AcademicsUndergraduate AcademicsOnline Bachelor’s Degrees at Naropa University

Online Bachelor’s Degrees at Naropa University

Open the doors to personal growth, professional achievement, and a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you with Naropa University’s online bachelor’s degrees. Our programs are designed to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and contemplative wisdom needed to thrive in today’s ever-changing landscape.

Naropa University’s suite of online bachelor’s degree programs allows you to explore the human mind and behavior through the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or craft a unique learning path through the Interdisciplinary Studies program. Engage in the therapeutic world of art with the innovative Bachelor’s in Art Therapy, using creativity as a healing tool. Alternatively, you can delve into holistic perspectives on environmental issues with the Environmental Studies program. Discover flexibility, depth, and a profound educational experience tailored to your aspirations.

These programs empower individuals to make a meaningful impact, preparing them for careers that resonate with purpose and contribute to a better world. With Naropa’s online bachelor’s degrees, education transcends the conventional, offering a holistic journey of self-discovery and societal connection.

At Naropa, we believe that education should be accessible to and inclusive of all, and these programs bring our unique approach to education straight to you—no matter where you are. Join us and embark on a journey of self-discovery and academic excellence. Your future, your way—explore our programs now!

Quick Facts

4

Distinct Online Majors

90

Up to 90 Transfer Credits Accepted

34

Average Age of Naropa Students

Find Your Online Major

BA Psychology Online
At Naropa University, we want to awaken your fullest potential, empowering you to inspire and uplift others in turn.
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BA Psychology Online
BA Art Therapy Online
Merge your artistic process with the study of traditional and Eastern psychology for a deeply mindful approach to art therapy.
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BA Art Therapy Online
BA Environmental Studies Online
Naropa’s online degree in Environmental Studies—with tracks in Theory, Action, Justice and Contemplation—will provide you with knowledge and experience to integrate regenerative and restorative practices to address climate change.
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BA Environmental Studies Online
BA Interdisciplinary Studies Online
Want to earn your BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, anywhere in the world? Benefit from a personalized curriculum to suit your career goals.
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BA Interdisciplinary Studies Online

A Brief Look Inside the Online Learning Environment

Find Your Online Minor

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Art Therapy Minor

Required Courses

  • ATH230E Introduction to Art Therapy (3)
  • ATH330E Art Therapy Theory and Applications (3)
  • ATH430E Art Therapy Studio Methods (3)
  • PSYB314E Psychology of Mindfulness Meditation (3)

Total Credits 12

Creative Writing & Literature Minor

To minor in Creative Writing & Literature, students may choose any 12 undergraduate WRI credits. This can include Summer Writing Program (2–6 credits).

Total Credits 12

Environmental Studies Minor

To minor in Environmental Studies, students may choose any 12 undergraduate ENV credits.

Total Credits 12

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Psychedelic Studies Minor

The Psychedelic Studies Minor prepares students for employment in the emerging field of psychedelic studies by providing a humanities focused introduction to psychedelic practices, educating about the history, development and cultural appropriation of psychedelic practices, and developing skills needed to think through the challenges of an emergent industry.

Required Course

INTD 220E Intro to Psychedelic Studies (3) (Fall ’24)

Choose 9 credits from the following courses:

  • PSYB 354E  Transpersonal Psychology (3)
  • PSYB 415E Maitri: Working With Emotions (3)
  • PSYB 471E Theories of Psychedelic Assisted Therapies (3) (Spring ’25)
  • PSYB 495E Special Topics Advanced Research: Decolonial Psychology (3)

Planned Courses

  • Ecopsychedelics (3)
  • Exploring Psychedelic Science (3)
  • Psychedelics and Spirituality (3)

Total Credits 12

Psychology Minor

To minor in Psychology, students may choose any 12 Psychology credits.

Total Credits 12

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Religious Studies Minor

Required Courses

Choose 3 credits
  • REL150E Buddhist Journey of Transformation: An Introduction (3)
  • REL210E Religion & Mystical Experience (3)
Choose 9 credits
  • REL150E Buddhist Journey of Transformation: An Introduction (3)
  • REL160E Meditation Practicum I: Freeing the Mind (3)
  • REL210E Religion & Mystical Experience (3)
  • REL229E Contemplative Judaism (3)
  • REL321E Kabbalah and Consciousness (3)
  • REL325E Contemplative Christianity (3)
  • REL334E Hindu Tantra (3)
  • REL338ESufism: An Introduction to its History, Thought, and Practice (3)
  • REL345E: Zen Buddhism (3)
  • REL348E: Buddhism & Modernity (3)

Total Credits 12

Sanskrit Language Minor

Sanskrit may be taken to fulfill a minor requirement. A sequence of four courses (4 credits each) is offered in Sanskrit. The requirement of the minor is to take the first three of these four courses. However, students are encouraged to consider taking the fourth semester of the language as an elective.

  • REL277E Sanskrit I (4)
  • REL287E Sanskrit II (4)
  • REL377E Sanskrit III (4)

Total Credits 12

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Visual Arts Minor

To minor in Visual Arts, students may choose any 12 Visual Arts credits. At least one World Art course is recommended.

Total Credits 12

The Naropa Difference

Regina Smith

Radical Inclusivity

Naropa envisions an interconnected global community that embodies a commitment to personal actions, interpersonal relations, and vocations that promote individual, social, and ecological wellbeing. Naropa celebrates diverse identities and strives to create a culture at Naropa that is radically inclusive. 

There are many branches at Naropa that support this vision, including the Inclusive & Restorative Community Center and the Joanna Macy Center for Resilience and Regeneration. Together these branches weave the fabric of the culture of Naropa, which aims to challenge systems of oppression and utilize contemplative skills that restore human dignity.   

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Transfer-Friendly

Seventy-eight percent of our undergraduate students began their college journey at another institution and came to Naropa as transfer students. Our transfer-friendly university offers small class sizes and a commitment to helping you find your true self. Here, you’ll find connection and belonging without getting lost in the crowd.

If you haven’t yet found a meaningful education that will develop you both personally and professionally, Naropa welcomes you. 

Regardless of when you completed your credits or which type of accredited institution you attended, our transfer-friendly policies ensure that you get the maximum credit for your prior experience. 

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Contemplative Approach

Naropa’s mission and guiding principles makes it unique among America’s institutions of higher learning: We have been called the birthplace of the modern mindfulness movement and are the only school in the country that grounds the student experience in contemplative education principles.

We commit to creating a more just and regenerative world by nurturing student insight and awareness, courage, and compassion. Through contemplative principles, critical thinking, and active engagement, we offer students the skills they need to authentically engage as effective, ethical leaders.

Student Transformed

YOU ARE READY.

This is where experiential learning meets academic rigor. Where you challenge your intellect and uncover your potential. Where you discover the work you’re moved to do—then use it to transform our world.

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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. 

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. 

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Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.