A small college in New Jersey, Centenary University, has recently introduced the world’s first Ph.D. program in Happiness Studies, marking a significant development in the academic landscape dedicated to human well-being. This innovative four-year, fully virtual program is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to understand and promote happiness. According to Tal Ben-Shahar, the program’s director and an expert in the field, there is an urgent need for this academic focus, especially as society grapples with escalating levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness affecting both adults and younger populations.
The curriculum of the Ph.D. program incorporates a blend of disciplines—neuroscience, psychology, religion, philosophy, literature, and leadership—to aim for what the university defines as “human flourishing.” Ben-Shahar emphasizes that understanding the mechanisms of happiness is not merely an academic endeavor but a societal necessity in light of the global mental health crisis. Graduates of this program are anticipated to become leaders in various sectors, including corporate, educational, and governmental organizations, emphasizing the growing demand for expertise in psychological well-being and human flourishing.
This Ph.D. program builds upon Centenary’s established Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, which was launched in 2022 and has gathered a global cohort of students from countries such as Brazil, India, and Japan. The inaugural class consisted of 87 graduates, indicating a rising interest in the principles of happiness and well-being. Centenary University’s president, Dale Caldwell, notes that modern individuals are increasingly seeking not just economic success but an enriched quality of life, which this initiative aims to fulfill by training a new generation of scholar-practitioners.
The coursework in the Ph.D. program comprises four main areas: Education, Research, Leadership, and Human Flourishing. It integrates classical texts and contemporary case studies, drawing insights from notable thinkers such as Aristotle and figures like Nelson Mandela. Students are expected to complete coursework in the first three years and will begin working on their dissertations at the end of the second year, applying their research to practical situations such as educational institutions, businesses, or government policies to foster happiness in various systems.
Caldwell emphasizes the program’s practical orientation, aiming to equip future leaders with the tools necessary to address pressing societal challenges like mental health crises, workplace burnout, and disconnection in communities. The Ph.D. program is set to admit 25 students annually, working towards a target enrollment of 100, addressing the essential needs of society rather than being deemed merely a soft, ancillary field.
Among potential applicants is Ronel Jooste, a wellness entrepreneur from South Africa who is currently involved in the master’s program. She underscores that happiness can be both a science and an art, remarking that a better scientific understanding can enhance her capacity to promote happiness among others. Her entrepreneurial vision includes establishing “Happiness Safaris”—wellness retreats that blend brain science with leadership coaching in the scenic African bush, fostering both personal and communal growth under the stars.
