BA in Positive Psychology & Consciousness

Discover what makes life meaningful

This program equips you with a deep understanding of human potential and the practical tools to live a fulfilling life. Key learning areas include:

The Science of Happiness: Study the latest scientific research on positive emotions, gratitude, and resilience. Learn how to cultivate joy and bounce back from setbacks.
Consciousness & Awareness: Explore the theory of higher states of consciousness and gain firsthand experience through Transcendental Meditation, an evidence-based technique to expand awareness, reduce stress, and enhance creativity.
Mind-Body Integration: Investigate how physical health (sleep, exercise, nutrition) boosts mental clarity and emotional balance.
Relationship Dynamics: Understand what makes connections thrive, from empathy to communication, and how to foster trust in personal and professional settings.
Creative Problem-Solving: Develop critical thinking to tackle challenges with clarity, avoiding stress or tunnel vision.

Develop essential life skills

The study of positive psychology and consciousness is not just an academic pursuit; it’s a practical one as well. In this program, you’ll develop skills that will serve you in all areas of your life. You’ll learn effective communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

You’ll also develop leadership skills and learn how to create working environments where everyone feels empowered to participate and collaborate transparently.

With these skills, you will be well-prepared for any field you choose.

Career outcomes – Stand out in your field

Workplace Leadership: Create collaborative teams by applying consciousness-based principles—empower others, resolve conflicts, and inspire innovation.
Community Impact: Design wellness programs or workshops using evidence-based strategies to uplift groups, from schools to nonprofits.
Coaching & Support: Guide friends, clients, or colleagues toward happier, healthier lives with tools like goal-setting and mindfulness.
Career Versatility: Stand out in fields like HR, education, or counseling with a unique blend of psychological insight and practical know-how.

If grad school is your goal, this program will provide the qualifications needed for most graduate programs in Positive Psychology.

Get started by contacting Theresa

Theresa Fross, admissions counselor Theresa Fross is this program’s admissions counselor for US students. Theresa will provide you with all the details of becoming a student, including connecting you with the program director or faculty.

Contact Theresa >

International applicants may connect with us through our international inquiry form.

Next entry: Aug 2025Apply to MIU >Next entry: Aug 2025Apply to MIU >

Transcendental Meditation & Consciousness-Based Education

Self-knowledge through practice of the Transcendental Meditation^® technique is at the heart of the Positive Psychology & Consciousness program and the Consciousness-Based education system at MIU.

Evidence-based benefits of Transcendental Meditation practice include clearer thinking, greater happiness, reduced stress, improved health, and increased self-actualization.

Study online

The online format is designed for maximum flexibility, so you can live and work wherever suits you best!

Online students at MIU usually take 1-2 courses at a time, and should plan to spend 12-14 hours per week for each 4-credit course. This structure ensures accessibility and balance for students with busy schedules.

Featured courses

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Class schedule for online undergraduate degree programs

Cost & Aid, 2025-26

US Online Students

US Online Undergraduate

This estimate is based on one year for a typical online Federal Pell Grant recipient (represents 90% of our online undergraduates). File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), using our FAFSA code 011113, and then contact our financial aid office for questions on other variables.

Annual Cost and Typical Financial Aid
Tuition and fees	$18,190
Grants and scholarship (typical)	-$11,700
Net cost per year	$6,490
Federal student loan	-$6,490
Your payment	$0

Part time online enrollment is available. Tuition is $600 per credit with normal load of 9-11 credits. Federal student loans are available and the federal Pell Grant is proportional to the credit load.

Additional Financial Aid Information

Scholarships and Grants

The grants and scholarship described above consist of the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Education Grant, and institutional scholarship based on (1) full-time enrollment and (2) financial need determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Employer Waiver Program

Many companies offer tuition assistance programs to their employees. If you’re currently employed, we encourage you to check on this. If they offer assistance, please contact MIU’s Financial Aid office.

Federal Student Loans

Federal Student Loans have limits based on lifetime usage, annual limits, and limited to the educational costs for each semester. Here are the annual maximum limits:

$5,500 per year for first-year dependent
$6,500 per year for second-year dependent
$7,500 per year for third, fourth, fifth-year dependent
$9,500 per year for first-year independent
$10,500 per year for second-year independent
$12,500 per year for third, fourth, fifth-year independent

Federal Student Loan Repayment

Federal Student Loan Repayment is postponed as long as you are enrolled at least half-time each semester. If your enrollment drops below half-time, you have a six-month grace period before repayment begins. There are also postponements for low income and unemployment, as well as repayment based on income and Public Service Forgiveness.

