Explore one of the most compassionate and meaningful fields of study with Marian University’s Bachelor of Science in Thanatology—a 100% online degree designed to help you understand and support individuals and families facing death, loss, and grief. Our program offers flexible 7-week courses with multiple start dates throughout the year, making it a great fit for adult learners balancing life, work, and education.

Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, you’ll gain insight into the psychological, cultural, social, and emotional dimensions of end-of-life experiences and bereavement. You’ll develop the empathetic communication skills, cultural awareness, and trauma-informed understanding needed to make a real difference in careers such as grief support, hospice care, funeral service, social work, and more.

At Marian, you’ll learn from experienced practitioners and build the knowledge and confidence to serve others with dignity and compassion in challenging moments of life.