This program in bereavement studies is intended to educate learners from all walks of life in the area of death, loss, and bereavement. Graduates of this program may sit for the U.S. Certification in Thanatology, which allows the individual to become credentialed as a Certified Thanatologist. Individuals with this specialization can work in areas such as palliative and hospice care, geriatric facilities, post death services, spiritual counseling, hospitals, mental health, community health, educational settings, and rehabilitation centers, to name just a few. Others may wish to take individual courses for continuing education units. The Certificate in Bereavement Studies consists of eight courses for a total of 36 graduate credits and includes the following:
Introduction to Bereavement Studies
Designed to provide learners with the basic concepts of bereavement theory. This course is the prerequisite for all other courses in the certificate program.
Assessment and Treatment of Bereavement
Provides learners with skills in assessment and treatment for complicated and uncomplicated bereavement responses.
Culture and Bereavement
Explores the expression of bereavement in different cultures. Topics include acceptable and abnormal bereavement responses within the cultural context, identification of culturally formed bereavement interventions and dynamics, and psychosocial aspects of loss.
Bereavement Across the Lifespan
Examines the unique nature and treatment of bereavement in various age groups including children, adolescents, adults, and the geriatric populations, and the differences between male and female response patterns.
The Dying Patient and the Family
Explores the unique nature of the anticipated death. Topics include an exploration of the complications arising from systems in which the family is embedded, family dynamics and the bereavement process, and integrative treatments for the dying and bereaved, among others.
Bereavement and Spirituality
Explores different religious and spiritual beliefs related to death and dying.
Bereavement in the Workplace
Introduces the learner to the unique nature of loss within the workplace, and allows students to develop an interdisciplinary treatment plan for application within the workplace.
Independent Study
Restricted to individuals enrolled for graduate credit, students, with guidance from faculty, complete a major research paper on a topic in bereavement studies.
The National University System Center for Integrative Health is a member of the National University System.