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Master of Arts
in Happiness Studies
The science of wellbeing by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar

Next Cohort Starts: April 29, 2024

Total Tuition: $17,700

Download Brochure Contact the University

Start Your Application here for Summer 2024 >

Master of Arts
in Happiness Studies
The science of wellbeing
by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar

Next Cohort Starts: April 29, 2024

Total Tuition: $17,700

Download Brochure Contact the University

Start Your Application here for Summer 2024 >

Join Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar in a LIVE webinar

Mastering Happiness through an academic discipline
Learn about the world's first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies - The Science of Wellbeing


Monday | July 17 | 8 PM EST

(free admission)

Get ZOOM link

Join Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar
in a LIVE webinar

Mastering Happiness through an academic discipline
Learn about the world's first Master of Arts in Happiness Studies - The Science of Wellbeing

Monday | July 17 | 8 PM EST

(free admission)

Get ZOOM link

Student Stories

Ana Gabriela

Brazil

"Joining HSA was one of my best decisions...."

"All I can say is that joining HSA was one of my best decisions. The SPIRE model is a perfect combination of ancient wisdom, new knowledge and scientific research (among other happy surprises). 
Tal is a talented and generous teacher and I am grateful to be a part of a group of like-minded, like-hearted people that I can now call friends." 

Conrado Martinez

Spain

"this is a transformative experience.."

"If you want to improve your life, then this is the program for you. It is perfectly structured and very easy to follow. Some parts are almost addictive, I strongly looked forward to the next lesson, but as I started to reach the end, instead of looking forward to next lesson, I found myself wanting it to slow down.

Cláudia Dionisio

Portugal

"The program trains us to assist others and ourselves..."

"For me, the Happiness Studies Academy trains us to assist others and/or ourselves to nurture and develop ourselves, as complete and complex individuals that we all are, by teaching or reminding us of ways; mindset; tools, and exercises to find the purpose in our every day and ultimately the purpose of our life. The program is created in the most humble; altruistic and enjoyable way with a lot of resources that can be (and certainly will be) used for a lifetime! "

   MORE TESTIMONIALS >   

Become the leader that the world needs right now.

This fully online accredited MA degree in Happiness Studies focuses on educating leaders who are committed to the cultivation of wellbeing in themselves and others, to the fulfillment of society’s potential for both happiness and goodness. Regardless of your area of interest and action—be it in business, education, psychotherapy, coaching, health or law—the rigorous ideas and evidence-based interventions that are part of the MA in Happiness Studies will help you bring out the best in your family, colleagues, clients, students and yourself.

Become the leader that the world needs right now.

This fully online accredited MA degree in Happiness Studies focuses on educating leaders who are committed to the cultivation of wellbeing in themselves and others, to the fulfillment of society’s potential for both happiness and goodness. Regardless of your area of interest and action—be it in business, education, psychotherapy, coaching, health or law—the rigorous ideas and evidence-based interventions that are part of the MA in Happiness Studies will help you bring out the best in your family, colleagues, clients, students and yourself.

   APPLY NOW >   

Become the leader that the world needs right now.

This fully online accredited MA degree in Happiness Studies focuses on educating leaders who are committed to the cultivation of wellbeing in themselves and others, to the fulfillment of society’s potential for both happiness and goodness. Regardless of your area of interest and action—be it in business, education, psychotherapy, coaching, health or law—the rigorous ideas and evidence-based interventions that are part of the MA in Happiness Studies will help you bring out the best in your family, colleagues, clients, students and yourself.

Next Cohort Starts: August 28, 2023

Total Tuition: $17,700

More information: Download Brochure or Contact the University

   Start Your Application here for Fall 2023 >   

Become the leader that the world needs right now.

This fully online accredited MA degree in Happiness Studies focuses on educating leaders who are committed to the cultivation of wellbeing in themselves and others, to the fulfillment of society’s potential for both happiness and goodness. Regardless of your area of interest and action—be it in business, education, psychotherapy, coaching, health or law—the rigorous ideas and evidence-based interventions that are part of the MA in Happiness Studies will help you bring out the best in your family, colleagues, clients, students and yourself.

Next Cohort Starts:
August 28, 2023

Total Tuition:
$17,700

More information:
Download Brochure
or
Contact the University

Start Your Application here for Fall 2023

Testimonials for HSA Programs

"I have completed the course.....What an amazing experience.....Tal is an extraordinary teacher!
The HSA program has holistically changed my life. It represents the most profound learning experience I have ever engaged. And as a Vice President and General Manager for a fortune 50 company, I was exposed to very electric, dynamic and forward thinking educational programs. And none of them resinated with me like The Hsa field of studies program..I am completely committed to the Happiness revolution!"