Education Tax Incentives

There are a variety of money-saving tax benefits to assist in reducing the cost of education expenses. More about education tax benefits.

Veterans

Veterans should contact the VA for information on Veterans Education Benefits. Veterans eligible for BAH monthly benefits: The VA utilizes a scale of credits per block of courses; therefore, the VA sometimes pays part-time benefits for an individual month while the university delivers full-time federal aid for an entire semester. Our Veterans Certifying Official is our Director of Financial Aid.

Loan Repayment Options

Standard

Payments are a fixed amount that ensures your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).

Extended

Payments may be fixed or graduated and will ensure that your loans are paid off within 25 years.

Graduated

Payments are lower at first and then increase, usually every two years, and are for an amount that will ensure your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).

Income-Based

Your monthly payments will be either 10 or 15 percent of discretionary income (depending on when you received your first loans), but never more than you would have paid under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan.

Income Contingent

Payments are recalculated each year and are based on your updated income, family size, and the total amount of your Direct Loans. Any outstanding balance will be forgiven if you haven’t repaid your loan in full after 25 years.

Income Sensitive

Your monthly payment is based on annual income, but your loan will be paid in full within 15 years.

Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date. For more information, contact us at finaid@miu.edu for a quick reply — normally one business day — or see more about financial aid.

International Online Students

International Online Undergraduate

Typically, online enrollment is two courses at a time (17 credits) or one course at a time (9-11 credits), per semester (two semesters per year).

Tuition and Fees per Semester
Full-time (12 or more credits)	$9,095
Fewer than 12 credits	$600 per credit

Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date.

Entrance requirements

In general, we require bachelor’s applicants to have received a 2.5 GPA or above from their most recent institution attended. Applicants below a 2.5 may still be considered depending on additional qualifications.

Additional requirements

English language verification

International applicants must submit official English proficiency test scores within the past 2 years of at least 100 on Duolingo, 6.0 on IELTS Academic, 80 on TOEFL iBT, or 51 on PTE.

Before your first class

All MIU students practice the Transcendental Meditation^® technique. If you have not learned it yet:

Once accepted as a US student, the cost of TM instruction is covered through a grant offered by MIU
Students are required to learn the TM technique within the first 6 weeks after enrollment.
Contact your admissions counselor for details
Find information on the TM technique or search for a TM teacher at TM.org

FAQ

What is Positive Psychology?

Positive psychology studies what makes life fulfilling – happiness, resilience, relationships, and purpose. Unlike traditional psychology, which often focuses on diagnosing and treating mental illness or fixing what’s broken, positive psychology shifts the lens to what helps people thrive and flourish, even in tough times.

It’s grounded in rigorous science, not just “good vibes only”; think evidence-based strategies to build strengths, not fluffy positivity. In this program, you’ll explore how to cultivate joy and bounce back from setbacks, all while staying real about life’s challenges. The Science of Consciousness provides a theoretical foundation for this program by placing the recommendations from Positive Psychology in the context of the full range of consciousness and the means to explore our inner nature.

How does Transcendental Meditation fit in?

The Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique is a cornerstone of all MIU degree programs, but it’s especially powerful in the BA in Positive Psychology & Consciousness. This simple, evidence-based technique, practiced 20 minutes twice daily, reduces stress, sharpens focus, and boosts wellbeing, perfectly complementing the program’s focus on happiness and inner growth. TM enhances your ability to explore consciousness, build resilience, and apply positive psychology principles in real life.

What is the difference between the BA in Positive Psychology & Consciousness the Bachelor’s Specialization?

The BA in Psychology & Consciousness offers the same eight core courses (32 credits) in the specialization by the same name. In addition, in the major you take courses in Communication Skills, Introduction to Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology.

The specialization is a more concentrated area of courses with only 32 credits of required courses, designed for transfer students who want to fast-track their graduation. Bachelor’s specializations can be added to any degree program.

Can I study from anywhere?

Yes, this program is offered 100% online. Learn from home, work, or wherever suits you—no campus visits are required. MIU also offers a hybrid model: online students can opt to come to campus for a semester or more.

What can I do with this degree?

Graduates excel in roles like wellness coaching, HR, community leadership, or pursue grad school in psychology or counseling. The skills you’ll gain—leadership, communication, resilience—are versatile across many fields.