Deepen your understanding of death, dying, loss, and grief with Marian University’s 100% online Master of Science in Thanatology—a graduate program designed for professionals who want to make a meaningful impact in end-of-life care, bereavement support, and related fields. Thanatology combines psychology, sociology, ethics, spirituality, and cultural perspectives to prepare you to support individuals and families facing some of life’s most challenging moments.

Built for working adults and delivered in flexible online 7-week courses, this program equips you with practical knowledge and compassionate practice you can apply in healthcare, hospice, counseling, faith communities, nonprofit organizations, and beyond. With expert faculty guiding you and opportunities for applied capstone projects tailored to your goals, you’ll gain the skills to lead, support, and transform care for those confronting loss and transitions.

Whether you’re seeking to advance in your current career or pivot into meaningful work in grief care and support, Marian’s Thanatology degree prepares you to approach your vocation with confidence, depth, and purpose. Additionally, students can pursue an emphasis track in Child and Family; Social Justice; Transpersonal; Pediatric Palliative and Hospice; General Thanatology Practitioner; or Death Doula.