Tal Ben-Shahar, a co-founder of the online Happiness Studies Academy, had found his happy place: a small liberal arts university in Hackettstown, NJ.
Centenary University, with 1,100 undergraduate students and 830 graduate students, would be the home of the world’s first master’s program in Happiness Studies. In the 12 days since the announcement, 86 people have applied for the 18-month, $17,700 program.
Happiness Studies extend beyond the field of positive psychology, the discipline focusing on human flourishing. The predominantly on-line curriculum will incorporate psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, economics, theology, literature, music, and other disciplines and explore spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational, and emotional well-being.
Students will examine techniques including meditation, goal setting, yoga, physical exercise, breathwork, different forms of journaling, according to the master’s program brochure. The coursework is intended less for recent college graduates than for mid-career business leaders, counselors, human resources specialists, and others who could apply such concepts to their work.
The program will be directed by internationally renowned expert and author Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D., who is the co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy. Dr. Ben-Shahar achieved national recognition two decades ago when he taught one of Harvard University’s most popular classes, on happiness. Since then, he has also taught at Columbia University, written several best-selling books on the subject, and has appeared on major media as a happiness studies expert including The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, CNN, the BBC, and Today on NBC.
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, NJ, with its equestrian facility in Washington Township.
According to www.nj.com; en.wikipedia.org. Source of photos: internet
