At any university, professors are an integral part of maintaining a good department and connecting with the community. At Centenary University, Dr. Christine Floether of the Psychology department is a notable example. While explaining her journey with the field of psychology, Floether also discusses the newly added and intriguing degree option of Master of Arts in Happiness Studies.

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Q: Why did you decide to study Psychology?

A: I had originally thought I was going to be an early education teacher, but when I had my first psychology course, I realized that I wanted to learn more about human development and why we think, act, and respond the way each of us do. I wanted to help children who had been traumatized in some way to help them change the trajectory of their lives.

Q: Why do you believe that Psychology is an important field?

A: Psychology is important in helping us understand human behavior. Why we do what we do, and from a developmental point of view, what is typical for a person at any stage of life. Psychology opens the understanding to this, and if we have this understanding, we can help others on an individual basis, on an organizational basis and on a policy basis. I firmly believe that everyone in college should have to take at least one psychology course to help them understand themselves as well as others.

Q: Before becoming a professor here at Centenary, what was your occupation?

A: Before being at Centenary, I was a clinical counselor at a residential home for adolescent girls. My caseload was comprised of girls who were traumatized in some way and were also developmentally delayed with a variety of mental health issues and disorders. I worked there for about 12 years.

Q: After studying here at Centenary, what led you to come back to teach?

A: I believe in Centenary’s mission and its purpose. I love the family feel of Centenary and its desire to stay small and keep our students engaged long after graduation. I had thought of teaching at a larger university but did not like the atmosphere of the larger classes. I feel that Centenary allows me the opportunity to get to know my students.

Q: When was the Happiness Studies program conceptualized?

A: Happiness Studies began two years ago, and we were in talks for the integration for about one year prior to that. It is the first of its kind in the United States as Happiness Studies and is generally subsumed by positive psychology, and in this case, it is a stand-alone examination of making our own happiness and contentment in the world.

Q: What careers could one go into with a degree in happiness?

A: A degree in happiness can lead to other careers. As a Master’s degree, you cannot be licensed or sit for the examination to be a counselor. However, it would be a great addition to a Master’s in Counseling. Many of the students in the Master’s program work as life coaches or business supervisors/management. Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar explains that this program will open a lot of doors in a variety of organizations and businesses.

Q: Why should students consider taking a happiness course or majoring in happiness?

A: Majoring in Happiness, or taking classes in the study of happiness, will enable a student to examine their perspective on the concept of happiness and how to make their own happiness in life. It will help their outlook on life, it will benefit them in relationships as well.

Someone who endeavors in this major will be able to conduct research on the topic of happiness and the intersection in the world. Dr. Ben-Shahar has discussed the role that happiness plays in recovery, and a program could be called Recovery to Happiness. While the study of this subject will not make you happier, it will give you the tools to explore the concept and your own well-being.

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The Cyclone Chronicle encourages students to learn more about happiness studies and take the course to continue growth in the area of psychology here at Centenary.