We CU Innovating at Centenary University!
PhD in Happiness Studies
Study well-being science across psychology, leadership, and policy while preparing for research, consulting, and academic roles.
Shape the Future of Wellbeing with an Online PhD in Happiness Studies
Centenary University is proud to offer the world’s first PhD in Happiness Studies. The 66-credit PhD presents an interdisciplinary approach to the field, incorporating aspects of diverse disciplines—psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, finance, business, literature, coaching, religion, music, and more—to explore the implications of happiness for individuals, the workplace, and our broader society. Applicants should have a Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, or a related field. Additionally, we will offer opportunities for students with master’s degrees in disciplines outside the field to complete a series of prerequisite courses to be eligible for the PhD.
The PhD in Happiness Studies seeks those who aspire to make a difference in diverse contexts—from government to education, from business to academia. The program prepares its graduates to play a central role in the development of the field. Through rigorous research and meaningful application, doctoral students in the program will advance knowledge and reimagine how flourishing influences individual wellbeing, societal progress, and global transformation. The program will conveniently be delivered entirely online.
The doctoral degree, which builds on the success of the University’s Master of Arts in Happiness Studies program, is designed and taught by one of the world’s leading experts, Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar. An internationally renowned expert in the field, he is a best-selling author and co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy. He first achieved national recognition two decades ago when he taught two of the most popular classes in Harvard University’s history, Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership. He then taught Happiness Studies at Columbia University. A prolific writer, Tal’s books have appeared on best-sellers lists around the world and have been translated into more than 30 languages.
Centenary’s Happiness Studies students come from a variety of fields, including:
Human Resources and Coaching
Education
Psychology and Social Work
Business and Management
Law and Medicine
Course Structure
4 years
100% online
66 credits
Admissions Criteria
Master’s degree
Program Overview
During the first three years of the program, students will take courses focusing on research, teaching skills, human flourishing, and leadership. Doctoral students will begin to work on their dissertation towards the end of their second year and will dedicate their entire fourth, and final year, to the completion of their dissertation.
Your Future
Academic Advancement:
Next steps include Coaching certification, organizational psychology, counseling, leadership/OD, public health, education, or doctoral research depending on career goal.
Career Pathways:
Research Director, University Faculty, Policy Advisor (Well-Being Metrics), Chief Wellness Officer, Behavioral Science Consultant, Executive Leadership Development Specialist
Industry Outlook:
Expanding interest globally in well-being economics, workplace engagement science, and population mental-health policy frameworks. Most roles occur in academia, consulting leadership, public-sector innovation, or enterprise culture strategy.
Regional employers include
Corporate learning and development teams; healthcare wellness programs; higher education offices; nonprofits; HR/OD consulting firms; RWJBarnabas Health; Hackensack Meridian Health; Rutgers; Prudential Financial; ADP.
Salary Outlook:
$90,000 – $160,000
Getting Started
For New Jersey entry-level roles aligned to Doctor of Philosophy in Happiness Studies, a reasonable starting range is approximately $55,000–$75,000, depending on role, licensure/certification, employer type, and prior experience.
Early Career and Progression
Approx. $85,000 midpoint at about five years, with higher earnings in specialized, licensed, technical, supervisory, or high-demand settings.
Approx. $110,000 average or attainable mid-career benchmark around ten years, especially for advanced credentials, management responsibility, or specialized practice.
*Salary and Outlook Data