David Wooldridge

"Signing up for HSA was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Tal is an outstanding teacher; vastly knowledgeable, compassionate, and authentic. His ability to combine the rigorously scientific with wisdom traditions, literature and philosophy means that this multidisciplinary program has both great breadth and depth. The course material and tools are now a part of my life, and I will continue to use them, for the rest of my life. 
My relationships have deepened, my health has improved, and I am happier and more resilient. I am a better coach, a better partner, sister and friend, and a better business person.
During this year of the pandemic, HSA became a cornerstone in helping me to deal with the challenges Covid-19 brought, and to align my life with a strong foundation of wholebeing. I learned tools that helped me, and also allowed me to help my family, my coaching clients and my co-workers deal with the pandemic certainly, and improve our lives overall too. 
Take this program - you will be so glad you did! "

Catherine McNeill

Testimonials for HSA Programs

"I have completed the course.....What an amazing experience.....Tal is an extraordinary teacher!
The HSA program has holistically changed my life. It represents the most profound learning experience I have ever engaged. And as a Vice President and General Manager for a fortune 50 company, I was exposed to very electric, dynamic and forward thinking educational programs. And none of them resinated with me like The Hsa field of studies program..I am completely committed to the Happiness revolution!"

David Wooldridge

"Signing up for HSA was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Tal is an outstanding teacher; vastly knowledgeable, compassionate, and authentic. His ability to combine the rigorously scientific with wisdom traditions, literature and philosophy means that this multidisciplinary program has both great breadth and depth. The course material and tools are now a part of my life, and I will continue to use them, for the rest of my life. 
My relationships have deepened, my health has improved, and I am happier and more resilient. I am a better coach, a better partner, sister and friend, and a better business person.
During this year of the pandemic, HSA became a cornerstone in helping me to deal with the challenges Covid-19 brought, and to align my life with a strong foundation of wholebeing. I learned tools that helped me, and also allowed me to help my family, my coaching clients and my co-workers deal with the pandemic certainly, and improve our lives overall too. 
Take this program - you will be so glad you did! "

Catherine McNeill

This degree is offered in partnership with Centenary University.
Centenary University has a 150-year tradition of providing high quality
liberal arts and professional studies while helping students gain the
skills and connections they need to prosper in today's world.

Fully Accredited
(Middle States Commission on Higher Education - Feb 17, 2022)

REQUEST INFORMATION >

This degree is offered in partnership with Centenary University.
Centenary University has a 150-year tradition of providing high quality liberal arts and professional studies while helping students gain the skills and connections they need to prosper in today's world.

Fully Accredited
(Middle States Commission on Higher Education - Feb 17, 2022)

REQUEST INFORMATION >

Syllabus

GHS 500
*Fall semester--second part--2022
Foundations of Happiness Studies

.

This short and intensive course provides students with a technical foundation as well as a psychological foundation for the entire program. In terms of the technical foundation, students will learn to navigate through the syllabus, understand the ins-and-outs of the Learning Management System (LMS) and become familiar with the building blocks of each course. In terms of the psychological foundation, students will learn a set of particular tools and techniques, as well as some general approaches, that will accompany them and help them grow throughout the program. The two-week course includes a fair amount of preparation that primarily includes reading texts, experimenting with various practices, and watching online lectures.

GHS 501
*Spring semester--2023
Introduction to Happiness Studies

.

The course explores happiness through the lens of wholeperson wellbeing (wholebeing). Drawing on psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, economics, theology, literature and other disciplines, this survey course focuses on each of the five dimensions of wellbeing: Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, and Emotional (SPIRE). The course is both theoretical, providing an overview of the twelve principles that define wholebeing, as well as practical, providing tools and techniques for helping individuals and groups pursue and attain higher levels of wellbeing.

GHS 502
*Spring semester--2023
Integrative Leaders on Happiness

.

This course explores seven disciplines—Economics, Business, History, Religion, Education, Biology and Music—through the lens of fourteen influential thinkers. The work of each of the thinkers is integrative, in that it brings together theory and practice, different aspects of their chosen discipline, as well as different elements of SPIRE. They have shaped and continue to shape their discipline, while contributing both breadth and depth to our understanding of wholebeing.

GHS 503
*Summer semester--2023
Facilitating Happiness

.

