Online Master of Science in Psychology – Positive Psychology
Arizona State University’s Master of Science in psychology with a concentration in positive psychology allows you to apply psychological concepts to promote individual flourishing and satisfaction with life. Through the lens of historical and contemporary research in positive psychology, you’ll gain a solid grounding in the basic tenets of the field, the methodologies employed and the evidence-based interventions that seek to improve peoples’ lives.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 12
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
What is positive psychology and how can it help others?
Positive psychology is the scientific study of strengths and behaviors that enable individuals and communities to thrive. This form of psychology differs from traditional psychology, as it focuses on mental strengths and wellness rather than deficits and illness. For example, a traditional psychology researcher is more likely to investigate environmental factors contributing to depression, whereas a positive psychology researcher is more likely to investigate environmental factors contributing to happiness.
Overall, there’s a rapidly growing body of research in the field of positive psychology with many applications to individual well-being, relationships, the workplace and other life domains. Positive psychology promotes individual flourishing, satisfaction with life and overall happiness of others.
What you’ll learn in a positive psychology master’s concentration
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 with a range of skills and competencies, including:
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Positive psychology master’s courses
This master’s in positive psychology is a rigorous, course-intensive program that features both writing and statistics. In this program, you’ll complete advanced coursework in the fields of psychology and positive psychology. Courses may include:
What you can do with a positive psychology master’s concentration
Upon graduation of this master’s in positive psychology, you’ll be prepared to pursue careers in a variety of industries that utilize psychological theories, concepts and skills to apply positivity practices or implement interventions for others.
It’s important to note that this program doesn’t train you for pre-doctoral programs, or careers in counseling or clinical psychology.
Potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:
Faculty who build, maintain and improve a rigorous and relevant curriculum
Prepare for the full New College experience curated by world-renowned faculty who are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our faculty strives to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they’ve learned to pursue careers that benefit their communities.
Faculty who build, maintain and improve a rigorous and relevant curriculum
Prepare for the full New College experience curated by world-renowned faculty who are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our faculty strives to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they’ve learned to pursue careers that benefit their communities.
How to apply
Applicants to the Master of Science in psychology with a concentration in positive psychology must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
Study at one of the top-ranked universities in the nation
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
#1
in innovation for 10 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
Top 10
best online bachelor’s programs.
Top 10%
best global universities.
80%
of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
