Choose the Penn Positive Psychology Program That Fits Your Educational Journey
Penn’s positive psychology programs meet learners at every stage—from flexible online introductions to rigorous graduate study. MAPP is our flagship program: immersive, transformative, and designed to prepare leaders and changemakers in well-being science and application.
Coursera: Foundations of Positive Psychology
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Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology (APOP)
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Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP)
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Academic credential |
None – certificate of completion | Credit for four undergraduate courses; Penn LPS undergraduate credit certificate | University of Pennsylvania master’s degree |
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Format |
5 short, self-paced online courses | 4–6 online, instructor-led courses (8-week accelerated courses) | 9 graduate courses with on-campus intensives + online learning |
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Audience / Best for |
Curious learners wanting a flexible, low-cost introduction | Undergraduate students and professionals seeking practical tools to apply in their own lives | Experienced professionals and leaders ready for a transformative, graduate-level experience that changes their own lives and prepares them to work with organizations and communities |
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Faculty Access |
Pre-recorded lectures from Penn faculty | Pre-recorded undergraduate-level lectures from faculty and virtual recitation sessions with instructors | Includes in-person and virtual classes with world-class faculty from Penn and around the world, including Martin Seligman, the founder of the field |
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Depth of Study |
Introductory survey of key concepts | Foundational theory + applied practice | Advanced, cutting-edge research and practice, plus capstone project |
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Community |
Independent learning, limited peer connection | Some peer interaction; occasional project collaboration | Strong, enduring, global alumni network and lifelong professional community |
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Duration |
Flexible, self-paced | Typically, 1 year | 1 year |
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Impact |
Personal enrichment, introduction to positive psychology | Apply skills in your personal and work life | Transform careers, organizations, and communities worldwide |
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Learn more about the Foundations of Positive Psychology specialization at Coursera. |
Learn more about Penn LPS Online's Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology. |
Learn more about Penn's Master of Applied Positive Psychology. |
What's right for you?
Foundations of Positive Psychology
Non-credit courses offered through Coursera
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Earn a certificate of completion after completing all 5 courses |
| A brief introduction to different aspects of positive psychology |
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For lifelong learners seeking personal benefit |
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Self-directed study |
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Complete 1-5 courses at your own pace |
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Fully online and asynchronous; does not require residency in Philadelphia |
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Learn more about the Foundations of Positive Psychology specialization at Coursera. |
Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology
Undergraduate-level academic certificate
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Earn an academic certificate and undergraduate-level academic credit |
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Foundational research, methods, and applications of positive psychology |
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For students and working adults seeking to be more effective in their professional and personal life |
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Some peer collaboration and instructor contact |
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Complete 4 accelerated 8-week undergraduate courses; total 32 weeks can be completed in one year |
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Fully online with some required synchronous sessions; does not require residency in Philadelphia |
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Learn more about Penn LPS Online's Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology. |
Master of Applied Positive Psychology
Rigorous, graduate-level
study |
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Earn a master’s degree |
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Intensive history, theory, and research methods of positive psychology, plus applications for professional settings |
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For scholarly practitioners and credentialed professionals seeking to transform their workplace or career |
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Extensive peer collaboration and hands-on instruction |
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Complete 9 graduate courses, including a capstone project, in one year of full-time study |
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Hybrid combination of on-site sessions and interactive distance learning modules; does not require residency in Philadelphia |
|
Learn more about Penn's Master of Applied Positive Psychology. |
|
Coursera: Foundations of Positive Psychology
|
|
|
Academic credential |
None – certificate of completion |
|
Format |
5 short, self-paced online courses |
|
Audience/Best for |
Curious learners wanting a flexible, low-cost introduction |
|
Faculty Access |
Pre-recorded lectures from Penn faculty |
|
Depth of Study |
Introductory survey of key concepts |
|
Community |
Independent learning, limited peer connection |
|
Duration |
Flexible, self-paced |
|
Impact |
Personal enrichment, introduction to positive psychology |
|
Learn more about the Foundations of Positive Psychology specialization at Coursera. |
|
|
Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology (APOP)
|
|
|
Academic credential |
Credit for four undergraduate courses; Penn LPS undergraduate credit certificate |
|
Format |
4–6 online, instructor-led courses (8-week accelerated courses) |
|
Audience/Best for |
Undergraduate students and professionals seeking practical tools to apply in their own lives |
|
Faculty Access |
Pre-recorded undergraduate-level lectures from faculty and virtual recitation sessions with instructors |
|
Depth of Study |
Foundational theory + applied practice |
|
Community |
Some peer interaction; occasional project collaboration |
|
Duration |
Typically, 1 year |
|
Impact |
Apply skills in your personal and work life |
|
Learn more about Penn LPS Online's Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology. |
|
|
Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP)
|
|
|
Academic credential |
University of Pennsylvania master’s degree |
|
Format |
9 graduate courses with on-campus intensives + online learning |
|
Audience/Best for |
Experienced professionals and leaders ready for a transformative, graduate-level experience that changes their own lives and prepares them to work with organizations and communities |
|
Faculty Access |
Includes in-person and virtual classes with world-class faculty from Penn and around the world, including Martin Seligman, the founder of the field |
|
Depth of Study |
Advanced, cutting-edge research and practice, plus capstone project |
|
Community |
Strong, enduring, global alumni network and lifelong professional community |
|
Duration |
1 year |
|
Impact |
Transform careers, organizations, and communities worldwide |
|
Learn more about Penn's Master of Applied Positive Psychology. |
|