Psychology (Positive Psychology) ,BA
Behavior, Counselor, Health, Prevention, Psychologist, Psychology, Researcher, Well-being, human, social
Are you passionate about helping people identify their strengths so they can improve their lives? With positive psychology, you'll study the conditions and processes that contribute to the flourishing or optimal functioning of people, groups and institutions.
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. Students in the BA program in psychology with a concentration in positive psychology gain the foundational knowledge and skills of a traditional psychology program while focusing their studies on topics central to the field of positive psychology, such as optimism, gratitude, coping mechanisms, resilience and mindfulness. Graduates of this program are prepared to apply evidence-based approaches to transform their own lives and the lives of others.
All New College psychology programs, including the positive psychology program, have a quantitative research focus, equipping students with skills in critical thinking, statistical analysis and academic writing. The BS degree differs from the Bachelor of Arts degree in that it requires additional lab science coursework and advanced statistical training, both of which are increasingly important for destinations in research or clinical practice. The Bachelor of Arts degree allows for exposure to a wider breadth of psychological and related topics through additional elective coursework. Both pathways provide a strong foundation for future graduate studies.
- College/school:
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
-
Location:
West Valley
or
Online
,
ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
-
First required math course:
MAT 119 - Finite Mathematics
or MAT 170 Precalculus -
Math intensity:
Moderate
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Study abroad allows students in the psychology program to acquire enhanced knowledge and experience that will enable them to stand out in many career fields. Students are exposed to unique differences in the human condition worldwide, are able to improve language and cross-cultural skills for effective communication, and are challenged to adapt under new social and cultural circumstances.
With more than 300 options available, whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, Global Education programs give students a global perspective and knowledge in preparation for their career. 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.
Individuals with psychology degrees can go on to secure jobs across a wide range of fields, including human resources, research, business and economics, law, health and mental health, and education.
Graduates 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
Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
18.4%
|
$49,710
|
|
|
6.6%
|
$61,420
|
|
|
17.2%
|
$43,390
|
|
|
11.4%
|
$90,130
|
|
|
14.9%
|
$56,570
|
|
|
18.4%
|
$49,710
|
|
|
1.3%
|
$81,500
|
|
|
9.1%
|
$74,240
|
|
|
5.3%
|
$50,820
|
|
|
10.6%
|
$51,240
|
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
|
FAB N101
sbsadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
