Andrew Campbell
- Associate Professor of Counseling
- Core Faculty, Master's in Counseling (Clinical and School)
The thanatology certificate is one of the few and best in the United States. Coursework specifically prepares individuals to work with the terminally ill and the bereaved, as well as provide death education.
Tuition & Fees
Funding Opportunities
Download Thanatology Brochure
Hood’s unique interdisciplinary approach affords a combination of theory, research and practical skills that can be used in a broad range of occupations and organizations. Students examine the interplay among the physical, psychological, interpersonal and spiritual needs of the living and the dying across the lifespan.
The certificate increases understanding and proficiency for those working in the funeral industry, hospice, hospitals, nursing homes and other health care environments. It appeals to graduate students embarking on new careers and to psychologists, social workers, counselors and teachers who want to expand into this area. Content conforms to Association for Death Education and Counseling benchmarks for certification, a credential that can further validate career professionalism and commitment.
The 12-credit certificate program is for professionals in the thanatology field and those already licensed or certified in human service fields, as well as those looking for personal enrichment. Evening and weekend classes accommodate working professionals, while our fully online format offers convenience and flexibility.
Please note that graduate certificate programs are now eligible for loans.
Hood College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Students applying to the certificate in thanatology program are required to:
Transfer credit policy for admitted students
Students may transfer a maximum of 6 graduate credits from an external, accredited institution, or another Hood graduate program prior to the first semester of study in the current program. Please review the full graduate transfer credit policy in the College catalog.
COUN 521 | Grief, Mourning and Bereavement | 3.0 |
COUN 523 | Principles of Thanatology | 3.0 |
COUN 528 | Developmental Perspectives in Thanatology | 3.0 |
COUN 529 | Historical and Multicultural Perspectives in Thanatology | 3.0 |
Successful completion of the certificate requires a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The certificate in thanatology program is designed to conform to the education requirements of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) for those persons interested in becoming certified as thanatologists.
Program Director
Director of Graduate Admission
"The thanatology program at Hood allowed me to switch careers and to redirect my time, energy, and self into something that felt meaningful"
"My thanatology degree coupled with my military background prepared me well to hit the ground running in my position as the first Veteran Liaison for Frederick Health Hospice"
Elsie Weinstein earned her thanatology degree from Hood and came back a few years later for her counseling degree.