For the last three years, the MAPP program successfully transitioned from a hybrid delivery to an all-online model due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For 2023-2024, the program format will change. 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. Please read more about our decision for 2023-2024.
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 at the University of Pennsylvania about one weekend each month, followed by interactive distance learning modules over the intervening weeks.
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.
Please note that attendance at on-site events is a requirement of the program; we do not have a solely distance learning option available for the 2023-24 academic year. If there are major changes to Penn or public health guidelines based on the pandemic that would change our ability to meet in person, we will adjust accordingly.
Program schedule (2023-2024)
| FALL 2023 SCHEDULE OF ON-SITE CLASS HOURS | |
|---|---|
| September 6-10, 2023 Philadelphia campus |
Immersion Week |
| October 6-8, 2023 Virtual campus |
On-site 2 |
| October 27-29, 2023 Philadelphia campus |
On-site 3 |
| November 17-19, 2023 Virtual campus |
On-site 4 |
| December 8-10, 2023 Philadelphia campus |
On-site 5 |
| SPRING 2024 SCHEDULE OF ON-SITE CLASS HOURS | |
|---|---|
| January 12-14, 2024 Philadelphia campus |
On-site 1 |
| February 9-11, 2024 Virtual campus |
On-site 2 |
| March 1-3, 2024 Philadelphia campus |
On-site 3 |
| March 22-24, 2024 Virtual campus |
On-site 4 |
| April 19-21, 2024 Philadelphia campus |
On-site 5 |
| May 19-20, 2024 Philadelphia campus |
Graduation |
Program schedule (2024-2025)
| FALL 2024 SCHEDULE OF ON-SITE CLASS HOURS | |
|---|---|
| September 4-8, 2024 Philadelphia campus |
Immersion Week |
| September 27-29, 2024 Virtual campus |
On-site 2 |
| October 18-20, 2024 Philadelphia campus |
On-site 3 |
| November 8-10, 2024 Virtual campus |
On-site 4 |
| December 6-8, 2024 Philadelphia campus |
On-site 5 |
| SPRING 2025 SCHEDULE OF ON-SITE CLASS HOURS | |
|---|---|
| January 10-12, 2025 Philadelphia campus |
On-site 1 |
| February 7-9, 2025 Virtual campus |
On-site 2 |
| March 7-9, 2025 Philadelphia campus |
On-site 3 |
| March 28-30, 2025 Virtual campus |
On-site 4 |
| April 25-27, 2025 Philadelphia campus |
On-site 5 |
| May 18-19, 2025 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.
