📌 Introduction: Can an Online Course Make You Happier?
Happiness is something we all strive for, but achieving lasting well-being can feel elusive. Can an online course from Yale University help?
In this review of The Science of Well-Being, one of Coursera’s most popular offerings, we’ll dive into what the course teaches, its benefits, potential downsides, and whether it truly helps increase happiness. Plus, we’ll compare it to similar courses so you can decide if this is the right learning experience for you.
🎓 What Is The Science of Well-Being?
The Science of Well-Being is a free online course taught by Professor Laurie Santos, a recognized expert in cognitive science and positive psychology at Yale University. The course aims to teach students research-backed strategies to boost their happiness and build healthier habits.
With over 4 million enrollments on Coursera, this course has gained widespread popularity. But does it actually deliver on its promise? Let’s take a closer look.
🔑 Key Features of the Course:
- ✔ 10-week curriculum (2-3 hours per week)
- ✔ Covers myths about happiness, behavioral biases, and evidence-based happiness strategies
- ✔ “Rewirement” activities to practice in daily life
- ✔ Quizzes to reinforce learning
- ✔ Free to audit (Paid certificate: $49)
📖 What You’ll Learn in The Science of Well-Being
This course isn’t just about abstract theories—it’s designed to help you implement real-life changes that can improve your mood, habits, and mindset.
Here are the core topics covered:
✅ Week 1-2: Understanding Happiness
- Common misconceptions about happiness
- Why we often pursue the wrong things (e.g., money, success)
- The psychology behind why our expectations fail us
✅ Week 3-6: The Science of Happiness
- What actually brings happiness (based on research)
- How social connections, gratitude, and kindness impact well-being
- Understanding behavioral biases that lead to unhappiness
✅ Week 7-10: Applying Happiness Strategies
- “Rewirement” exercises to reprogram the brain for happiness
- Daily and weekly practices to increase long-term well-being
👉 If you’ve ever wondered why happiness feels fleeting or why bad habits are so hard to break, this course could help provide the answers.
⭐ Pros
- ✔ Taught by a Yale University professor with extensive research in positive psychology
- ✔ Backed by scientific evidence, not just feel-good advice
- ✔ Includes practical exercises to build lasting habits
- ✔ Completely free to audit (pay only if you want the certificate)
- ✔ Flexible learning—study at your own pace
⚠️ Cons
- ❌ No personal interaction with the professor or other students
- ❌ Some users found the material too basic if already familiar with positive psychology
- ❌ Requires effort—it’s not a “quick fix”
- ❌ The certificate may not carry professional value
✅ Best for: Anyone looking for a structured guide to happiness backed by science.
⚠️ Not ideal for: Those looking for deep academic research or professional certification.
📊 The Science of Well-Being vs. Other Happiness Courses
Wondering how this course compares to alternatives? Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Course | Platform | Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Science of Well-Being | Coursera | Accessible, habit-focused, based on research | Beginners in positive psychology |
| Foundations of Positive Psychology | Coursera (UPenn) | More in-depth, specialization series | Those wanting deeper knowledge |
| The Path to Happiness | edX (Harvard) | Philosophical approach to happiness | Those interested in Eastern philosophy |
| Positive Psychology | edX (Berkeley) | Covers a broader range of well-being topics | Those looking for a university-backed program |
➡️ Bottom Line: The Science of Well-Being is a great first step into the science of happiness, but if you want more advanced studies, consider UPenn’s program.
💡 Real Student Reviews
How do students actually feel after taking this course?
❤️ Positive Feedback
🗣 “One of the most useful and empowering courses I’ve ever taken! The exercises really helped me form better habits.”
🗣 “I love that the course is fully backed by research but still easy to understand. Professor Laurie Santos makes learning enjoyable!”
😕 Critical Reviews
🗣 “The course is good but a bit repetitive. Many concepts I already knew.”
🗣 “I was hoping for more student interaction or guided support. This is more of a self-led course.”
➡️ Key Takeaway: The course is well-loved, but some users felt it was too basic if they were already familiar with happiness research.
- Audit the course for free (full access, no restrictions)
- $49 for a certificate
- Part of Coursera Plus ($399/year) for access to 7,000+ courses
🏆 Should You Pay for the Certificate?
- ✔ If you’re using the course for resume building or career use, the certificate might be worth it.
- ✔ If you just want to learn for self-improvement, the free version is enough.
🚀 Final Verdict: Should You Take The Science of Well-Being?
- ✅ Yes, if:
- You’re looking for scientifically proven ways to increase happiness
- You enjoy self-paced, flexible online learning
- You like actionable strategies over abstract theory
- ❌ No, if:
- You need one-on-one interaction with an instructor
- You’re already knowledgeable in positive psychology
💡 Final Rating: 4.5/5 🌟 – An excellent, engaging introduction to well-being, but may not be groundbreaking for psychology enthusiasts.