New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences

As a science-based branch of psychology, positive psychology emphasizes the strengths that help individuals and communities thrive. This program covers theories, research and applied interventions designed to support mental wellness, resilience and optimal functioning across diverse environments, such as families, workplaces and communities.

By exploring the science behind widely adopted practices, you’ll learn how to reduce stress, increase life satisfaction and build empathy. Areas of study include:

• Forgiveness interventions fostering perspective and emotional regulation
• Gratitude practices supporting positive thinking and self-awareness
• Mindfulness activities improving attention and emotional resilience

This program prioritizes research literacy and interdisciplinary thinking. You’ll engage with data, evaluate popular psychology claims and examine how positive psychology connects with broader movements to reduce inequity and promote well-being at scale.

As a positive psychology major, you’ll scaffold your coursework to real-world applications through ASU initiatives like the Resilience in Social Environments (RISE) project, the Knowledge Exchange for Resilience and the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation. You may also be selected to participate in research with faculty.

If you plan to become a licensed therapist or psychologist, this program can be your starting point. Most roles in clinical psychology require a master’s degree or a PhD, as well as licensure in the state where you plan to practice and potentially other relevant certifications.

The differences between a BS and BA in positive psychology

While both the BS and BA programs lead to similar career paths and prepare you for graduate study, each offering has a distinct academic focus:

The Bachelor of Science in psychology with a concentration in positive psychology:

• Centers on data and quantitative research methods
• Develops skills in statistical analysis and scientific reasoning
• Prepares you to work in research or clinical settings

The Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a concentration in positive psychology:

• Emphasizes applied learning in real-world settings
  Focuses on interpersonal and communication skills
  Prepares you for careers in business, community programs or social services

You can also pursue this program as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. If accepted, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a master’s degree — such as the online Master of Science in psychology with a concentration in positive psychology — in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree, saving time and tuition.

The growing field of positive psychology centers around enhancing quality of life through proven, research-based approaches. This program introduces strategies developed to support emotional well-being, strong relationships, healthy work environments and more.

You’ll learn how to apply and assess these interventions across family, community and organizational settings. Core areas of study include:

• Coping and creativity
• Gratitude and mindfulness
• Hope and optimism
• Joy and love
• Resilience

As a positive psychology major, you’ll scaffold your coursework to real-world applications through ASU initiatives like the Resilience in Social Environments (RISE) project, the Knowledge Exchange for Resilience and the Global Institute of Sustainability and Innovation. You may also be selected to participate in research with faculty.

If you plan to become a licensed therapist or psychologist, this program can be your starting point. Most roles in clinical psychology require a master’s degree or a PhD, as well as licensure in the state where you plan to practice and potentially other relevant certifications.

The differences between the BA and BS in positive psychology

While both the BA and BS programs lead to similar career paths and prepare you for graduate study, each offering has a distinct academic focus:

The Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a concentration in positive psychology:

• Emphasizes applied learning in real-world settings
• Focuses on interpersonal and communication skills
• Prepares you for careers in business, community programs or social services

The Bachelor of Science in psychology with a concentration in positive psychology:

• Centers on data and quantitative research methods
• Develops skills in statistical analysis and scientific reasoning
• Prepares you to work in research or clinical settings

You can also pursue this program as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. If accepted, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a master’s degree — such as the online Master of Science in psychology – positive psychology — in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree, saving time and tuition.

The Bachelor of Arts in disability studies teaches you to better understand and advocate for individuals living with disabilities. Rather than focusing on disability as a functional impairment, this program emphasizes how society defines and interacts with it. You’ll explore ways to promote inclusive workplace practices and expand opportunities for people with disabilities through a social, legal and cultural lens.

This degree is well-suited for those aiming to build skills in research, advocacy and policy making. Graduates often pursue careers as attorneys, compliance officers, disability service directors, educators, human resource managers, nonprofit leaders or policymakers. If you're already working in the medical field and looking to help confront the marginalization of those living with a disability, this program can strengthen your impact.

What you’ll learn in this program

If you have a passion for advocacy, this disability studies major prepares you to make a meaningful impact by examining disability through multifaceted perspectives. With this interdisciplinary approach, you’ll explore the systemic marginalization of those with disabilities. You’ll build a versatile skill set that includes collaboration, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, effective communication and the ability to influence policy.

This program prepares you for a rewarding career where you can make a difference in your community and around the world. If you’re interested in volunteering or working for organizations that advance the causes of social justice and human rights, this program may be a great fit for you. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to work in community-engaged advocacy and effectively support marginalized groups.

