I was surprised to see a news story on the internet about universities offering majors in happiness studies.

At least one college, Centenary University in northwest New Jersey, is now offering a master’s degree in happiness studies.

The University of Miami is offering a certificate in happiness studies and even Harvard includes classes in happiness studies.

A positive psychology class is one of the most popular courses in Harvard’s history.

I can understand the importance of practical happiness studies because one’s happiness affects every aspect of life. But I’m surprised at seeing the sudden proliferation of an entire major based on happiness studies.

Until I gave it some thought, I didn’t realize what a far-reaching subject it is. Nor did I realize the complexity of the subject.

I tend to agree with my friend Fran who believes making our own happiness is based on our mindset.

“If we are determined to be happy, we will be,” she says.

Fran’s life has had more ups and downs than a merry-go-round ride, but through every trial she maintains her positive attitude. As a result, she claims to always be a happy person.

My friend Marion strongly disagrees. “It’s ‘garbage thinking’ to believe our happiness is based on our mindset,” she says. She doesn’t believe we can be happy just by saying we will be.

“A lot of happiness is circumstantial,” she says. “It depends on your circumstances in life.

“If you lost your job and you’re at home dying of loneliness, there is no way you can be happy just by telling yourself you are,” she says.

No, but there are certainly ways we can improve our situation.

Scientists tell us that yes, it’s possible to change our happiness levels - for good.

The happiness seminars explore various ways to facilitate happiness, including adjusting our thoughts and actions.

That’s just another way of saying we can, indeed, help ourselves have a happier life, isn’t it?

If we sit alone at the kitchen table doing nothing except drowning in our negative feelings, it’s hard to feel uplifted in any way.

Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a leading researcher, teacher and author in the science of happiness, seems to agree that just thinking about being happier will not make it happen. He says it takes personal action.

In his happiness seminars he says instead of sitting there thinking you need to be happier, take one concrete action to make it happen.

“Research shows one of the best ways to be happier is to spend quality time with people we care about,” he says.

If that isn’t possible, he recommends taking action to learn meditation or put more physical activity in your life. Even walking in a tranquil setting is beneficial.

“The important thing is to set a goal and do it. It doesn’t have to be a big goal - just something that will get you started in taking action,” he said.

Dr. Tal is one of the many professionals who believe in the power of positive psychology.

Way back in 1952 Normal Vincent Peale wrote the book “The Power of Positive Thinking.” It sold 15 million books, was translated into 42 languages and is still a top selling audio book.

The book taught us how to believe in ourselves and take control of our life by controlling our thoughts and changing our attitude.

It was a strong testimony to the power of positive thinking.

Now, more than 70 years later, positive psychology is one of the most popular motivational seminars and many colleges are offering courses in positive psychology.

There are strong reasons why positive thinking continues to draw believers.

Mayo Clinic says intensive research shows positive thinking brings about physical changes as well as mental ones.

Positive thinking, say the scientists, gives us a better immune system, an increased life span, better cardiovascular health and lower levels of stress.

No wonder positive psychology keeps growing as a popular field of interest.

We all have a personal interest in knowing more about happiness.

Why else would the self-help books on happiness keep expanding and colleges make happiness a field of study?

For many years my brother and I had a running debate about personal happiness. Richard used to tell me he would be happier if he had more money.

I told him money doesn’t bring happiness. Some of the richest, most successful people I know are not happy.

Sounding like the character of Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof,” Richard said he would like the chance to test that.

Well, later he did find complete happiness after he rehabbed an old cabin in the mountains and started spending time there. He found his joy in nature, something that remains his passion.

I really enjoy my phone conversations with him because he is so happy with his life. He’s a joy to be around. And it didn’t take money.

Through the years I’ve learned I can, indeed, control my happiness to a great extent. When I find myself getting off track, I renew my sense of gratitude because it’s impossible to be grateful and unhappy at the same time.

Right now positive psychology is a hot subject and the internet is loaded with happiness studies and suggestions for how to have a happier life.

At the very least, it makes fascinating reading.

Contact Pattie Mihalik at newsgirl@comcast.net.