Centenary University in New Jersey is launching a new doctoral program focused on “Happiness Studies,” raising questions about the priorities of higher education. The program claims to explore “what makes life worth living,” but critics see it as another symptom of academia’s drift toward feel-good ideology rather than rigorous scholarship.
The PhD in Happiness is designed to study “human flourishing,” with coursework covering psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, and spirituality. The program also claims to prepare students for careers in education, leadership, and consulting. Tuition is expected to be high, with the degree marketed toward professionals seeking to become “experts in well-being.”
Supporters argue that the program addresses mental health crises and promotes positive social change. However, skeptics note that it reflects the growing trend of universities replacing traditional disciplines with niche, soft-subject degrees that lack clear job prospects.
