Online Bachelor's in Positive Psychology
A guide to online bachelor's degrees in the enlightening field of positive psychology.
A bachelor's degree in positive psychology represents a unique fusion of scientific knowledge and human understanding. PosPsych is an emerging and fast-growing field that deviates from traditional psychological approaches by focusing not on pathology, but on what makes life most worth living. Its core concern is understanding human flourishing, happiness, wellbeing and resilience, and promoting these positive aspects of the human experience.
This guide will explore the essence, curriculum, and potential career paths associated with obtaining an online bachelor's degree in positive psychology. We’ll also highlight some of the best online PosPsych bachelor’s programs available today.
What is Positive Psychology?
Positive psychology is a relatively new branch of psychology that, instead of focusing on mental illness and dysfunction, studies positive human functioning. It seeks to understand and enhance elements such as happiness, character virtues, resilience, mindfulness, gratitude, optimism and wellbeing. Established in the late 1990s by psychologist Martin Seligman, PosPsych aims to improve our quality of life and prevent the onset of mental illness by promoting positive experiences across all aspects of life.
Curriculum of a Bachelor's Degree in Positive Psychology
The core curriculum of a PosPsych bachelor's program merges traditional psychological principles with in-depth coursework in positive psychology concepts like wellbeing, mindfulness, character strengths and virtues.
Typical courses in a positive psychology bachelor’s include:
Introduction to Psychology
Introductory psych classes provide a framework of the major areas of psychology, including perception, cognition, emotion, intelligence, motivation, brain functioning, personality, and interpersonal relationships.Positive Psychology Foundations
This course introduces the main concepts, theories, and research findings in positive psychology. Lesson topics may include happiness, optimism, gratitude, character strengths, resilience, and the concept of flow.Positive Interventions
In this part of your PosPsych bachelor’s you’ll learn how to apply positive psychology in real-life contexts, such as increasing personal wellbeing in personal and professional settings, building productive teams, and fostering supportive institutions.Human Development & Wellbeing
Coursework in this program examines how wellbeing changes across our lifespans, focusing on theories of development and key factors that contribute to wellbeing at different stages of life.Mindfulness and Happiness
Positive psychology online bachelor’s students who take this course will explore mindfulness and meditation strategies for enhancing happiness and reducing stress.Cultural Perspectives in PosPsych
This course will examine how cultural contexts influence the understanding and practical application of positive psychology, providing a more diverse perspective of human flourishing.Career Opportunities with a PosPsych Bachelor's Degree
An online bachelor's degree in positive psychology can lead to a variety of rewarding careers. These positions aim to improve individual or community wellbeing, and can be found in industries from therapy and coaching to business and education.
Popular careers you can pursue with a bachelor’s in positive psychology include:
Wellbeing Consultant
Wellbeing consultants help companies create a healthier and more positive work environment. They may develop and implement wellbeing initiatives, stress management programs, and workshops to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.Life Coach
Life coaches help people achieve their personal and professional goals. They can work with individuals to identify their strengths, overcome obstacles, and increase their overall satisfaction in life.PosPsych Researcher
Positive psychology researchers contribute to our understanding of this proliferating field through scientific research, which can drive new and improved interventions, therapies and policies.School Counselor
Applying positive psychology principles in the education sector can help students cultivate resilience, improve relationships, and enhance their wellbeing -- a vital role in the current mental health landscape.Positive Psychology Author
Positive psychology principles are increasingly being featured in media and publications, including self-help books, articles and blogs. With a strong foundation of the subject matter, you could contribute as a writer or editor in these areas.Nonprofit Program Coordinator
Many nonprofit organizations run programs designed to improve wellbeing and quality of life. As a program coordinator, you could wield positive psychology principles to design, implement, and manage these vital programs.In conclusion, an online bachelor's program in positive psychology represents a fascinating journey into the study of human optimization. This degree can offer an enlightening pathway not only for those wishing to work directly in the field of psychology, but also for those interested in the pursuit of careers centered around enhancing individual and collective wellbeing. As the field of positive psychology continues to grow, so will the demand for skilled and educated professionals who can apply its principles to improve our lives.