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Distance Education

Applied Positive Psychology and Leadership
Bachelor of Science

Build flourishing connections in a changing world.

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Turn Strengths Into Strategy With Positive Psychology

This degree empowers students to improve well-being through the science of positive psychology, blending psychology, leadership, and social innovation with an emphasis on equity, healing, and sustainable development. Graduates learn to strengthen emotional resilience, foster meaningful connections, and build healthier organizational cultures, preparing them to lead with empathy and create evidence-based solutions across a range of industries.

Career Outlook: Health Education Specialists in the U.S.

72 K
Number of jobs in 2025*
6 %
Est. job growth through 2034*
$ 64 K
Median annual salary in 2025*

*Source: O*Net/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.

Next Start Date
October 5, 2026
Program Details
Online Learning
2.5–5 Years
Bachelor's (120 credits)
$470/credit (~$14k/year)
Career Outcomes

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Positive Psychology and Leadership?

Wellness Program Coordinator

Design and manage workplace well-being programs and initiatives.

Life Coach

Guide individuals toward personal growth and professional goals.

Human Resources Manager

Oversee hiring, culture, and employee development within organizations.

Community Health Educator

Lead programs that support the health and resilience of communities.

School or Workplace Wellbeing Specialist

Build mental health and wellness systems in schools or workplaces.

Environmental Nonprofit Program Manager

Manage mission-driven programs for conservation organizations.

laurenM

“What makes my experience at Unity special is that I now have a clear sense of purpose and certainty about my career path.”

Lauren M.

Bachelor of Science in Animal Health and Behavior
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Unity’s online programs are trusted by over 10,000 students across all 50 states.

FAQ

Learn More About the Bachelor’s in Applied Positive Psychology and Leadership

 

 

Applied Positive Psychology and Leadership is the study and practice of using evidence-based strategies from positive psychology to enhance personal well-being, organizational culture, and leadership effectiveness. It focuses on developing human strengths such as resilience, optimism, gratitude, and empathy to improve individual performance and collective success.

The BS in Applied Positive Psychology and Leadership trains students to build stronger, healthier human ecosystems through the science of well-being. Blending psychology, leadership, and social innovation, students learn to apply evidence-based strategies to improve emotional resilience, community connection, and organizational culture. With an emphasis on equity, healing, and sustainable development, the program prepares students for leadership in nonprofit, educational, and civic sectors committed to human flourishing.

Your online education should be affordable and manageable. Thanks to our promise to keep tuition flat through 2030, you won’t be burdened with unexpected increases or fees.

Our team of Distance Education concierges will work with you through the admissions process to help you plan and pay for your degree. Learn more about the costs here.

Our comprehensive 120-credit program can be tailored to fit your schedule and goals! Completion time is flexible, determined by the number of credits you choose to take each term (8 terms/year) and less time with transfer credits. Without transfer credits, you can anticipate the following completion times:

  • 24 credits/year: Complete in just 5 years
  • 30 credits/year: Achieve your degree in 4 years
  • 48 credits/year: Fast-track your education in only 2.6 years

General Education Core: 26 credits
Environmental Professional Core: 18 credits
Elective Courses: 38 credits
Program Core: 42 credits

  • ARTS 102: Art, Nature, and Biophilia
  • BIOL 105: Biological Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution
  • ECON 305: Economic Development Within Planetary Boundaries and Sustainable Development Goals
  • ENVJ 201: Understanding Diversity and the Environment
  • FINC 401: Investment for a Sustainable World
  • MATH 201: Statistics for Environmental Professionals
  • MGMT 303: Strategic Management for Social Change
  • MGMT 406: Restorative Leadership
  • PSYC 201: The Mind-Body Connection: Human Anatomy and Physiology for Applied Psychology
  • PSYC 202: Psychology of Cultural Diversity
  • PSYC 203: Foundations of Positive Psychology
  • PSYC 303: Psychology of Motivation and Intentional Behavior Change
  • PSYC 304: Trauma-Informed Practices and Collective Healing
  • PSYC 402: Action Research Methods in Applied Psychology
  • PSYC 405: Ecopsychology and Nature-Based Interventions
  • SUST 402: Leading Collective Resiliency Initiatives
  • SUST 403: Strategic Design for Group Well-being

For course requirements and a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.

Learn from Leaders

ericparada

Learn from Leaders

PhD of Chiropractic, MS in Positive Psychology, BS in Bio-Behavioral Health, DC, PCC

Dr. Eric Parada

Global Expert in Positive Psychology and Human Performance
More Info
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Learn from Leaders

PhD in Psychology

Dr. Johnna Richardson

Global Expert in Applied Psychology and Therapeutic Practice
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Learn from Leaders

PhD and MS in Social Work, Certified Empathy and Emotional Intelligence Coach

Dr. Raheem Lay

Global Expert in Emotional Intelligence and Intergroup Relations
More Info

More Stories

Dr. Eric Parada
Global Expert in Positive Psychology and Human Performance
Dr. Johnna Richardson
Global Expert in Applied Psychology and Therapeutic Practice
Dr. Raheem Lay
Global Expert in Emotional Intelligence and Intergroup Relations
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY

Applied Positive Psychology and Leadership
Course Examples

Diverse team meeting about sustainability.

Economic Development Within Planetary Boundaries and Sustainable Development Goals

This course explores how to balance economic growth with sustainability, engaging with key concepts like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), planetary boundaries, and Doughnut Economics.

multi-ethnic-group-people-having-meeting-on-windmi-2023-11-27-05-13-26-utc

Leading Change: Project Stewardship for Environmental Transformation

This course empowers environmental professionals with the project design, leadership, and decision-making skills needed to tackle today’s complex environmental challenges.

mgmt303 1

Strategic Management of Social Change

Examine social change through the lens of strategic management, focusing on how socially responsible firms can advance their missions while creating competitive advantage.

Realizing Your Potential. Protecting Your Planet.

Why Unity Distance Education?

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Multiple Start Dates

Up to 8 terms each year let you take breaks without affecting financial aid.

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High Educational Value

Nationally recognized educational quality at an affordable price.

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Personalized Guidance

Dedicated to turning career and academic aspirations into tangible achievements.

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Inspiring Faculty

Connect with experts who share your passion for working in the animal industry.

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Sustainability Core

Focused on sustainable practices for an environmentally aware future.

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Your Way

No application fee. No essay. No test scores required.