Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Positive Psychology

Are you passionate about bringing out the best in yourself and others? Do you want to explore research and evidence-based interventions in a growing specialty of the psychology field? A Bachelor of Science in psychology with a concentration in positive psychology from Arizona State University may be the right fit. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to take the next step in your career or continue your studies in a graduate program.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Psychology – Positive Psychology (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What will I learn in this online positive psychology degree concentration?

Positive psychology is a growing, science-based field within the psychology discipline. In this program, you’ll gain foundational knowledge in the psychological sciences with an emphasis on strengths, mental wellness and overall well-being. You’ll also focus on how positive emotions contribute to building resilience and optimal functioning across communities.

Additionally, you’ll build a set of transferable skills that lend well to future graduate studies and career opportunities, including:

  • Fundamental constructs within positive psychology (e.g. hope, resilience, joy, gratitude and more).
  • Positive psychology intervention and practices.
  • Psychological theories of positive emotions and well-being.
  • Research methodology and statistics.
  • Problem solving and critical analysis.

What can you do with a positive psychology BS degree concentration?

A positive psychology BS degree concentration can act as a stepping stone to a variety of career paths and improve your sense of personal fulfillment. You can pursue roles in settings ranging from research institutions and private organizations to social services and nonprofits. You’ll also be prepared for advanced studies in psychology, health, wellness and more.

This bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:

What are the differences between the BA and BS in positive psychology degree concentrations?

The BA and BS in positive psychology concentrations share a similar curriculum and can both lead you toward a path for graduate studies and a career improving the lives of others. The BA in positive psychology degree concentration has a practice-oriented focus, allowing graduates to learn applied skills for careers, such as teaching or social services.

By comparison, the BS in positive psychology degree concentration delves deeper into quantitative aspects of the discipline. In the BS, you’ll take additional coursework in math, statistics and science, making it an ideal choice for those with research-oriented career goals.

Can I become a psychologist or therapist with this positive psychology degree concentration?

Earning an undergraduate online positive psychology degree concentration is the first step in becoming a psychologist or therapist. However, you’ll still need to complete further study and relevant certifications to attain such a role.

Most practicing psychologists have a master’s degree and often a doctorate in psychology. Additionally, all psychologists need a license to practice in the states they wish to operate. The knowledge you build in this program will ultimately provide you with a foundation for further study.

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.”

Online positive psychology BS courses

Your coursework places a theoretical, evidence-based and experiential focus on factors that contribute to psychological well-being. You’ll explore how individuals and communities thrive through interventions that emphasize optimism, compassion, resilience, mindfulness and more. You’ll also build quantitative skills in subjects, such as statistics and the sciences. Courses may include:


The jobs a positive psychology BS degree concentration prepares you for

You’ll graduate with skills applicable to all industries. Career paths for graduates with a positive psychology degree concentration run the gamut from research assistant to mental health technician. Roles you may pursue include, but aren’t limited to:

Addictions Counselor


Growth: 18.4 %
Salary: $49,710

Behavioral Health Specialist


Growth: 6.6 %
Salary: $61,420

Counselor (General)


Growth: 17.2 %
Salary: $43,390

Licensed Clinical Psychologist


Growth: 11.4 %
Salary: $90,130

Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)


Growth: 14.9 %
Salary: $56,570

Mental Health Counselor


Growth: 18.4 %
Salary: $49,710

School Psychologist


Growth: 1.3 %
Salary: $81,500

Social Services Director


Growth: 9.1 %
Salary: $74,240

Social Worker


Growth: 5.3 %
Salary: $50,820

Study alongside award-winning psychology faculty

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.

Study alongside award-winning psychology faculty

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

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

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.

#4


best online bachelor’s in psychology programs.

Top 5


best online bachelor’s programs.

Top 10%


best global universities.

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.

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