Dr. Happy? Sounds good to us.
And it’s now possible at Centenary University.
The school, building on the success of its Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, launched the world’s first Ph.D. in Happiness Studies, slated to launch in a fully virtual format for the fall 2025 semester.
The new 66-credit Ph.D. 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, but the university will offer opportunities for others to complete a series of prerequisite courses to be eligible for the Ph.D.
Here are some other well-being initiatives
Rowan: One Health
Of course, there is plenty of wellness in the classroom, too.
As New Jersey continues to position itself as a national leader in integrated health care, Rowan University’s Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine has announced the launch of a Master of Science in One Health.
The program, set to begin in Fall 2026, arrives at a pivotal moment for the Garden State. It follows the recent establishment of the New Jersey One Health Task Force — the first of its kind in the nation — and complements Rowan’s massive $690 million West Campus Development Project, which aims to transform Gloucester County into a premier district for health innovation and workforce development.
The “One Health” framework operates on the principle that human, animal, and environmental health are inextricably linked. With more than half of emerging infectious diseases in humans originating in animals, the program aims to break down the “silos” that traditionally separate medical fields.
“At a time when the world faces growing threats from pandemics, climate changes and antimicrobial resistance… the need for One Health leaders has never been greater,” Dr. Omar Tliba, associate dean for research and graduate studies at the Shreiber School said.
Rutgers: Holistic Wellness
Rutgers-New Brunswick has introduced a new undergraduate minor in Holistic Wellness, a multidisciplinary program designed to equip students with practical skills for promoting comprehensive well-being in themselves and the workplace.
Launched this fall, the 18-credit minor is housed in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.
Unlike similar programs at other universities, the Rutgers minor embraces a broad, eight-dimensional framework of wellness — covering emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, social, physical and spiritual health.
The coursework is intentionally interdisciplinary and experiential, drawing from departments across the university with classes ranging from personal finance and wellness communication to nature journaling and horticulture therapy.
“Minors elsewhere are mostly theoretical,” Joshua Langberg, professor of psychology and the university’s Chief Wellness Officer said. “Our courses focus more on skills and strategies for deliberately fostering wellness in all areas of our lives.”
FDU: Just be kind
FDU, playing off the idea that it doesn’t cost anything to be nice, is celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary with the FDU 250 Acts of Kindness.
It’s not a degree or even a course. It’s just a sense doing good.
Rooted in FDU’s tradition of providing personal, global and transformational experiences that extend beyond the classroom, the campaign encourages everyone connected to the university to give back through meaningful service.
Whether organizing campus and community clean‑ups, stocking local food pantries or supporting campus‑wide fundraising efforts, FDU’s 250 Acts of Kindness aims to make a lasting, positive impact on both the university and surrounding communities.
