Program Overview

Introduction to the Applied Positive Psychology Certificate

The Applied Positive Psychology Certificate is a discipline that examines the intersections of body, brain, culture, and science to develop tools and practices that enhance human flourishing and well-being. This certificate program introduces students to the field of positive psychology and teaches them tools and practice strategies that support personal, organizational, and community well-being.

Program Overview

The online courses in applied positive psychology teach students the theoretical and empirical foundations of human flourishing, how well-being is measured, and what activities increase human flourishing in various contexts and settings.

Applied Positive Psychology Certificate Requirements

• The Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology is a 4-course, 4 c.u. credit program of study taught by University of Pennsylvania faculty.
• To earn a certificate, students complete any four courses offered, in any order.
• Students who complete the basic certificate may pursue an Advanced Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology (6-course, 6 c.u.) by adding two additional positive psychology courses.

Flexible Course Schedule

Penn LPS Online courses in the Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology are offered on an accelerated (8-week) schedule. Courses in the online certificate program are largely asynchronous with some synchronous sessions to be scheduled by the instructors. All Penn LPS Online courses are taught at the undergraduate level by Penn instructors.

Program Outcomes

The Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology prepares students to:

• Learn the historical and empirical foundations of positive psychology and the science of well-being
• Explore key research themes (e.g., positive emotions, strengths, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment) and their relevance in personal and organizational settings
• Apply research in positive psychology by practicing strategies that influence well-being
• Investigate applications of positive psychology in different professional settings, including business, education, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector
• Learn the basics of research, measurement, and evaluation in positive psychology

Curriculum

It is strongly recommended that students earning the certificate first complete APOP 1000: Introduction to Positive Psychology. Certificate students who complete any four of the online courses listed below earn a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology. Those students are then eligible to pursue an Advanced Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology by taking two additional positive psychology courses.

Course List

• APOP 1000: Introduction to Positive Psychology
• APOP 1200: Human Flourishing: Strengths and Resilience
• APOP 2000: Positive Psychology at Work
• APOP 2200: Flourishing with Others: Building Thriving Relationships
• APOP 2700: Flourishing and Well-Being in Resilient Communities
• APOP 2900: Measuring What Moves Us: The Science Behind Human Flourishing
• APOP 3400: Flourishing through Creativity and the Arts
• Any course with Attribute = BCAP

Total Course Units

• 4 c.u. for the basic certificate
• 2 additional c.u. for the Advanced Certificate

Advanced Certificate

Certificate students who complete any four of the online courses listed above earn a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology. Those students are then eligible to pursue an Advanced Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology by taking two additional positive psychology courses.

Advanced Course List

• Select two of the following not used for the Basic Certificate:
  • APOP 1000: Introduction to Positive Psychology
  • APOP 1200: Human Flourishing: Strengths and Resilience
  • APOP 2000: Positive Psychology at Work
  • APOP 2200: Flourishing with Others: Building Thriving Relationships
  • APOP 2700: Flourishing and Well-Being in Resilient Communities
  • APOP 2900: Measuring What Moves Us: The Science Behind Human Flourishing
  • APOP 3400: Flourishing through Creativity and the Arts
  • Any course with Attribute = BCAP

Total Advanced Course Units

• 2 c.u. for the Advanced Certificate