Death, Dying, and Bereavement Studies Certificate of Proficiency
The Certificate in Death, Dying, and Bereavement Studies offers students a comprehensive exploration of how societies understand and respond to mortality. Through coursework in American funeral and burial history, comparative religious beliefs about death and the afterlife, and psychological perspectives on grief and end-of-life processes, students gain a multidisciplinary understanding of both cultural practices and lived human experiences. This certificate equips students with knowledge valuable for professional fields such as healthcare, counseling, chaplaincy, social work, ministry, mental health and funeral services.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:- Analyze the historical development of the American death industry and burial practices.
- Compare and interpret religious and cultural beliefs about death, dying, and the afterlife.
- Demonstrate culturally competent communication and reflective awareness when engaging with topics related to death, grief, and end-of-life experiences.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HIST-172 | U.S History of Death, Dying, & Afterlife | 3 |
| RELG-145 | Religion, Death, and the Afterlife | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Death and Dying in Literature | ||
| Bioethics | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Total Units | 9 | |
Any student who chooses to complete the requirements listed above qualifies for a Certificate of Proficiency in Death, Dying and Bereavement Studies. An official request must be filed with the Admissions and Records Office before the deadline as stated in the Academic Calendar.