Master of Applied Positive Psychology
Online MAPP Program
Become a powerful positive change force in communities, schools, clinics, businesses
and leadership around the world as a graduate of PCOM’s online Master of Applied Positive
Psychology (MAPP) program.
- Designed to create thought leaders in the field of positive psychology
- Teaches valuable skills in motivational interviewing, mindfulness, group facilitation
and program evaluation
- Features faculty who are experts in the fields of positive psychology and health psychology
- Prepares students to pursue doctoral studies in psychology
- Offered entirely online for maximum flexibility
- Can be completed in one year (September through August)
APPLY ONLINE
Our program teaches practical skills in motivational interviewing, mindfulness, psychoeducation
and group facilitation. We give students the tools to deliver evidence-based positive
psychology approaches to individuals, groups, organizations and communities.
The program also provides hands-on experience with a practicum in A Happier You, a multi-component positive psychology program that students experience as participants,
facilitators, and, later, co-facilitators. This hands-on approach equips students
with presentation, facilitation, and coaching skills that are crucial for careers
in psychology, education, coaching, and health-related fields.
In whatever role you choose to pursue, you will be able to leverage the knowledge,
skills and attitudes of an outlook rooted in seeing the best in yourself and others.
We are focused on creating a workforce of the future that is well-equipped with practical
approaches to fostering compassion, kindness, love and achievement on a regional,
national and global scale.
What Our Students Say
"Everyone's very supportive and inclusive, and it just feels like a very organic environment.
I've changed so much throughout this program already and I can even start recognizing
what are my strengths, what are my passions, and really being able to just foster
those connections that are truly important to me."
Katelyn Dory
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"[The MAPP Program] has helped me to gain a better understanding of myself and my
clients and it has given me tools to use to help my clients better as well."
Michelle Savoie
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“Not only is this program filled with knowledgeable and compassionate professors who
demonstrate consideration and expertise in their teachings but it also provides hands-on
engagement with the cohort and learning opportunities with community members.”
Anxhela Kalia
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“There is such connectedness, joy, kindness and warmth within the MAPP program among
the staff and students at PCOM that I have often forgotten I'm in a virtual classroom.”
Tai Dorvil
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“I am excited to put my MAPP skills to work, guiding others to see their strengths
and positive abilities so that they can make the changes they desire, moving them
toward their authentic happiness.”
Michael Hall
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“My experience with the MAPP program was illuminating. I was able to better understand
myself and how I can utilize my strengths to serve others and also build a sense of
confidence in self-efficacy in those around me.”
Casey Wilson
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“I have become aware of my strengths and how they can help me achieve my goals, both
personally and professionally. My experiences in this program have made me confident
and excited about the future."
Nicole Parisi
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“Our cohort has been one of the most stimulating elements of the program as everyone
brings something unique to the table and they all are incredibly supportive and have
so much to offer."
Linda Martin
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“I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend this program …
Not only does it offer academic excellence, but also a community that supports your
personal and professional growth and development in positive psychology.”
Dina Ramadan
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About the Online MAPP Program
When we consider the importance of the mind-body connection and holistic views on
well-being, PCOM is the ideal institution with its osteopathic tradition to offer
a positive psychology degree as our programs prioritize expertise in whole person
wellness. The online Master of Applied Positive Psychology program provides educational
and training options for students interested in grounding themselves academically
and practically in a positive psychology-based orientation to helping others. The
program also prepares students to pursue doctoral studies in psychology. Visit our
frequently asked questions page to learn more about the MAPP program.
APPLY ONLINE
Please Note: Due to international regulations, and restrictions by the State of California, foreign
national/international candidates and California residents are not eligible to enroll
in PCOM online programs.
Student Learning Objectives
The fully online applied positive psychology program provides foundational knowledge
in the areas of positive psychology, clinical health psychology and health behavior
change, with a primary emphasis on positive psychology.
Upon completion of the online Master of Applied Positive Psychology program, students
will:
- have skills in motivational interviewing and mindfulness.
- be able to apply positive psychology interventions that include a focus on personal
strengths, gratitude, kindness, purpose and love.
- have honed their scholarly writing skills and feel more confident in developing a
research-based project in applied positive psychology.
- be prepared to think about positive change from a biopsychosocial perspective that
includes insight into key motivational principles that are important to healthy lifestyles.
Program Mission and Objectives
The Master of Applied Positive Psychology program prepares students with the attitude,
knowledge, and skill set to apply a culturally sensitive, strengths-based “human flourishing”
model to enhance wellness, life satisfaction, and optimal functioning among individuals,
families, communities, and organizations. The MAPP program blends positive psychological
theory, research, and applied approaches in the areas of health behavior change, human
development, education, and leadership. A particular emphasis falls on exploring innovative
whole-person strategies to strengthen resilience at biological, social, cognitive,
emotional, behavioral and spiritual levels. MAPP students also learn to critically
evaluate research outcomes in positive psychology to inform practical ways of catalyzing
change within clinical, community-based and corporate organizations.
MAPP Program Objectives
During the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program, students will:
- explore research and culturally sensitive interventions in the field of positive psychology.
- understand human development and diversity through a positive psychology lens.
- develop motivational interviewing skills focused on health behavior change.
- apply a positive psychology and biopsychosocial framework to preventive health and
disease management.
- identify and elaborate on the intersection between CBT and positive psychology.
- learn psychoeducational group facilitation skills in A Happier You and Health Support Program.
- complete a capstone thesis that consists of developing, implementing, and evaluating
a positive psychology project.
- complete a 3-credit practicum experience over the year in existing positive psychology
and clinical health psychology programs by participating in the Happier You and Health
Support Programs.
Career Options
The Master of Applied Positive Psychology program prepares graduates to integrate
positive psychology approaches and evaluate programs as part of their current work
roles in healthcare, nursing, mental health counseling, wellness, business, education,
coaching and consulting. For MAPP graduates interested in becoming certified health
coaches, additional specialized coursework is required.
MAPP graduates may be more competitive when applying for the following types of positions:
- Health navigator
- Care coordinator
- Organizational consultant
- Research coordinator
- Adjunct teaching faculty
- Institutional wellness program director
- Project manager
- Wellness consultant
The degree can serve as a stepping stone to further graduate study in the field of
psychology, which includes doctoral programs in clinical psychology. While the MAPP
program does not prepare graduates to become licensed mental health counselors, it
provides training in motivational interviewing, group facilitation, psychoeducational
presentations, and mindfulness, which are seen as important skill sets in many clinical
roles.
How to Apply to the Online MAPP Program