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Science of Happiness: Research-Based Path to Well-being

Discover the scientific foundations of happiness through UC Berkeley's groundbreaking course on positive psychology and evidence-based practices.

Discover the scientific foundations of happiness through UC Berkeley's groundbreaking course on positive psychology and evidence-based practices.

This pioneering MOOC from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center explores the science of positive psychology and happiness. Through cutting-edge research spanning psychology, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology, students learn practical strategies for cultivating happiness and meaning in life. The course emphasizes the crucial link between happiness and social connections, mindfulness, and contributing to something greater than oneself. Led by renowned experts Dacher Keltner and Emiliana Simon-Thomas, students engage with research-backed activities and explore how their own happiness evolves throughout the course.

4.6

(42 ratings)

5,89,230 already enrolled

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Science of Happiness: Research-Based Path to Well-being

This course includes

11 Weeks

Of Self-paced video lessons

Beginner Level

Completion Certificate

awarded on course completion

14,378

What you'll learn

  • Understand the scientific definition of happiness and its importance

  • Develop practical strategies to increase personal happiness

  • Learn how social connections impact well-being

  • Master mindfulness techniques for emotional balance

  • Apply research-backed activities for fostering happiness

  • Understand the relationship between happiness and community engagement

Skills you'll gain

Positive Psychology
Mindfulness
Emotional Well-being
Social Connections
Gratitude
Empathy
Mental Health
Personal Development

This course includes:

PreRecorded video

Graded assignments, exams

Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop

Limited Access access

Shareable certificate

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Module Description

This comprehensive course explores the scientific foundations of happiness and well-being. Through a blend of positive psychology, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology, students learn practical strategies for enhancing personal happiness and fostering social connections. The curriculum covers key topics including mindfulness, empathy, gratitude, and the relationship between happiness and social engagement. World-renowned experts share insights on various aspects of well-being, making complex scientific concepts accessible and applicable to daily life.

Fee Structure

Instructors

Distinguished Emotion Scientist and Happiness Research Pioneer

Dacher Joseph Keltner, born in Jalisco, Mexico, serves as Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley and Founding Director of the Greater Good Science Center, where he has revolutionized our understanding of human emotions and social behavior. His research spans the evolutionary and cultural origins of compassion, awe, love, beauty, power, and social inequality, with over 230 published scientific articles. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara with a Ph.D. from Stanford, Keltner completed post-doctoral work with Paul Ekman at UCSF before joining Berkeley in 1996. His influence extends beyond academia through collaborations with Pixar on films like Inside Out and Soul, work with tech companies like Facebook, and his widely acclaimed Science of Happiness MOOC that has reached over 600,000 students. His books, including "Born to Be Good," "The Power Paradox," and "AWE: The New Science of Everyday Wonder," have shaped public understanding of positive psychology. Recently awarded the 2025 APS Mentor Award, Keltner has mentored over 35 Ph.D. students and postdocs who now serve as faculty worldwide. His work regularly appears in major media outlets, and he has received numerous accolades, including membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and recognition as one of Utne Reader's 50 visionaries

Distinguished Neuroscientist and Happiness Research Pioneer

Emiliana Simon-Thomas serves as Science Director at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, where she combines her expertise in neuroscience with a passion for understanding human happiness and social connection. A Berkeley native with a Ph.D. in Psychology studying emotional and cognitive processes, she has built an impressive career investigating the biological foundations of prosocial emotions like compassion, gratitude, and awe. Her journey includes significant roles as Associate Director/Senior Scientist at Stanford's Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education before joining GGSC in 2010. She currently oversees the center's research fellowship program and co-teaches the highly successful Science of Happiness MOOC, which has reached over 600,000 students globally. Her work extends beyond academia through her role as co-editor of the Oxford Handbook of Compassion Science and her frequent lectures on the biological underpinnings of social connection. As a recognized expert in the neuroscience and psychology of compassion, she focuses on translating cutting-edge scientific insights into practical approaches for improving interpersonal dynamics and well-being, while regularly presenting to diverse audiences worldwide, including the Dalai Lama.

Science of Happiness: Research-Based Path to Well-being

This course includes

11 Weeks

Of Self-paced video lessons

Beginner Level

Completion Certificate

awarded on course completion

14,378

Testimonials

Testimonials and success stories are a testament to the quality of this program and its impact on your career and learning journey. Be the first to help others make an informed decision by sharing your review of the course.

4.6 course rating

42 ratings

Frequently asked questions

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.