New Jersey University Introduces First Doctorate in Happiness Studies
A small university in New Jersey has rolled out the world’s inaugural doctoral program focused on happiness research. This innovative four-year online program is crafted to equip professionals with insights into the science of happiness.
“It’s more relevant than ever,” remarked Tal Ben Shahar, who leads the happiness studies department at Centenary University in Hackettstown. He pointed out a notable increase in anxiety, depression, and loneliness affecting people globally, including both adults and younger generations.
“During this widespread mental health crisis, research into happiness is not a luxury; it’s essential,” Ben Shahar asserted. He is also a co-founder of the Academy of Happiness Research and has previously taught popular courses in positive psychology at Harvard.
The 66-credit curriculum merges disciplines like neuroscience, psychology, religion, philosophy, literature, and leadership, all aimed at fostering what the university labels “human prosperity.” It seeks to influence schools, workplaces, and broader society.
The program’s objective is clear: empower individuals and communities to “better understand, pursue, and achieve happiness,” Ben Shahar explained.
“Our graduates are well-prepared to become welfare officers, policy advisors, educators, researchers, consultants, and advocates in mental health. There’s an increasing need for their expertise across various sectors, from multinational companies to educational institutions and government bodies,” Caldwell added.
Building upon its success with a rapidly expanding master’s program in happiness studies, which started in 2022 and is offered entirely online, the university attracts students from diverse countries, including the U.S., Brazil, India, Israel, Japan, and South Africa.
In its inaugural year, 87 students from 13 nations graduated from the master’s program.
“People don’t just wonder how to make a living; they also seek ways to live well,” said Dale Caldwell, president of Centenary University. He highlighted that the program aims to cultivate a new generation of scholars ready to tackle these demands.
The PhD program courses are categorized into education, research, leadership, and human prosperity. Students will engage with a variety of texts and case studies drawn from the real world.
The curriculum explores ideas from notable figures such as Aristotle, Lao Tzu, and Helen Keller and contextualizes the teachings of historical personalities like Maria Montessori and Nelson Mandela.
Students dedicate three years to their course work, starting their thesis at the conclusion of their second year, with an expectation that their research will apply findings in practical settings such as schools, businesses, and government systems.
“We’re training leaders to address tangible issues: mental health challenges, workplace burnout, educational freedoms, and community challenges,” Caldwell stated firmly. “It’s not soft—it’s vital.”
The initiative seeks to enroll 25 students each year, eventually aiming for a total of around 100 participants, according to Ben Shahar.
Among prospective applicants is Ronel Jooste, 46, a wellness entrepreneur from South Africa, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree.
“When you look around, how many people do you see who are genuinely happy with every aspect of their lives?” she pondered. “Understanding happiness combines both science and art; if you grasp the science, you can help others find happiness.”
Her next project? A unique “Happiness Safari”—a wellness retreat in the African bush focused on blending brain science, leadership coaching, and traditional dining experiences under the stars.
