Best institutions to study Thanatology
Compare 2 U.S. colleges offering Thanatology by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 2 states.
About Thanatology programs
Thanatology is the scientific study of death and the associated losses, exploring both the biological and psychological aspects of mortality. This interdisciplinary program is designed for students interested in understanding the complexities of death, including its mechanisms and the social implications surrounding it. It is offered at various colleges and universities, providing a comprehensive framework for those seeking to deepen their knowledge in this unique field.
Students in Thanatology will develop essential skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication. Coursework covers a range of topics, including psychology, administration, and customer service, equipping graduates with the knowledge needed to navigate the multifaceted nature of death and dying.
Top 2 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
Offered across 2 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusettslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 11-9151, Social and Community Service Managers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of Thanatology can pursue a variety of careers related to death and bereavement services. The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth rate of 6.4% and approximately 18,600 annual openings. Median wages in the field are around $78,240, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Thanatology
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 30.53.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 30.53 (Thanatology) maps to 8 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managersprimary |
| 21-1019 | Counselors, All Other |
| 21-1022 | Healthcare Social Workers |
| 21-2021 | Directors, Religious Activities and Education |
| 21-2099 | Religious Workers, All Other |
| 25-1066 | Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other |
| 39-4031 | Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Thanatology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Establish and oversee administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management.
- Direct activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers.
- Evaluate the work of staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are of appropriate quality and that resources are used effectively.
- Participate in the determination of organizational policies regarding such issues as participant eligibility, program requirements, and program benefits.
- Prepare and maintain records and reports, such as budgets, personnel records, or training manuals.
- Provide direct service and support to individuals or clients, such as handling a referral for child advocacy issues, conducting a needs evaluation, or resolving complaints.
Concentrations within Thanatology
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- ThanatologyCIP 30.5301
A program of study that focuses on the biological, philosophical, psychological, sociological, and theological aspects of death, dying, and bereavement
Common questions
What is Thanatology?+
Thanatology is the scientific study of death and the losses associated with it.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
You will learn critical thinking, active listening, communication, and knowledge in psychology and administration.
What is the job outlook for Thanatology graduates?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with a growth rate of 6.4% and 18,600 annual openings.
What is the typical education required for a career in Thanatology?+
A Bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level positions in this field.
What is the CIP code for Thanatology?+
Thanatology maps to CIP 30.53 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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