Facilitating Happiness focuses primarily on tools and techniques that can help individuals and groups increase levels of wellbeing. The course introduces the topic of change, followed by twelve lectures, each delving into a particular technique or set of techniques. Each of the lectures introduces the science behind a particular technique and then provides concrete steps that you can take to make a meaningful difference in your life and the life of others. To gain a deeper grasp of the material, beyond understanding the theory, it is essential that you experiment with, and apply, the tools and techniques in your life.

GHS 504
*Summer semester--2023
Philosophy & Happiness
.

This course explores how philosophy, considered the mother of all disciplines, informs the study of happiness. Each week, students delve into a seminal philosophical text and with the help of complementary material explore its relevance for personal and societal wellbeing. The texts that students read each week are roughly associated with one of the twelve principles; however, given the interconnectedness of all things, each text sheds light on the different elements of happiness, on wholebeing.

GHS 505
*Fall semester--2023
A SPIRE Retreat
.

In this course students get to apply as well as deepen their understanding of much of what they’ve learned in previous courses. The focus will be on bringing together reflection and action (ReflAction) for the purpose of personal and collective transformation—for students to help themselves become happier, as well as for students to learn how to help others do the same.Students will spendan average of 80 minutes each day engaged in individual as well as group activities that cultivate the SPIRE elements, including but not limited to the following: Meditation, Goalsetting,Yoga, Physical exercise, Breathwork, Different forms of journaling, Reminders.

GHS 506
*Spring semester--2024
Wholebeing Coaching
.

This course introduces participants to evidence-based coaching techniques that fall into a number of coaching approaches, including Positive Psychology Coaching, Appreciative Coaching, Acceptance and Commitment Coaching, and more. Throughout the course students will experiment with the different methodologies and ultimately formulate their own coaching approach—one that they can apply to helping themselves and others reach higher levels of wholebeing.

GHS 507
*Spring semester--2024
Happiness in Literature & Film

Stories, throughout history and in every civilization, have moved individuals and nations—inspired real and meaningful change. Each week throughout the course students watch a film and then closely read a poem and a short story—all relating to one of the twelve wholebeing principles. The course explores ways that can help individuals and groups better understand, pursue and attain happiness.



Eligibility Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in any subject
  • Entry term:
    Summer 1 2024
  • Application Deadline:
    March 29, 2024
APPLY NOW >

Syllabus

GHS 500

Foundations of Happiness Studies

This short and intensive course provides students with a technical foundation as well as a psychological foundation for the entire program. In terms of the technical foundation, students will learn to navigate through the syllabus, understand the ins-and-outs of the Learning Management System (LMS) and become familiar with the building blocks of each course. In terms of the psychological foundation, students will learn a set of particular tools and techniques, as well as some general approaches, that will accompany them and help them grow throughout the program. The two-week course includes a fair amount of preparation that primarily includes reading texts, experimenting with various practices, and watching online lectures.

GHS 501

Introduction to Happiness Studies

The course explores happiness through the lens of wholeperson wellbeing (wholebeing). Drawing on psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, economics, theology, literature and other disciplines, this survey course focuses on each of the five dimensions of wellbeing: Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, and Emotional (SPIRE). The course is both theoretical, providing an overview of the twelve principles that define wholebeing, as well as practical, providing tools and techniques for helping individuals and groups pursue and attain higher levels of wellbeing.

GHS 502

Integrative Leaders
on Happiness

This course explores seven disciplines—Economics, Business, History, Religion, Education, Biology and Music—through the lens of fourteen influential thinkers. The work of each of the thinkers is integrative, in that it brings together theory and practice, different aspects of their chosen discipline, as well as different elements of SPIRE. They have shaped and continue to shape their discipline, while contributing both breadth and depth to our understanding of wholebeing.

GHS 503

Facilitating
Happiness

Facilitating Happiness focuses primarily on tools and techniques that can help individuals and groups increase levels of wellbeing. The course introduces the topic of change, followed by twelve lectures, each delving into a particular technique or set of techniques. Each of the lectures introduces the science behind a particular technique and then provides concrete steps that you can take to make a meaningful difference in your life and the life of others. To gain a deeper grasp of the material, beyond understanding the theory, it is essential that you experiment with, and apply, the tools and techniques in your life.

GHS 504

Philosophy & Happiness

This course explores how philosophy, considered the mother of all disciplines, informs the study of happiness. Each week, students delve into a seminal philosophical text and with the help of complementary material explore its relevance for personal and societal wellbeing. The texts that students read each week are roughly associated with one of the twelve principles; however, given the interconnectedness of all things, each text sheds light on the different elements of happiness, on wholebeing.

