programs in Positive Psychology
This two-year, 36-48 credit program provides an advanced understanding of the field and equips students with the knowledge and skills to promote well-being and optimize human potential. Some typical courses and topics covered in both campus-based and online master's degree programs in positive psychology include: Advanced Positive Psychology ...
Applied Positive Psychology, MAPP < University of Pennsylvania
The Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program at the University of Pennsylvania was the first in the world to offer a degree in this rigorous field of study. Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman, founder of the discipline of positive psychology, along with leading researchers and practitioners educate students at the cutting edge of the field.
Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology
The Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology is designed to help you become more effective as an individual, employee, and leader in your workplace and community. In addition to strategies for enhancing personal well-being, the certificate has broad professional applications in a range of fields. Partner with others to build employee engagement.
Online Applied Positive Psychology Graduate Certificate
Define key concepts and methods in positive psychology, positive organizational scholarship, positive education, and human development. Apply research in positive psychology through practices that influence well-being. Adopt a strength-based approach to personal and professional development. Improve relationships through better communication.
Positive Psychology
Positive psychology is designed to "complement and extend the problem-focused psychology that has been dominant for decades," explained the late Christopher Peterson, author of "A Primer in Positive Psychology" and professor at the University of Michigan, in a 2008 article published in Psychology Today.
Top 10 tips for applying to clinical psychology Ph.D. programs
Program offers pointers for prospective students. In an effort to help aspiring clinical psychology applicants from historically marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds feel better prepared to tackle the application process and succeed in graduate school, School of Social Ecology graduate students from the clinical psychology area hosted their second annual "Diversifying Clinical ...

How to Get a Ph.D. in Positive Psychology

Doctoral Programs in Positive Psychology

Option 2: University of East London (UEL)

Option 3: Get the Ph.D. position in a field of your own choice

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