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
- Academic Calendar
- Course Catalog
- Undergraduate Academics
- Core Curriculum
- Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- BA Art Therapy
- BA Art Therapy Online
- BA Creative Writing & Literature
- Elementary Education
- BA Environmental Studies
- Environmental Studies Online
- BA Interdisciplinary Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies Online
- BA Psychology
- BA Psychology Online
- BA Religious Studies
- BA Visual Arts
- BA Yoga Studies
- BA Capstone Projects
- Graduate Academics
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Buddhism-Informed Contemplative Counseling
- Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling
- Transpersonal Creative Art–Based Counseling
- Nature-Based Transpersonal Counseling
- Somatic Counseling
- Somatic Counseling: Dance/Movement Theories & Practice
- MFA Creative Writing and Poetics
- MFA Creative Writing (Low-Residency)
- Master of Divinity
- MA in Ecopsychology
- MA in Yoga Studies
- Academic Support
- Extended Campus
- Schools & Centers
- Courses Open to the Public
- Summer Writing Program
- Library
- Academic Affairs
Find Your Online Major
A Brief Look Inside the Online Learning Environment
Find Your Online Minor
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.