GHS 505

A SPIRE Retreat

In this course students get to apply as well as deepen their understanding of much of what they’ve learned in previous courses. The focus will be on bringing together reflection and action (ReflAction) for the purpose of personal and collective transformation—for students to help themselves become happier, as well as for students to learn how to help others do the same.Students will spendan average of 80 minutes each day engaged in individual as well as group activities that cultivate the SPIRE elements, including but not limited to the following: Meditation, Goalsetting,Yoga, Physical exercise, Breathwork, Different forms of journaling, Reminders.

GHS 506


Wholebeing
Coaching

This course introduces participants to evidence-based coaching techniques that fall into a number of coaching approaches, including Positive Psychology Coaching, Appreciative Coaching, Acceptance and Commitment Coaching, and more. Throughout the course students will experiment with the different methodologies and ultimately formulate their own coaching approach—one that they can apply to helping themselves and others reach higher levels of wholebeing.

GHS 507

Happiness in
Literature & Film

Stories, throughout history and in every civilization, have moved individuals and nations—inspired real and meaningful change. Each week throughout the course students watch a film and then closely read a poem and a short story—all relating to one of the twelve wholebeing principles. The course explores ways that can help individuals and groups better understand, pursue and attain happiness.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in any subject
  • Entry term:
    Summer 1 2024
  • Application deadline:
    March 29, 2024
APPLY NOW >

Certificate in Happiness Studies Graduate

The MA includes the Introduction to Happiness Studies and the Facilitating Happiness courses that comprise the Certificate in Happiness Studies (CiHS). Graduates of the CiHS will retake the over-lapping classes but will get a full deduction from the MA price of the tuition they paid for the CiHS.

   APPLY NOW >   

Certificate in Happiness Studies Graduate

The MA includes the Introduction to Happiness Studies and the Facilitating Happiness courses that comprise the Certificate in Happiness Studies (CiHS).

Graduates of the CiHS will retake the over-lapping classes but will get a full deduction from the MA price of the tuition they paid for the CiHS.

   APPLY NOW >   

Career Path

Researcher · Consultant · Coach · Policy Analyst · Educator

In business, the principles of happiness studies can enhance an organization’s competitive advantage by creating a positive work culture that highlights employee wellbeing. This has been shown to increase productivity, creativity, job satisfaction, and to reduce absenteeism and turnover.

In education, incorporating happiness into the curriculum or using happiness-based teaching methods can improve student engagement, motivation, and academic performance.

In the social services, happiness interventions and trainings can be useful tools to help individuals overcome mental health challenges and to improve their overall wellbeing.

A Chief Happiness Officer focuses on creating and maintaining a positive and fulfilling work environment for employees. This may include developing and implementing programs and initiatives to promote wellbeing, such as stress management workshops, employee recognition programs, and work-life balance initiatives.

Career Path

Researcher · Consultant · Coach · Policy Analyst · Educator

In business, the principles of happiness studies can enhance an organization’s competitive advantage by creating a positive work culture that highlights employee wellbeing. This has been shown to increase productivity, creativity, job satisfaction, and to reduce absenteeism and turnover.

In education, incorporating happiness into the curriculum or using happiness-based teaching methods can improve student engagement, motivation, and academic performance.

In the social services, happiness interventions and trainings can be useful tools to help individuals overcome mental health challenges and to improve their overall wellbeing.

A Chief Happiness Officer focuses on creating and maintaining a positive and fulfilling work environment for employees. This may include developing and implementing programs and initiatives to promote wellbeing, such as stress management workshops, employee recognition programs, and work-life balance initiatives.

HSA Student & Alumni
Retreat 2023

Date: November 16 - 19
In Cartagena, Colombia

Exclusive for HSA Business & Alumni Club

Join HSA Community

HSA Student & Alumni
Retreat 2023

Date: November 16 - 19
In Cartagena, Colombia
Exclusive for HSA Business & Alumni Club

Join HSA Community

Interdisciplinary, Research based Science of Happiness

If happiness is indeed so central to human pursuits, then the academic establishment has an obligation to seriously and systematically study its nature, antecedents and consequences.

The collective wisdom generated between the times and places of the ancients and the moderns—by philosophers and psychologists, economists and theologians, biologists and educators—provides the foundation for the study and diffusion of happiness.  This collective wisdom forms the building blocks of the MA in happiness studies (MAHS).  In a similar way to existing degrees in economics, the MAHS degree focuses on both micro happiness (individuals and relationships) as well as macro happiness (organizations and nations).

