Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Program

Learn to apply the principles and tools of positive psychology to any professional domain (including psychology, education, life coaching, research, health, and business), or as preparation for further study in a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. program.

Whether you want to transform a business, institution, or practice, or whether you’re preparing to specialize in positive psychology within a clinical or research career, Penn’s innovative, 9-course Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program through the College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) offers you an unmatched graduate-level opportunity. And you can pursue the MAPP program without interrupting your career. [2]

Rooted in the work of Dr. Martin Seligman, world-renowned founder of positive psychology and Zellerbach Family Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, the MAPP program explores the history, theory, and basic research methods of positive psychology. This new branch of psychology focuses on such issues as the empirical study of positive emotions, strengths-based character, and healthy institutions. In the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program, you’ll learn to apply these aspects of positive psychology in your particular professional or organizational setting.

In Penn’s MAPP program, you’ll join a diverse, intellectually stimulating community of peers with wide-ranging personal and professional interests, who are united by a deep commitment to the concept of positive psychology, by an ability to grasp the theory and application of research tools in the field, and by well-articulated goals for the application of their coursework.

Listen to a Virtual Information Session [3] (also available on iTunes U [4]) where Master of Applied Positive Psychology program administrators, faculty, and students outline the MAPP program in detail and answer questions. You’ll also hear alumni describe how they apply the positive psychology masters degree to their professions. Please click here [5] to download the accompanying PowerPoint slides.

Apply [6] today through the College of Liberal and Professional Studies to begin your Master of Applied Positive Psychology program.

Recent Press

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Read about MAPP and MAPP alumni in the Penn Gazette [7]

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Read about Marty Seligman in the Philadelphia Inquirer [8]

Video: Martin Seligman on TED

"Martin Seligman talks about psychology — as a field of study and as it works one-on-one with each patient and each practitioner. As it moves beyond a focus on disease, what can modern psychology help us to become?" More> [9]

Learn More About The Master of Applied Positive Psychology Program

Find out what you need to be admitted to the MAPP program at Penn.

• Alumni Bios [10]
  Read about how graduates have used their positive psychology masters degree in their respective fields.
• Application [6]
  Get instructions for applying to the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at Penn.
• Positive Psychology Classes and Curriculum [11]
  Learn about the course requirements for getting a masters in applied positive psychology from Penn.
• FAQ [12]
  Get answers to frequently asked questions about the MAPP program at Penn.
• Tuition [13]
  Learn about tuition costs for students in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program.