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.
Quick Facts
Full-time
30 credit hours
Campus Immersion or Online
West Valley campus
STEM-OPT Option not Available
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.
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
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 bridge courses and Arizona State University transfer requirements.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Graduates can also find careers in the following industries:
Students applying to the capstone course option are only considered for the online program. Students applying to the thesis or applied project option are only considered for the in-person program.
Prospective students are eligible to apply for regular admission to the program for the fall start date if they provide both:
Evidence of one prerequisite course related to statistics or research methods.
Evidence of a relevant major or minor, such as anthropology, psychology, political science or sociology.
| Enrollment Path MS Psychology (Positive Psychology) | Credit Hours Completed at Institution | Credit Hours Completed at ASU | Estimated Duration | Total Program Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articulated Pathway (ASU Cintana Alliance) | 12 | 18 | 1 year (2 semesters) | Campus Immersion: ~$35,230, Online: ~$12,643 |
| Direct ASU Enrollment (International student) | 30 | 1.5 years (3 semesters) | Campus Immersion: ~$57,451, Online: ~$21,038 |
Note 1: This is an estimate only. Based on ASU 2024-25 published tuition and fee rates. Subject to change for future years.
Note 2: Tuition calculation for Articulated Pathway is based on 9 credits (Fall), 9 credits (Spring).
| 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 |