One of the most distinctive features of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology degree is our innovative hybrid program delivery model. The format includes intensive on-site classes about one weekend each month, followed by interactive distance learning modules over the intervening weeks. In the fall and spring semesters, on-sites 1, 3, and 5 will be delivered on our Philadelphia campus and on-sites 2 and 4 will be delivered on our virtual campus. Synchronous attendance for all on-sites is required. During the summer semester, you work remotely to complete your capstone projects with an advisor and no travel is required.
Each month you will join us for an on-site weekend of synchronous learning that enables you to have real-time interaction with faculty and classmates. Some on-site weekends are held on our physical campus in Philadelphia, and some on-site sessions are held on our virtual campus. During the on-site sessions, students are encouraged to discuss assignments and application experiences in the classroom. This repeated synergy between theory and practice leads to the most effective learning, with each informing the other.
Between these on-site experiences, you and your classmates will continue learning together using our robust distance learning platform. The platform includes a variety of tools that allow for both highly social and independent learning experiences, such as virtual meeting space, online blogs, recorded lectures, and a rich content library.
Program schedule (2025-2026)
| FALL 2025 SCHEDULE OF ON-SITE CLASS HOURS | |
|---|---|
|
September 3-7, 2025 |
Immersion Week |
|
October 3-5, 2025 * |
On-site 2 |
|
October 24-26, 2025 |
On-site 3 |
|
November 14-16, 2025 * |
On-site 4 |
|
December 5-7, 2025 |
On-site 5 |
| SPRING 2026 SCHEDULE OF ON-SITE CLASS HOURS | |
|---|---|
|
January 9-11, 2026 |
On-site 1 |
|
February 6-8, 2026 * |
On-site 2 |
|
February 27-March 1, 2026 |
On-site 3 |
|
March 27-29, 2026 * |
On-site 4 |
|
April 24-26, 2026 |
On-site 5 |
|
May 17-18, 2026 |
Graduation |
*Dates finalized as of 11/18/24
Program schedule (2026-2027)
| FALL 2026 SCHEDULE OF ON-SITE CLASS HOURS | |
|---|---|
| September 2-6, 2026 Philadelphia campus |
Immersion Week |
| October 2-4, 2026 Virtual campus |
On-site 2 |
| October 23-25, 2026 Philadelphia campus |
On-site 3 |
| November 13-15, 2026 Virtual campus |
On-site 4 |
| December 4-6, 2026 Philadelphia campus |
On-site 5 |
| SPRING 2027 SCHEDULE OF ON-SITE CLASS HOURS | |
|---|---|
| January 8-10, 2027 Philadelphia campus |
On-site 1 |
| February 5-7, 2027 Virtual campus |
On-site 2 |
| March 5-7, 2027 Philadelphia campus |
On-site 3 |
| April 2-4, 2027 Virtual campus |
On-site 4 |
| April 30-May 2, 2027 Philadelphia campus |
On-site 5 |
| May 23-24, 2027 Philadelphia campus |
Graduation |
Housing in Philadelphia
Master of Applied Positive Psychology students make their own arrangements for accommodations during the program’s on-site weekends. We realize that everyone has different lodging requirements and so we leave the choice to you. Several hotels in the vicinity of the University of Pennsylvania campus and in Center City Philadelphia offer discounts for Penn students, and most Applied Positive Psychology students stay in one of them.
International students relocating to Philadelphia are eligible for on-campus housing at Sansom Place.
If you are interested in relocating to Philadelphia long term, learn more about off-campus housing.
Graduation
Each year, Master of Applied Positive Psychology students are invited to come to campus and participate in the graduation ceremony in May. You will participate after the spring semester of study, prior to your final summer semester in the program.
