Thanatology, Certificate

Program Director: Erik Messinger, Ph.D.; [e-mail]; 301-696-3760

The Certificate Program in Thanatology is intended for individuals working in the field of thanatology who seek career augmentation, and for professionals already licensed or certified in human service fields who wish to obtain specific preparation in thanatology. The certificate program deepens a student’s understanding of the impact of death on the individual and society and prepares the student to meet the special needs of the bereaved, and of the terminally ill and their families. This certificate program is also available to students enrolled in the Counseling or Human Behavior master’s programs.

Application Requirements

Submit one official transcript reflecting the highest degree conferred.

Requirements for the Certificate

Required:

COUN 521	Grief, Mourning and Bereavement	3.0
COUN 523	Principles of Thanatology	3.0
COUN 528	Developmental Perspectives in Thanatology	3.0
COUN 529	Historical and Multicultural Perspectives in Thanatology	3.0

Successful completion of the certificate requires a minimum GPA of 3.00

The Certificate in Thanatology program is designed to conform to the education requirements of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) for those persons interested in becoming certified as thanatologists.