Master of Applied Positive Psychology

The first in the world, and always ahead of the curve

Rapidly becoming one of psychology’s most transformative fields, positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable humans and organizations to flourish. The Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program at the University of Pennsylvania was the first in the world to offer a degree in this rigorous field of study. Dr. Seligman, one of the founders of the discipline of positive psychology, along with leading researchers and practitioners educate students at the cutting edge of the field.

Our program's hybrid model allows you to explore the theory and practice of positive psychology without relocating to Philadelphia, so you can continue working full-time. The low-residency format consists of a combination of both in-person on-sites in Philadelphia, and virtual on-sites online. Please see our schedule page for the most updated schedule for this coming year. Whether you are a credentialed professional seeking to transform your workplace or career or are building a foundation for further graduate study, the MAPP curriculum allows you to apply the topics most relevant to your interests and goals.

We look forward to speaking with you about the exciting opportunities at MAPP.

Make a difference in the world with the science of well-being

Hear from program staff, alumni, and current students about how the Master of Applied Positive Psychology creates a unique community that comes together to learn the theory and tools of positive psychology and enables immediate change in the lives around us.

If you are having trouble viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

Fast facts

Approximate number of students in the current class

Number of countries represented by alumni

21-73

Age range of MAPP students

600+

Number of alumni in the MAPP network

Master the history, theory, and research methods of applied positive psychology

Students in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program take a series of courses during one year of full-time study. The program begins in the fall with an introduction to essential concepts in positive psychology, as well as research methods and the factors that contribute to well-being among individuals, groups, and communities. In the spring semester you learn how to apply positive psychology in institutions such as workplaces, schools, and nonprofits; understand the role of the humanities in cultivating well-being; learn resilience skills for individuals; and design positive interventions for a real organization. Finally, the summer capstone project allows you to apply everything you have learned in the program to the professional or research area that is most significant to you.

The Master of Applied Positive Psychology faculty

The MAPP faculty team is made up of preeminent scholars and practitioners in positive psychology, including one of the founders of the field, Dr. Martin Seligman. Dr. Seligman is the former president of the American Psychological Association and the author of many books, including Learned Optimism, Authentic Happiness, and (with Christopher Peterson) Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification. Other principal faculty members include program director Dr. James Pawelski, Dr. Karen Reivich, and Dr. Allyson Mackey.

Master of Applied Positive Psychology