Master of Science in Thanatology

Program Overview

Edgewood College's Master of Science in Thanatology prepares students for careers in supporting the dying and bereaved. The program emphasizes compassionate care, diversity, and social justice, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills to work in hospices, hospitals, faith communities, and other settings. The 100% online format allows for flexible completion in two years or less. Graduates are prepared to contribute to positive change in the field of thanatology.

Program Outline

Master of Science in Thanatology - Edgewood College

Degree Overview:

• Overview: This program prepares students for employment or volunteer work in various settings where care for the dying and/or grieving is crucial.
This includes hospices, hospitals, faith communities, non-profit organizations, grief centers, organ and tissue procurement organizations, funeral homes, death education for businesses, and academic settings.

Outline:

• Program Length: 30 credits, typically completed in 2 years or less.
• Course Format: 100% asynchronous online, delivered in full 16-week (12 weeks in summer) semesters.
• Curriculum:
• Core Courses:
• Introduction to Thanatology
• Applications in Thanatological Theory
• Family Systems and Thanatology
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice in Thanatology
• Spiritual Dimensions of Care in Thanatology
• Ethics in Death and Dying
• Developmental Thanatology: Research Methods Across the Lifespan
• Elective Courses (choose 9 credits):
• Developmental Perspectives in Thanatology: Children, Teens, and Emerging Adults
• Developmental Perspectives in Thanatology: Middle to Older Adulthood
• Hospice & Palliative Care at the End of Life
• Suicidology
• Suicide and Children, Teens, and Young Adults
• Traumatology
• Complicated Grief
• Death and the Creative Imagination

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Writing assignments requiring critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
• Participation in discussions and other online activities.
• Completion of individual and group projects.
• Assessment Criteria:
• Knowledge and understanding of thanatology concepts and theories.
• Ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and writing skills.
• Compassion and empathy.

Teaching:

• Teaching Philosophy:
• Transformational and constructivist approach, emphasizing active engagement and student-constructed knowledge.
• Learner-centered teaching with a focus on cross-cultural and international perspectives.
• Development of effective learning communities.
• Lifelong mentoring from experienced faculty.
• Faculty:
• Highly qualified and experienced thanatologists with expertise in diverse areas like grief counseling, death education, and suicide prevention.
• Strong commitment to student success and active engagement in the field.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Bereavement program coordinator
• Grief counselor
• Hospital bereavement support staff
• Funeral director
• Faith community bereavement program developer
• Healthcare professional working with the dying and bereaved
• Death educator in colleges and universities, businesses, or communities
• Organ and tissue procurement coordinator
• Career Opportunities:
• Hospices, hospitals, faith communities, funeral homes, non-profit organizations, universities, community colleges, and more.
• Career Outcomes:
• Graduates are prepared to work with individuals and families facing death, grief, and loss in various settings.
• They can contribute to the development and implementation of compassionate and effective support programs.
• They are equipped to advocate for better care for the dying and bereaved, contributing to positive change in the field of thanatology.

Other:

• Accreditation: Edgewood College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
• Program Alignment: The curriculum is aligned with the ADEC (Association for Death Education and Counseling) Essential Body of Knowledge.
• Financial Aid: Available for eligible students through Federal Stafford Loans and other options.