Positive psychology courses can help you learn about well-being, resilience, emotional intelligence, and the science of happiness. You can build skills in gratitude practices, mindfulness techniques, and strengths-based assessments. Many courses introduce tools like the PERMA model for well-being, various assessment questionnaires, and strategies for fostering positive relationships, which can enhance both personal growth and professional development.
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Resilience, Goal Setting, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence, Positivity, Smart Goals, Optimism, Research Methodologies, Overcoming Obstacles, Research Design, Productivity, Positive Behavior Support, Cognitive flexibility, Relationship Building, Personal Development, Self-Awareness, Qualitative Research, Research, Empowerment, Psychology
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Optimism, Personal Development, Resilience, Positive Behavior Support, Psychology, Working With Children, Education and Training, Research, Visionary, Human Development, Creativity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Resilience, Positivity, Optimism, Cognitive flexibility, Relationship Building, Self-Awareness, Adaptability, Stress Management, Mindfulness, Communication
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Skills you'll gain: Positivity, Optimism, Resilience, Compassion, Personal Development, Emotional Intelligence, Adaptability, Relationship Building, Creativity, Mindfulness, Community Health
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Goal Setting, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence, Smart Goals, Personal Development, Overcoming Obstacles, Productivity, Positive Behavior Support, Optimism, Self-Awareness, Self-Motivation, Growth Mindedness, Cognitive flexibility, Psychology, Creativity, Curiosity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Growth Mindedness, Health And Wellness Coaching, Behavioral Health, Positive Behavior Support, Goal Setting, Resilience, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychology, Social Skills, Mindfulness
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Research, Empowerment, Research Methodologies, Optimism, Positive Behavior Support, Personal Development, Science and Research, Research Design, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Psychology, Self-Awareness, Program Evaluation, Creativity, Curiosity
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

The University of Sydney
Skills you'll gain: Mental Health, Stress Management, Mindfulness, Psychiatry, Positivity, Optimism, Resilience, Behavioral Health, Mental Health Therapies, Psychotherapy, Personal Development, Mental and Behavioral Health, Creativity, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Substance Abuse, Empowerment, Relationship Building, Exercise Therapy
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Relationship Building, Relationship Management, Psychology, Human Relations Movement, Interpersonal Communications, Cultural Diversity, Research, Behavioral Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Child Development, Psychiatry, Mental Health, Human Development, Human Learning, Social Sciences, Behavioral Health, Sociology, Neurology, Critical Thinking, Scientific Methods, Problem Solving
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

American Psychological Association
Skills you'll gain: Public Policies, Compassion, Psychology, Mental Health, Resilience, Behavioral Health, Personal Development, Cultural Diversity, Empathy, Mindfulness, Relationship Building, Research
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Influencing, Active Listening, Negotiation, Communication, Communication Strategies, Persuasive Communication, Verbal Communication Skills, Contract Negotiation, Trustworthiness, Leadership, Interpersonal Communications, Business Communication, Strategic Communication, Relationship Building, Initiative and Leadership, Professional Networking, Innovation, Growth Mindedness, Personal Development, Optimism
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study of positive aspects of human life, such as happiness, well-being, and personal strengths. Unlike traditional psychology, which often emphasizes mental illness and dysfunction, positive psychology aims to understand what makes life worth living. This field is important because it provides insights into how individuals can cultivate a fulfilling and meaningful life, enhancing overall mental health and resilience. By focusing on strengths and positive experiences, positive psychology encourages individuals to develop skills that promote well-being, fostering a more optimistic outlook on life.‎
Careers in positive psychology can be diverse and fulfilling. Professionals in this field may work as psychologists, counselors, or coaches, focusing on enhancing well-being and personal development. Other roles include organizational consultants, where they apply positive psychology principles to improve workplace culture and employee satisfaction. Additionally, educators and researchers in positive psychology contribute to academic institutions or organizations that promote mental health and wellness. With the growing recognition of mental health's importance, opportunities in positive psychology are expanding across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and corporate environments.‎
To thrive in positive psychology, several key skills are essential. First, strong communication skills are crucial for effectively conveying concepts and strategies to clients or groups. Additionally, a solid understanding of psychological theories and research methods is important for applying positive psychology principles. Skills in empathy and active listening help professionals connect with individuals on a deeper level, fostering trust and openness. Furthermore, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities enable practitioners to tailor interventions to meet specific needs. Lastly, knowledge of resilience-building techniques and well-being strategies is vital for guiding others toward a more positive mindset.‎
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in positive psychology. One highly regarded option is the Positive Psychology course, which provides foundational knowledge and practical applications. For a more comprehensive study, the Foundations of Positive Psychology Specialization offers a series of courses that explore into various aspects of the field. Additionally, the Positive Psychology: Applications and Interventions course focuses on practical strategies to enhance well-being, making it a valuable resource for learners.‎
Yes. You can start learning positive psychology on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in positive psychology, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Learning positive psychology can be approached through various methods. Start by enrolling in online courses that cover the fundamentals and applications of the field. Engaging with course materials, participating in discussions, and completing assignments can deepen your understanding. Additionally, reading books and research articles on positive psychology can provide further insights. Practicing the principles of positive psychology in your daily life, such as gratitude exercises or mindfulness techniques, can reinforce your learning. Lastly, connecting with communities or groups focused on positive psychology can offer support and motivation as you explore this enriching field.‎
Positive psychology courses typically cover a range of topics designed to enhance understanding and application of the field. Common subjects include the science of happiness, resilience skills, character strengths, and well-being interventions. Courses may also explore the impact of positive psychology in various contexts, such as education, workplace settings, and personal development. Additionally, learners can expect to engage with research methods used in positive psychology, allowing them to critically evaluate studies and apply findings to real-life situations. This comprehensive approach ensures that learners gain a well-rounded perspective on the principles and practices of positive psychology.‎
For training and upskilling employees or the workforce, several positive psychology courses stand out. The Positive Psychology: Resilience Skills course focuses on building resilience, a crucial skill in today's fast-paced work environments. Additionally, the Positive Psychology: Applications and Interventions course provides practical strategies that can be implemented in workplace settings to enhance employee well-being. These courses equip individuals with the tools to foster a positive work culture, ultimately leading to improved productivity and job satisfaction.‎