Centenary University in New Jersey is offering the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies.
Starting this fall, the small private university will offer a 30-credit program to “explore the implications of happiness for individuals, the workplace, and our broader society.”
Centenary President Bruce Murphy introduced the program on March 18 at the World Happiness Summit in Florida to mark the International Day of Happiness.
The degree will be “grounded in science and research and will “study happiness and resilience to prepare graduates to make an impact in a wide range of fields,” Murphy said during the event.
Promoting Well-being
A February 2022 survey found 87 percent of Americans have experienced a stream of crises since the pandemic began two years ago. The new graduate program will explore ways to weather the trying times people have faced during the recent pandemic, economic difficulties, and war.
“Regardless of your area of interest and action the rigorous ideas and evidence-based interventions that are part of the MA in Happiness Studies will help you bring out the best in your family, colleagues, clients, students and yourself,” the program’s website reads.
The Happiness Studies program is a 30-credit graduate degree set to launch online this fall, providing instruction in diverse disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience, music, literature, and business. The course will cost students $17,700.
ROI-NJ reported that the degree will be administered by the Happiness Studies Academy and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Happiness Studies Academy co-founder Tal Ben-Shahar, an author who has made appearances on several talk shows as a happiness expert, will direct the program.
“The degree in happiness studies is relevant for essentially every field of practice,” Ben-Shahar told Fox News. The program has received student support from disciplines including law, medicine, and psychology.