Psychology (Positive Psychology), BA
Are you passionate about helping people identify their strengths so they can improve their lives? With positive psychology, you study the conditions and processes that contribute to the flourishing or optimal functioning of people, groups and institutions.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or a higher level MATH course
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Psychology (Positive Psychology) degree description
Positive psychology is the scientific study of strengths and behaviors that enable individuals and communities to thrive. There is a rapidly growing body of research in the field of positive psychology, with many applications to individual well-being, relationships, the workplace and every other life domain.
In the Bachelor of Arts program in psychology with a concentration in positive psychology, you 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.
All New College psychology programs have a quantitative research focus, equipping you with skills in critical thinking, statistical analysis and academic writing. The Bachelor of Science differs from the BA in that it requires you to take additional lab science coursework and advanced statistical training, both of which are increasingly important for destinations in research or clinical practice. The BA program allows for you to gain exposure to a wider breadth of psychological and related topics through additional elective coursework. Both pathways provide a strong foundation for future graduate studies.
Why specialize in positive psychology at ASU?
As one of the few concentrations in the country to offer positive psychology specialization at the undergraduate level, this BA program gives you a rare, focused start in strengths-based study.
You can connect with fellow students through organizations like Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, and Psyched Up Sun Devils, a virtual psychology club.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology |
| PSY 230 Introduction to Statistics |
| PSY 290 Research Methods |
| PSY 213 ABCs of Happiness |
| PSY 335 Positive Psychology |
| PSY 336 Flourishing Across Contexts |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Studying abroad in the psychology program exposes students to distinct differences in the human condition worldwide.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency and strengthened leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.
Paying for college
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.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addictions Counselor | 18.4% | $59,350 | Learn more |
| Behavioral Health Specialist | 2.3% | $71,900 | Learn more |
| Counselor (General) | 5.9% | $50,860 | Learn more |
| Licensed Clinical Psychologist | 11.7% | $100,580 | Learn more |
| Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) | 13.5% | $66,940 | Learn more |
| Mental Health Counselor | 18.4% | $59,350 | Learn more |
| School Psychologist | 0.8% | $95,990 | Learn more |
| Social Services Director | 7.2% | $80,390 | Learn more |
| Social Worker | 4.4% | $59,550 | Learn more |
| Substance Abuse Social Worker | 10.3% | $60,280 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this positive psychology concentration prepares you for
Individuals with psychology degrees can go on to secure jobs across a wide variety of fields, including human resources, research, business and economics, law, health and mental health, and education.
Graduates of this program are prepared to apply evidence-based approaches to transform their own lives and the lives of others. They are prepared for careers in:
- consumer relations and research
- employee training
- family support
- individual life coaching
- occupational analysis
- positive coaching in sports or organizations
- prevention education
- public or mental health program coordination
- youth development
The degree also provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in fields such as public administration, law, family studies, communication, social work and the various graduate program fields in psychology:
- clinical and counseling
- cognitive neuroscience
- developmental
- environmental
- experimental
- physiological
- social
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
|
FAB N101
SBSadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
