Tyndale University
Thanatology Programs
Thanatology is the study of grief, bereavement, death and dying. This growing discipline explores the grieving process, ethical issues surrounding death and dying, cultural, gender and societal attitudes towards death, the issues facing both the dying and the bereaved, and the place of ritual and memorialization. Tyndale offers several Thanatology graduate level programs.
Master of Divinity
Pastoral Thanatology
Tyndale’s MDiv is a three-year professional ministry degree that provides you with knowledge and skills to be an effective and holistic ministry leader.
- 3 Year Program
- 27 Courses
- Internship Required
- Leads to Certification†
- Available Fully Online‡
- MDiv Program Details
- Admissions Requirements
- Apply Online
Master of Arts
Thanatology
Tyndale's MA programs robustly address the needs of students and future employers in a changing world.
- 2 Year Program
- 18 Courses
- Program-Specific Admissions Requirements
- Internship Required
- Leads to Certification†
- Available Fully Online‡
- MA Program Details
- Admissions Requirements
- Apply Online
Post-Graduate Diploma
Pastoral Thanatology
Tyndale’s Post-Graduate Diploma builds upon a qualifying master’s degree to help you gain the requirements for the Certified Thanatologist Pastoral Specialist (CTPS) designation.
- 1-1.5 Year Program
- 7 Courses
- Qualifying Master's Degree Required
- Internship Required
- Leads to Certification†
- Available Fully Online‡
- Post-Graduate Diploma Details
- Admissions Requirements
- Apply Online
Doctor of Ministry
Pastoral Thanatology
Tyndale's DMin is an in-ministry degree program is designed to enhance your spiritual, intellectual and professional abilities in Christian ministry.
- 3.5 Year Program
- 12 Courses
- Post-DMin Certificate Option Also Available
- Qualifying Master's Degree Required
- Internship not required unless seeking Certification
- May lead to Certification†
- Distance Learning + On-Campus Residency‡
- DMin Program Details
- Admissions Requirements
- Apply Online
† Certification and Internship
Certification
To earn the Certified Thanatologist Pastoral Specialist (CTPS) designation, students must fulfill Tyndale's Thanatology program requirements, including a minimum of six courses and a 260-hour internship.
Internship
- Completion of the MDiv, MA, and Post-Graduate Diploma Thanatology Programs requires an internship
- DMin and Post-DMin Certificate students seeking the Certified Thanatologist Pastoral Specialist (CTPS) designation must also fulfill internship hours
‡ Study Online
- You can complete the MDiv, MA and Post-Graduate Diploma programs fully online
- Courses may have in-person options with synchronous online learning
- Courses may be fully online with synchronous or asynchronous formats
- The Doctor of Ministry degree is completed in a cohort model with 12 sequenced courses over three years, including annual distance learning and residency phases:
- The Distance Learning phase includes reading, writing, research, reflection, application, and collaboration primarily supported by teachers, personal growth coaches, and research portfolio advisors
- The Residency phase includes two weeks in June and one week in January – includes worship and prayer, lectures, plenary discussions, group activities, small group meetings, and individual work
CCPC Global
The Canadian Council of Professional Certification certifies qualified individuals in Thanatology (Death, Dying, Grief, and Bereavement) as a recognized certifying body. Learn more about Certification and Internship Requirements.
Concentration in Pastoral Thanatology
MDiv, MTS and Graduate Diploma students may use their elective courses to complete a four-course concentration in Pastoral Thanatology.
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