Marian University (Wisconsin) has reduced tuition for its online Master of Science and certificates in Thanatology to $550 per credit, creating a more affordable pathway for students interested in studying death, dying, grief, and bereavement while preparing for careers that support individuals and families during life’s most difficult moments.
The tuition reduction reflects Marian University’s commitment to making specialized graduate education accessible to professionals working in fields such as healthcare, hospice, counseling, ministry, funeral service, and social services.
“Professionals who work with individuals and families experiencing loss play a critical role in our communities,” Dr. Alan Johnson, Vice President of Academic Affairs, said. “Lowering tuition allows more students to pursue meaningful graduate education in thanatology and apply that knowledge to compassionate care and support.”
Thanatology is the interdisciplinary study of death, dying, grief, and loss. The field focuses on helping individuals and communities understand and cope with significant life events such as the death of a loved one, terminal illness, suicide, or traumatic loss.
Marian University’s 30-credit Master of Science in Thanatology program is delivered 100% online, allowing working professionals to complete coursework from anywhere while balancing careers and family responsibilities. Students typically complete the degree in about two years and engage in seven-week courses designed for adult learners.
The curriculum provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary exploration of end-of-life issues, including topics such as palliative and hospice care, suicide prevention, cultural and spiritual perspectives on death, ethical decision-making at the end of life, trauma-informed grief support, and program development and community education.
Students also complete an applied capstone project that allows them to create a practical initiative, such as a community program, grant proposal, or educational workshop that supports individuals experiencing grief and loss. Graduates of Marian’s program work in a wide range of settings including hospitals, hospices, funeral services, churches, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions.
Marian also offers both a graduate certificate and a post-graduate certificate in Thanatology. These certificates complement existing careers or assist in pivoting into meaningful work supporting grieving individuals and communities.
The program’s curriculum aligns with the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) Body of Knowledge, preparing graduates to sit for the professional certification exam in thanatology.
By lowering tuition to $550 per credit, Marian University aims to remove financial barriers and expand access to education for professionals seeking advanced training in grief support, end-of-life care, and bereavement services.
“Our goal is to provide an affordable option for students who feel called to this important work,” the university noted. “Through this program, students gain the knowledge, skills, and professional network needed to support individuals and communities navigating loss.”
For more information about the Master of Science in Thanatology or to apply, visit https://www.marianuniversity.edu/online-programs/master-of-science-in-thanatology/
