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.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


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.

Additionally, this program prepares you for advanced studies in psychology, such as a Master of Science in psychology. You can also continue your studies in the fields of health, wellness and more.

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:


PSY 350: Social Psychology (SB)


PSY 366: Psychological Disorders (SB)


PSY 341: Developmental Psychology (SB)


PSY 315: Personality Theory and Research (SB)


PSY 443: Child and Adolescent Psychological Disorders (SOBE OR L or SB)


PSY 230: Introduction to Statistics (QTRS OR CS)


PSY 290: Research Methods (SCIT OR L or SG)


PSY 335: Positive Psychology


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

As an ASU Online student, you’ll get the New College experience from the same faculty who teach our courses on campus from anywhere in the world. Our faculty members are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Our areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our mission is to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they have learned to pursue careers that benefit their community.

Study alongside award-winning psychology faculty

As an ASU Online student, you’ll get the New College experience from the same faculty who teach our courses on campus from anywhere in the world. Our faculty members are some of the brightest, most innovative academic minds in the world. Our areas of expertise include psychology, anthropology, geography, political science, cybersecurity, forensic science and more. Our mission is to create an environment that prepares students to take their place in the world using the skills they have learned to pursue careers that benefit their community.

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.

Competency requirements

Additional admission requirements

High school equivalency

Homeschool

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 9 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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