College Announces Graduate Degree in Thanatology

Madison, Wis. (April 13, 2022) – Edgewood College is now enrolling students in a new Master of Science in Thanatology program, which will begin in fall 2022. The new advanced degree is offered in a fully-online format.  The program will equip graduates to serve their communities and organizations as specialists who are knowledgeable about the dying and grieving process.

“This new program fits our mission well, and in a way we might not often think about,” Angela Salas, Vice President for Academic Affairs/Academic Dean, said. “Working toward a more just and compassionate world extends throughout our time on this earth. Fostering competent and compassionate specialists to support families during times of vulnerability is a meaningful expression of that work.”

Janet McCord, Ph.D., F.T., (pictured) is a nationally-known expert in the field of Thanatology, and will serve as Director of the new program.

“Graduate education in Thanatology can offer students a broad and balanced palette of the knowledge and skills to humanize dying, and normalize grief responses,” Dr. McCord said. “Those delivering care for families at these difficult times often lack a breadth of knowledge about dying and grieving, and have not often reflected critically on their own mortality. In a death-averse and death-denying culture this leads to poor communication between caregivers and families.”

The curriculum is designed to prepare individuals to create, implement, and provide non-medical support services for the dying and the bereaved. 
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