The skills you’ll develop in this program

A social justice and human rights degree is an interdisciplinary program that prepares you to advocate for rights and equality in local, national and global contexts. This program draws from a variety of social science disciplines including politics, sociology, history, anthropology and linguistics. Examining perspectives from all of these disciplines will prepare you to address pressing issues related to racial justice, immigration, feminism, refugee rights and more.

In addition to gaining broad expertise in these topics, you’ll be equipped with transferable skills from across the social sciences, including writing, communication, research and statistical analysis of human rights data. As you hone your skills in writing and research, you’ll gain essential knowledge related to rights and justice by taking nine credit hours from three different interdisciplinary tracks:

• Identity and place.
• Law, citizenship and migration.
• Social justice and inequality.

Get the opportunity to participate in research with faculty

As a student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in research with faculty for funding or academic credit through the New College Undergraduate Inquiry and Research Experience program. The faculty you meet throughout your courses can help you connect to other faculty who share your interests and have space for an NCUIRE student. This research can strengthen your resume and allow you to stand out among the competition when entering the workforce.

Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:

• Master of Arts in social justice and human rights.

Forensic science degrees focus on applying scientific methods to matters of law. In this program, you’ll explore the investigative and scientific principles behind examining different types of evidence from crime scenes. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with the analytical skills required to pursue jobs related to forensic investigations.

Scientific and technological advances, as well as increasing caseloads, mean there is expected to be an increased demand for skilled forensic technicians over the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth for forensic science technicians is projected to increase 13% from 2022-2032, much faster than average for all occupations.

The knowledge and skills you’ll develop in this program

In this forensic science program, you’ll learn how to uncover and analyze evidence that can be used in court during criminal and civil cases. You’ll learn the essential science, investigative and communication skills needed to meet this demand and be successful in the field. The beginning of the program focuses on building strong foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry and math. You’ll take various lab courses, including two organic chemistry labs which must be completed in person.

Later in the program, you’ll take advanced forensic science courses covering the common techniques used in crime labs. Key course topics include forensic botany, toxicology, forensic anthropology, molecular genetics and more. These courses will teach you how to analyze crime scenes, fingerprints, DNA, blood patterns and other types of evidence. Graduates will be equipped to pursue careers or a graduate degree in forensics and other science-related fields.

Gain hands-on experience with in-person lab sessions

To gain necessary laboratory skills and hands-on experience, this program requires two separate, in-person lab experiences in Arizona.

The first lab experience includes one week at ASU’s Tempe campus to complete two organic chemistry labs, followed by a four-day in-person biochemistry lab session at the ASU West campus in Glendale. Alternatively, you may complete equivalent organic chemistry lectures and labs at an approved local college or university. The biochemistry lab, a 300-level course, cannot be taken at a community college.

To finish the program, you’ll complete a 5-day in-person session at the ASU West campus during the summer. This experience covers key forensic field skills including photography, fingerprint analysis, blood pattern analysis and DNA analysis.

Exploring the interdisciplinary arts offers you the opportunity to learn about a variety of art forms through theoretical, practical and historical perspectives. In this interdisciplinary arts and performance degree, you’ll gain an understanding of how powerful societal messages can be when delivered across multiple artistic mediums.

This multidimensional field of study is designed for those who want to center the arts in their careers through creating, producing and performing original work. In this program, you’ll first gain foundational knowledge across a variety of art modalities and then make deeper connections by participating in practical experiences. You’ll explore:

• Digital arts (image and video).
• Games (analog and digital).
• Movement/performance (theater/dance).
• Sound (music/sound design).
• Visual arts (2D/3D).

The skills you’ll develop in this interdisciplinary arts and performance program

This program will provide you with the context necessary to express, perform and experience art in new ways. In your courses, you’ll always focus on doing. Through hands-on projects, you’ll gain the confidence needed to pursue your creative career passions.

You’ll gain a variety of skills that will prepare you to discuss aesthetic concepts and communicate about artistic work, such as:

• Collaborating in the artmaking process.
• Examining concepts through interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Researching and writing.
• Thinking critically and creatively.

What can you do with this interdisciplinary arts degree?

Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with a digital portfolio that expands many types of art and demonstrates your broad perspective. You can apply your skills to a variety of art-related career paths, such as music composition, production and performance, sound/audio roles, networked performance, video production and editing, animation, storytelling and art curation. Your critical research and writing skills will also complement positions in the expanding fields of arts research and practice.

Additionally, creative careers in education, art curation and more may require additional training, and this program will provide you with the foundation for your next step. You’ll be prepared to pursue graduate degrees in the arts, business, education and more.