The purpose of offering a degree in happiness studies is to provide students the opportunity to engage academically with that which William James refers to as “human life’s chief concern.”  By receiving a broad theoretical foundation coupled with applied, practical knowledge, students will become positive change agents, creating a better, happier world.

Start Your Application here for Fall 2023

This degree is offered in partnership with Centenary University.
Centenary University has a 150-year tradition of providing high quality liberal arts and professional studies while helping students gain the skills and connections they need to prosper in today's world.

Fully Accredited
(Middle States Commission on Higher Education - Feb 17, 2022)

   REQUEST INFORMATION >   

This degree is offered in partnership with Centenary University.
Centenary University has a 150-year tradition of providing high quality liberal arts and professional studies while helping students gain the skills and connections they need to prosper in today's world.

Fully Accredited
(Middle States Commission on Higher Education - Feb 17, 2022)

REQUEST INFORMATION

About The Dean of HSA

Dear Potential Student,

I am the director of the MA in Happiness Studies at Centenary University and the Happiness Studies Academy. I extend a heartfelt welcome to you as you consider joining our program and becoming the leader the world needs right now.

In a rapidly changing world, where challenges and uncertainties abound, it is crucial that we cultivate a deep understanding of happiness and wellbeing. Through our program, we will explore the transformative power of happiness, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful difference. Together, we can create a world where individuals thrive and communities flourish.

Our collective objective is to merge a solid theoretical foundation with practical knowledge to foster the skills necessary to co-create a better, happier world.

I am excited about the prospect of embarking on this journey together. The MA in Happiness Studies promises to be an intellectually stimulating and transformative experience. Join us on this incredible journey of personal growth, positive change, and the pursuit of a brighter future.

Yours sincerely,

Tal Ben-Shahar

Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar is the co-founder of the Happiness Studies
Academy, as well as the creator and instructor of the MA in Happiness Studies.  

After graduating from Harvard with a BA in Philosophy and Psychology and a PhD in Organizational Behavior, Tal taught two of the most popular courses in Harvard’s history: Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership. He also taught Happiness Studies at Columbia University.

He is an international, best- selling author whose books have been translated into more than 25 languages.  

Tal is a certified yoga instructor whose work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, ancient wisdom and modern technology, science and art.

Dear Potential Student,

I am the director of the MA in Happiness Studies at Centenary University and the Happiness Studies Academy. I extend a heartfelt welcome to you as you consider joining our program and becoming the leader the world needs right now.

In a rapidly changing world, where challenges and uncertainties abound, it is crucial that we cultivate a deep understanding of happiness and wellbeing. Through our program, we will explore the transformative power of happiness, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful difference. Together, we can create a world where individuals thrive and communities flourish.

Our collective objective is to merge a solid theoretical foundation with practical knowledge to foster the skills necessary to co-create a better, happier world.

I am excited about the prospect of embarking on this journey together. The MA in Happiness Studies promises to be an intellectually stimulating and transformative experience. Join us on this incredible journey of personal growth, positive change, and the pursuit of a brighter future.

Yours sincerely,

Tal Ben-Shahar

About The Dean of HSA

Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar is the co-founder of the Happiness Studies Academy, as well as the creator and instructor of the Certificate in Happiness Studies program.

After graduating from Harvard with a BA in Philosophy and Psychology and a PhD in Organizational Behavior, Tal taught two of the most popular courses in Harvard’s history: Positive Psychology and The Psychology ofLeadership, and currently teaches Happiness Studies at Columbia University.

He is an international, best- selling author whose books have been translated into more than 25 languages.

In addition to establishing The Happiness Studies Academy, he is also the co-founder of Potentialife and Happier.TV. Tal is a certified yoga instructor whose work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, ancient wisdom and modern technology, science and art.

Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar taught two of the most popular courses in Harvard University's history:
Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership. He co-founded the Happiness Studies Academy and is the creator and instructor of the MA in Happiness Studies. His books have been translated into over 30 languages and have appeared on best-seller lists around the world. Tal is a certified yoga instructor whose work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, ancient wisdom and modern technology, science and art.

Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar taught two of the most popular courses in Harvard University's history:
Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership. He co-founded the Happiness Studies Academy and is the creator and instructor of the MA in Happiness Studies. His books have been translated into over 30 languages and have appeared on best-seller lists around the world. Tal is a certified yoga instructor whose work bridges Eastern and Western traditions, ancient wisdom and modern technology, science
and art.

Please leave your details and we will get back to you with complete information.

   CONTACT US >