Pastoral Thanatology Degree (Master of Pastoral Thanatology)
Thanatology is the study of death and its various social and psychological aspects. This field is gaining popularity with increasing demand for educated and skilled people in thanatology. It is fast becoming a highly rewarding field. A pastoral thanatologist has good knowledge of different issues related to death and the passing of a parishioner. They assist in the pastoral care and other spiritual support programs conducted by the churches. They are also needed in pastoral care and in providing care for the dying and their family. A number of universities now offer pastoral thanatology degree programs. During these programs, students learn about death and dying issues, mourning and sociology of dying. They are also taught about various issues associated with end of life, needs of the dying, spiritualism, culture, ethics, etc.
Breyer State University - Online Master of Pastoral Thanatology
Breyer State University - Online Master of Pastoral Thanatology program consists of 60 semester hours. The combined bachelors and masters program offered by the university consists of 146 semester hours.
The master level courses consist of 60 semester hours and include Cultural Issues in Death and Dying (10 hrs), Ethics in Pastoral Care (10 hrs), Pastoral Care of Families (10 hrs), Spirituality in Pastoral Counseling (10 hrs) and Pastoral Care of the Dying Practicum (20 hrs).
A student gets 10 weeks’ time to complete an online course. If a student wants the time limit to be extended, permission of the instructor is required. All the courses can be completed online with the help of computer and internet.
A student needs to have a bachelor degree in religious studies, pastoral counseling, Christian studies, etc., to get admission in the masters program.
This program is recognized by the American Academy of Grief Counseling. Students after completing the program can apply for the certification as a Certified Pastoral Thanatologist, through the Academy.
The program allows students to transfer college credits/ courses earned previously during their college programs to this program.
Career Options Available for a Master of Pastoral Thanatology
Different job options after completing a masters degree in pastoral thanatology include working as a pastoral counselor, thanatologist, and hospice support consultant. Working as a grief support minister or death/ dying educator are other good options.
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