Online Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology
For individuals who are interested in going a little deeper into positive psychology in terms of theoretical and empirical knowledge and achieving a certificate on completion of the work, the online applied positive psychology course is appealing.
This course is an accelerated eight-week program led by faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. It is a four-course credit program, meaning that students must complete any four of the positive psychology modules offered to receive the certificate.
Modules are subject to change, but currently include:
- Introduction to Positive Psychology
- Human Flourishing: Strengths & Resilience
- Positive Psychology at Work
- Flourishing With Others: Building Thriving Relationships
- Flourishing and Well-being in Resilient Communities
- Understanding the Science of Positive Psychology
- Flourishing Through Creativity and the Arts
Once the initial modules are completed, students can achieve an advanced certificate by completing a further two modules. Modules can be counted toward a Bachelor of Applied Arts or Science.
Primarily, content is learned asynchronously; however, there are some synchronous (live online sessions) scheduled with instructors from the course, which is an added bonus.
Advantages: The University of Pennsylvania is a world-class university, and students get actual contact time with some excellent teachers and researchers in the field.
Caveat: This course does not come cheap, currently coming in at over $10,000.
Find out more from the University of Pennsylvania.
Our Recommendation on Where to Study Positive Psychology
Harvard might seem like the best place to study psychology (and there might be a kernel of truth in that idea), but when it comes to positive psychology, there are scores of globally accessible universities and institutes that offer specialized training in wellbeing.
For example, the number one university in the world associated with positive psychology (admittedly according to our somewhat biased opinion) is the University of Pennsylvania, simply because this is where Dr. Seligman is based.
However, there are even more options available to individuals beyond Ivy League schools in the United States. Given that positive psychology should be accessible to all individuals from diverse walks of life, we strongly recommend exploring all alternative options.
This includes universities in Canada, such as Wilfrid Laurier University and Algonquin College. It also includes universities in the United Kingdom and Europe, such as the University of East London, Buckinghamshire New University, Tilburg University, and Maastricht University.
There are also excellent universities in Asia, including the Education University of Hong Kong and the School of Positive Psychology in Singapore. In Australasia, there are the University of Melbourne and the University of Central Queensland—and this is by no means an exhaustive list!
Beyond the expanding number of universities around the globe offering degrees and certificates in positive psychology, there are also professional training institutes that offer yet another route into positive psychology, and these tend to be cheaper and available online.
As such, it is worth dedicating time researching what type of course will be best for you in terms of cost, location, learning format (i.e., in-person vs. online), and potential outcomes, be that a degree, accreditation, or future job prospects.
How to Earn a Diploma in Positive Psychology
Some individuals are more interested in simply gaining knowledge of positive psychology for their personal development and do not necessarily desire a certificate to show course completion.
On the other hand, some individuals may seek a career in positive psychology and are therefore more inclined to pursue a full degree.
But for those who are perhaps unsure of whether to go straight for a degree, there is a middle ground, such as in professional accreditation or academic training.
There are several positive psychology certificates and training on offer that provide individuals with accreditation and continued professional development points.
Below we outline four popular options.
The Langley Group Institute – Positive Psychology & Wellbeing Diploma
The Langley Group Institute is a registered training organization and was one of the first to offer a fully recognized and accredited diploma in positive psychology.
Designed by CEO Sue Langley, the approach of this course is to provide students with an immersive and synchronous learning experience, with options to study both in person in Australia and New Zealand or online (self-paced over 12 months).
The course comprises eight modules, with six core modules covering key theories, research, and interventions in positive psychology, and two elective modules that are more specialized, such as positive parenting interventions.
This diploma is a little more on the expensive side; however, payment plans and government subsidies for those over 45 are available.
Visit the Langley website for costs and dates.
The Behaviour Institute – Positive Psychology Diploma
At the Behaviour Institute, their Positive Psychology Diploma comprises six modules, and individuals can expect to cover some of the most popular positive psychology concepts, such as models of wellbeing (e.g., PERMA), resilience, strengths, and mindfulness.
The course is led by Dr. John Crimmins (a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist) and is delivered online, asynchronously. Individuals can expect to complete the course in around six months, with two to three hours of study a week.
On completion, students can expect to receive a globally recognized accreditation. This is an affordable and accessible entry-level course in positive psychology.
Visit the Behaviour Institute website for more information.
Centre of Excellence – Positive Psychology Diploma
At the Centre of Excellence (a training organization), individuals can enroll in a nine-module Positive Psychology Diploma. Much like other diploma options, this course covers key topics in positive psychology, including positive emotions, PERMA, and mindfulness.
Delivered online, students can expect to complete the course in 150 hours, and individuals will receive 150 continued professional development points on completion. This diploma is currently one of the cheapest on the market, making it a highly accessible (if somewhat basic) course.
Find out more online.
Positive Psychology Network – Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Practitioner & Coach
Positive Psychology Network offers an in-depth, Level 5-accredited diploma for those looking to practice positive psychology professionally using coaching skills. The course is delivered online over 18–24 months and includes live group sessions and self-paced study.
Students complete three modules covering positive psychology fundamentals, practitioner values, and applied coaching skills. Graduates can apply for professional membership with the Positive Psychology Guild and may be insured to practice in the UK. The diploma also serves as a pathway to further qualifications, including a MAPP.
Visit the Positive Psychology Network website for more details.
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