Introductory Course Curriculum
Available Courses
Key Topics
Positive Psychology
Learn about leading theories and applications of Positive Psychology on "authentic happiness" and well-being, by pioneers Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.
The Science of Happiness
The Science of Happiness is accelerating. Explore the practical, and powerful, “habits of happy people” that have been uncovered by the social and natural sciences.
New Discoveries
Learn about remarkable new discoveries in the Science of Well-being including "food for mood," the power of goal-setting, and finding meaning.
~ BAILEY LI ~
I am a Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur in the college admission counseling business. I enrolled in the Science of Happiness (Proficiency Tier) in January 2021. I was drawn in by the simplicity and logic of the course, which provided me with a clear, big picture of happiness. What I need is a better understanding of happiness so I can strive toward it in the right direction. That’s what sets the course apart from the others. Before taking the course, I was immersed in a wide variety of happiness research and knowledge. The course enabled me to build up a systemic structure.
~ UK HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT ~ (motion passed 3/21/2022)
This House…welcomes the collaboration between the service and the Pursuit of Happiness project, based in New York, an initiative of a group of psychologists and educators dedicated to the advancement of scientific knowledge about happiness and depression prevention, with the volunteers being the first students from a university in Scotland to undertake training (the Science of Happiness Course) by the project.
~ JO BECKER ~
I love The Science of Happiness: Theory and Practice! The Mini-Course is an excellent introduction to the topic with well written, easy to follow content on an easy to use electronic format. I appreciated the background data on depression (and more!) as much as I enjoyed learning about the pioneers of happiness psychology. The current recommendations for a happy life are thoughtful, as is the suggestion to concoct one’s own particular “happiness soup.” Thank you for such a user-friendly, info-packed introductory course that’s effortless to access online any time, anywhere!"
About Us
Pursuit-of-Happiness.org is a volunteer driven 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of well-being and depression prevention through education and peer support.
Recent scientific discoveries show that specific life skills can prevent depression, enhance well-being, and even slow down neurodegeneration. Pursuit-of-Happiness offers online courses on the new and rapidly unfolding Science of Happiness based on scientific research.
The Team
Narration & Production:
Mark K. Setton, D.Phil., Oxford.
Research Team:
Paul Desan, PhD, Harvard; Anthony Arciero, PhD, George Mason; Saira Qureshi, MA, LMHC; Miguel Toribio-Mateas, PhD, Middlesex
Video Editing:
Fahim Nirob
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the intro course take to complete?
As long as you like. Each of the three videos lasts about 10 minutes. The Introductory and Certificate Courses are completely self-paced.
What's so special about this course?
Firstly, instead of following a particular school of thought, we follow the Science of Happiness as it unfolds. For example, recent scientific studies show that:
- Regular, mixed physical exercise generates large quantities of the brain growth hormone BDNF, which protects against depression and neurodegeneration.
- Walking through rural or urban forested areas, for only 15 mins, alleviates both depression and anxiety
Secondly, our material is drawn from the natural sciences (topics such as "food and mood," sleeping habits, exercise, etc) as well as modern psychology, including Positive Psychology.
How can I benefit from this course?
- 76% of students who practice only one of the "habits of happy people" described in the course, report feeling happier.
- About 50% of our students take the Proficiency Course to improve their personal wellbeing and find relief from depression.
- About 25% of our students are mental health professionals, including counselors, psychologists, nurses, and life coaches, seeking online training on wellbeing and depression prevention.
- The provision of curricula and courses on mental health in schools is a top priority. About 25% of our students are K-12 and university educators.