Introduction: Can Science Make You Happier?
Happiness is something we all strive for, but why does it often feel so out of reach? The Science of Well-Being is an online course from Yale University designed to help you understand—and actually apply—the science behind happiness.
Led by Professor Laurie Santos, this course explores common misconceptions about happiness, the psychological biases that hold us back, and research-backed strategies to improve well-being. But is it really worth your time? In this review, we’ll dive deep into the course content, features, user reviews, and whether it’s the right fit for you.
What Is The Science of Well-Being?
This popular online course on Coursera is based on Yale’s most sought-after class—so much so that students had to be placed on a waitlist! Luckily, Coursera makes it accessible to everyone.
- Duration: 10 weeks (2-3 hours per week)
- Format: Video lectures, readings, quizzes
- Interactive Elements: “Rewirement” activities for real-life application
- Instructor: Laurie Santos, Yale psychology professor
- Certification: Free to audit or $49 for a completion certificate
- Flexibility: 100% self-paced
Unlike typical online lectures, this course focuses on behavioral change. The “rewirement” activities encourage students to implement happiness-boosting techniques in daily life.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideal for you if:
- ✔️ You want to understand why common ideas about happiness are often wrong
- ✔️ You’re looking for proven, scientific methods to boost well-being
- ✔️ You’re interested in building positive habits that last
- ✔️ You enjoy self-paced, flexible learning
However, if you’re already well-versed in positive psychology, some concepts may feel familiar.
What You’ll Learn in The Science of Well-Being
Here’s a breakdown of the key topics covered in this course:
1. The Myths of Happiness
Many of us believe more money, success, or the “perfect” life will make us happy—but research proves otherwise. You’ll learn why our expectations for happiness often lead us astray.
2. Why Your Brain Works Against You
Our minds have cognitive biases that make us focus on the wrong things. This section explains the science behind negative thinking and habits that keep us unhappy.
3. Practical Strategies to Improve Happiness
Backed by scientific research, this section teaches evidence-based techniques like gratitude, social connection, and mindfulness to increase daily well-being.
4. Building Lasting Habits
Short-term happiness is one thing, but how do you make these feelings last? The course includes strategies to turn these practices into lifelong habits.
Real Student Reviews: Does This Course Work?
To give you a clearer picture, let’s look at real student experiences on Coursera and Reddit.
🟢 Positive Feedback:
- ✅ “This course has changed my life! I’ve implemented so many strategies and feel noticeably happier.” — Sarah M.
- ✅ “Professor Laurie Santos is engaging, and the content is backed by scientific research. The rewirement exercises were especially valuable.” — u/happylearner123
🔴 Critical Feedback:
- ❌ “The material is interesting, but the pace felt slow at times.” — John D.
- ❌ “Good for beginners, but if you’ve read much on positive psychology, it might not feel groundbreaking.” — u/wellbeingskeptic
Given these reviews, the course seems particularly great for beginners in psychology and self-improvement but may not offer entirely new insights for experts in the field.
Comparison: The Science of Well-Being vs. Other Happiness Courses
If you’re considering The Science of Well-Being, you may also want to compare it with other well-being courses:
| Course | Duration | Strengths | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Science of Well-Being (Yale/Coursera) | 10 weeks | Science-backed insights, interactive rewirement exercises | Those wanting deep, research-based happiness strategies |
| Happier: The Science of Happiness (edX) | 4 weeks | Shorter, concise content | People looking for a quicker overview |
| Positive Psychology (UPenn/Coursera) | 8 weeks | More academic and theoretical | Those interested in deep psychology principles |
| The Path to Happiness (Harvard/edX) | 6 weeks | Philosophical approach | Those curious about a cultural view of happiness |
If you’re looking for a comprehensive and research-backed approach, Yale’s The Science of Well-Being stands out from the rest.
Pricing: Is The Science of Well-Being Worth It?
One huge advantage of this course is its affordability. You can:
- ✔️ Audit the course for free (access to all lectures and exercises)
- ✔️ Get a verified certificate for $49 (helpful for resumes and LinkedIn)
Compared to similar courses, Yale’s offering provides top-tier university-level content for a fraction of the cost of traditional tuition.
✅ Pros:
- ✔️ Taught by a respected Yale professor
- ✔️ Based on scientific evidence and psychology research
- ✔️ Practical, real-life applications through rewirement activities
- ✔️ – finish at your own speed
- ✔️ Free to audit
❌ Cons:
- ❌ Some topics may feel repetitive if you’ve studied happiness science before
- ❌ Requires effort and commitment to see real results
If you’re willing to invest the time and put the techniques into practice, this course can truly make a difference.
Final Verdict: Is This Course Right for You?
If you’re looking for practical happiness strategies backed by real science, The Science of Well-Being is a fantastic choice.
- Beginners will love the clear, structured lessons.
- Self-improvement seekers will gain real-life tools to improve happiness.
- Lifelong learners can enjoy a completely free, Ivy League course.
While it’s not a magic solution, it provides real, research-backed insights into what makes us happy—and how to apply that knowledge.