George Mason University offers two well-being minors, which are each open to ALL Mason students.
The Well-Being Minor provides students with an understanding of the nature of human consciousness, including historical foundations and modern research. Through required coursework, students develop an ability to implement personal practices that foster deeper self-awareness, the regulation of stress factors in his or her life, and an emerging sense of meaning for his or her life.
The Music for Well-Being Minor is designed to allow participation by students with minimal formal musical training. The coursework allows students to explore the connections between music and consciousness and between vibration, mindfulness, and well-being.
Mason also offers a Music for Well-Being Graduate Certificate.
Here are examples of well-being courses that Mason students can enjoy:
GCH 325: Stress and Well-Being
Explores the influences of stress on population-based health issues. The causes and pathways of the stress experience are explored from an ecological public health perspective. Theoretical aspects of stress and coping are considered, along with methods for relieving and preventing the stress response in both individuals and communities.
Focusing on the individual in context, examines the growing research, science, and literature on well-being and resilience. Considers the many ways in which resilience can be learned and developed on individual, community, and organizational levels. Explores how resilience promotes growth and restores efficacy and agency, leading to higher levels of flourishing.
UNIV 371: Dimensions of Well-Being
Introduces students to the terminology and basic science of well-being. Students will learn about evidence-based practices to cultivate resilience, optimism, mindfulness, and happiness. Practical application assignments will give students a chance to experiment with building a lifestyle to promote greater well-being. The course also addresses community and national well-being and the shared responsibilities of enhancing well-being in our society.
GCH 376: Health Ethics, Leadership, and Advocacy
Examines legal and ethical issues in public health practice and the skills necessary for effective leadership. Includes personal and organizational ethics, management and leadership styles, and public health advocacy.
PSYC 417: Science of Well Being
This course will examine and interpret the latest research in social, personality, and clinical psychology on well-being, character strengths, and personal growth. Emphasis will be placed on the ways in which scientists generate hypotheses regarding the nature of positive psychological traits and processes and the methods by which these ideas are tested.
INTS 455: Consciousness and Transformation in Action
Covers how principles and practices of consciousness and transformation relate to the major and career pathway it represents. Includes the theory and practices for deepening the student’s own experience with the mindfulness and contemplative approaches to inquire. Capstone course for the minor in consciousness and transformation.
INTS 456: Self-Care and Well-Being for Helping Professionals
Prepares students to understand and meet a distinct set of challenges facing professionals in careers that involve directly helping others. Studies research findings about factors such as stress, burnout, and compassion-fatigue that undermine professional success and longevity in these career fields. Explores the fundamental tenets of the science of well-being, learning the vocabulary and core principles related to aspects of self-care and well-being such as positivity, strengths, mindfulness, and resilience.