MS Psychology (Positive Psychology)

The MS program in psychology with a concentration in positive psychology, offered by the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, prepares students to apply their knowledge and skills to find meaning and fulfillment in their own lives, as well as to contribute to transformational practices in communities and organizations that can lead to optimal well-being and more harmonious, equitable and inclusive societies.

Through the lens of historical and contemporary research in positive psychology, students in the program gain a solid grounding in the basic tenets of the field, the methodologies employed and the development and effectiveness of interventions that seek to improve people’s lives and enable them to thrive. Coursework emphasizes a theoretical, evidence-based and experiential focus on key factors contributing to psychological well-being and optimal functioning, such as gratitude, joy, love, optimism, inspiration, compassion, creativity, resilience and mindfulness.
It’s important to note that this program doesn’t train individuals for a career as a counselor or clinical psychologist.

Attendance type

Full-time

Credit hours

Study method

Campus immersion or online

STEM-OPT option

Not available

Campus

West Valley campus

New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences

ASU's New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences is led by a diverse team of renowned faculty and talented staff who endeavor to help students thrive at ASU and beyond.

New College prepares students to become master learners, prepared to engage, adapt and develop solutions to the complex challenges facing the world today and tomorrow. Our graduates are agents of change and difference makers here in the West Valley community and far beyond.

ASU degree pathways

Students enrolled at an ASU Cintana Alliance Network institution have the chance to start their courses at their home institution and transfer those credits* to finish their remaining years at ASU.

Models available: Graduate dual degree and accelerated masters.

Courses at home university

PSY 502: Professional Issues in Psychology

PSY 550: Advanced Social Psychology

PSY 577: Special Topics – Advanced Developmental Psychology

PSY 585: Special Topics – Advanced Positive Psychology

Courses at ASU

PSY 500: Research Methods (3)

PSY 513: Fundamentals of Quantitative Research (3)

Foundation Courses (6)

PSY 593: Applied Project (6)

*Transfer eligibility is subject to student performance in courses at home institution and Arizona State University transfer requirements.

Featured courses

Advanced Social Psychology

In this course, you’ll learn about theory and utilize research concerning interpersonal perception, decision making, attitude formation and change, group processes, social motivation and interaction processes.

Capstone in General Psychology

In this capstone, you’ll review and synthesize current literature in the positive psychology field and make actionable research and policy recommendations through written exams.

Professional Issues in Psychology

In this course, you’ll be introduced to various aspects of the professional roles of psychology, as well as to the ethical standards of the profession.

Career opportunities and applicable roles

Graduates leave this program with an in-depth understanding of this growing field. They may pursue professional research careers in psychology, education, health care or marketing. In addition, the positive psychology coursework benefits graduates working in supervisory or management positions, training or teaching roles, or in any social services profession.

Careers benefitting from the positive psychology concentration include:

Equity and inclusion officer
Individual life coach
Positive coach in sports or organizations
Positive psychology research assistant
Social and community services manager

Graduates can also find careers in the following industries:

Business (sales and marketing manager, human resources manager, employee assistance program manager)
Community health and wellness professions (prevention specialist, youth development specialist, community health educator)
Education (high school psychology teacher, character strengths educator)
Government (health and wellness policy specialist, state department of public health or mental health program coordinator)
Social services (family interventionist, warm line worker, occupational analyst)

Education

Employee training

Human resources

Market research

Program management

Public relations

Rehabilitation services

Social services

2025-26 Important dates and deadlines

Program Start	Application Deadline	Classes Begin	Tuition Payment Deadline
Spring start (January)	December 17, 2024	January 13, 2025	January 20, 2025
Fall start (August)	August 7, 2025	August 21, 2025	August 25, 2025
Spring start (January)	December 17, 2025	January 12, 2026	January 19, 2026