New Jersey is now home to an innovative academic program that is changing the way we understand well-being. Centenary University in Hackettstown has partnered with Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a globally recognized authority in positive psychology, to offer the world’s first fully accredited Master of Arts in Happiness Studies (MAHS). This pioneering program equips students with a scientific understanding of happiness and practical tools to foster well-being across personal, professional, and community settings.
Dr. Ben-Shahar, renowned for teaching two of the most popular courses in Harvard University’s history—Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership—brings decades of expertise to this unique program. The MAHS combines rigorous academic study with applied methods, giving students a framework to implement happiness strategies in diverse environments, from corporations to schools to healthcare organizations.
Graduates are prepared to make an impact across diverse sectors. In corporate and organizational settings, alumni are taking on roles such as Chief Happiness Officer, HR consultant, corporate trainer, and organizational development specialist, helping businesses implement programs that enhance employee engagement, productivity, and well-being. In education, graduates are bringing positive psychology into classrooms and campuses as administrators, faculty advisors, and well-being directors, fostering environments where students and staff alike can thrive.
The curriculum is interdisciplinary, drawing insights from psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, economics, and literature. A central feature is the SPIRE model, which addresses five dimensions of human flourishing: Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, and Emotional. Students learn to cultivate balance across these areas, enabling them to improve the lives of individuals, teams, and communities. While the program is delivered fully online, students also have opportunities for in-person retreats that enhance experiential learning and connection.
Graduates of the MAHS program are prepared to pursue careers in multiple fields where well-being is increasingly valued. In the corporate sector, graduates may take on roles such as Chief Happiness Officer or Human Resources consultant, designing programs to boost employee engagement, satisfaction, and productivity. Many graduates apply their knowledge to organizational development, corporate training, and leadership coaching, introducing evidence-based strategies to improve workplace culture.
In education, the program equips school administrators, educators, and university well-being directors to foster supportive environments that prioritize social-emotional learning, student mental health, and faculty well-being. Academic research roles are also available for those interested in studying human flourishing in educational contexts.
The field also extends to coaching and consulting, where graduates serve as life coaches, well-being coaches, or organizational consultants. By applying the science of happiness, they help individuals and teams set and achieve goals while enhancing overall fulfillment. In healthcare and wellness, graduates can develop and manage programs that support patient and practitioner resilience, or work as integrative health practitioners who blend positive psychology with traditional medical treatment plans.
The MAHS degree even opens doors in public policy and non-profits, allowing graduates to shape societal well-being. Career paths include advising governments and non-profits on policies that measure and promote happiness, leading community-focused mental health programs, and advancing initiatives that improve overall societal quality of life.
Centenary University’s Happiness Studies program reflects a growing recognition that well-being is not only a personal pursuit but a professional and societal imperative. By offering this accredited degree, the university positions New Jersey at the forefront of an emerging field that combines science, practical application, and leadership to create happier, healthier communities. For more information on wellness programs, education, and opportunities related to happiness and well-being, visit Explore New Jersey Health & Wellness.
