Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D., is a faculty member at Centenary University, which introduced the world’s first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies last year.

Internationally-renowned expert on happiness studies Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D., will deliver the address at the 148th commencement of Centenary University during two ceremonies on Saturday, May 6, University President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D., announced today.

Dr. Ben-Shahar, who is the co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy, is director of Centenary University’s Master of Arts in Happiness Studies, the world’s first advanced degree in the field. He 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 as a happiness studies expert on major media including The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, CNN, the BBC, and Today on NBC. He was recently featured in a special Time section unpacking the secrets of achieving happiness in daily life.

Dr. Ben-Shahar has taught courses on positive psychology, the psychology of leadership, and happiness studies at Harvard University, Columbia University, and Centenary University. In addition to co-founding the Happiness Studies Academy, he is the co-founder and chief product officer of Potentialife, a leadership development program that integrates the latest in technology and behavioral science to enable organizations to develop high-performing leaders at an accessible cost. He is the author of The New York Times bestseller Happier, Short Cuts to Happiness (2018), Choose the Life You Want (2014), and Happier, No Matter What: Cultivating Hope, Resilience, and Purpose in Hard Times (2021). Dr. Ben-Shahar earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from Harvard University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Behavior Studies from Harvard Business School.

Centenary University introduced the Master of Arts in Happiness Studies in fall 2022. Approved by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the 30-credit program in a fully virtual format presents an interdisciplinary approach, grounded in science and research, to prepare graduates to cultivate personal and professional well-being and resilience in themselves and others. The new master’s degree incorporates 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.

Experts say there’s never been a better time to advance the study of happiness in society. Recent world events have increased stress levels among people of all ages. In a 2022 survey, the American Psychological Association concluded that the war in Ukraine and rising inflation have compounded the extreme stress, loss, and grief Americans experienced as a result of the pandemic.

About Centenary University
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, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township.