Media ResourcesPress ReleasesNaropa University Launches Online Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology

Naropa University Launches Online Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

Boulder, CO (March 19, 2021)

– Naropa University is pleased to announce the launch of an online Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Psychology starting in the fall of 2021 as an alternative delivery format for the on-campus BA in Psychology. This program is Naropa’s first fully online degree offering, giving students from across the US and globe the opportunity to experience the transformative impact of a Naropa education without needing to change their zip code.

The new BA in Psychology Online integrates contemplative practices and teachings, Buddhist psychology, transpersonal and scientific psychology, and neuroscience. The undergraduate degree program prepares students for a life of service and entry into the helping professions as well as graduate study. Like all other degree programs at Naropa, the online psychology program is steeped in mindfulness and compassion methods and guided by the idea that psychological health and well-being are innate.

Students in the program have the option of choosing between two tracks based on their personal and academic interests—a Science Track that blends psychological research methods with cognitive neuroscience, and a Mindfulness Track that provides training in a diversity of ancient and modern healing methodologies. Psychology majors can also join research efforts aimed at advancing the world’s understanding of meditation and other phenomena related to human consciousness.

Naropa has been a pioneer in broadening the reach of meditation skills and contemplative pedagogy through its distance learning applications. As members of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), Naropa welcomes students from all over the world and recognizes the urgent need to deliver flexible learning options that meet the dynamic needs of students today.

This new bachelor’s degree, BA in Psychology Online, is the first of several to be offered in this fully online format. Naropa plans to launch multiple majors in the future; all courses offered are online versions of existing courses.

Mary McHenry, Coordinator for Undergraduate Educational Technology & Online Learning explains, “We have taken care to ensure Naropa’s mission to provide cutting-edge training in contemplative practices, social justice and antiracism training, and innovative approaches to engaging the arts, ecological regeneration, communication, and research will be just as vibrant in an online delivery format.”

Naropa’s BA Psychology Online Program is now enrolling for the Fall 2021 semester—explore Naropa’s website for more information or to start an application.

About Naropa University (Naropa.edu): Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a private liberal arts institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs. As the “birthplace of the modern mindfulness movement,” Naropa University is a leader in contemplative education, an approach to learning and teaching that integrates Eastern wisdom studies with traditional Western scholarship. Naropa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

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About Naropa

Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion. 

Academics

Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.  

Admissions & Aid

If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.

Life at Naropa

Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community,  “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom

The Naropa Difference

How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person. 

Support Naropa

At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, Naropa University stands firmly rooted in its mission to create a more just and regenerative world by nurturing insight, awareness, courage, and compassion in its students. By making a gift to Naropa, you play a pivotal role in helping to create the authentic, effective & mindful leaders that the world desperately needs.

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Naropa University campuses are closed on 12/17/2025. 

Due to adverse weather conditions of high winds and planned power outages, all Naropa campuses will be closed today. 

 

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Spring and Summer Start Dates for the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentrations

In support of students and in response to federal legislation impacting financial aid for graduate students, Naropa University will be accepting applications for MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for spring starts through January 10.

Graduate School of Counseling concentrations listed below will be offering online and low-residency courses to start their programs in January 2026 as well as our Summer 2026 terms.

Beginning a graduate program in Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 means that you will have access to apply for Graduate Plus loans as these loans will be eliminated at the federal level starting in Fall 2026.

Contact Admissions (admissions@naropa.edu) today to learn how you can begin the next step in your graduate education journey.