Interdisciplinary Minor in Thanatology
University Requirements
- Undergraduate students may declare a "minor" in thanatology (study of loss, death, and grief). Requirements may be satisfied by completing 18 or more credits of interdisciplinary studies related to thanatology. To declare a minor, a student must have approval of a faculty advisor, competent in thanatology, and the student's academic dean. A student's approved minor(s) will be listed on the student's academic record after graduation.
- At least 12 of the 18 credits required for the minor shall be at the 200 level or above. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 must be earned in the 18 or more credits required for the minor.
- At least half of the credits required for a minor must be earned at the University of Rhode Island.
- No course may be used to apply to both major and minor fields of study. Courses in general education may be used for the minor. Course in the minor may not be taken under the pass-fail grade option.
- Applications for a minor must be filed in the academic dean's office no later than the beginning of the student's final semester.
- College of Business Administration students need the approval of the Scholastic Standing Committee for interdepartmental minors.
- Approval of a minor does not guarantee space in any course required for the minor.
Course Requirements in Thanatology
Students are required to take two courses in thanatology (6 credits); one course in communication, counseling, gerontology, or psychology (3 credits); and one course in ethics, philosophy, or religion (3 credits). The remaining courses (6 credits) may be selected from these and other related areas, decided in conjunction with the faculty advisor. The courses under each category are listed under course descriptions.
Students should develop their plan of study in the minor with their faculty advisors and submit their plan to Professor Carolyn Hames in the College of Nursing, White Hall, (chames@uri.edu; 401-874-5330 or 401-874-2813) at the beginning of their program of study. Forms for the minor can be obtained in the offices of the Registrar or the student’s Dean. A completed form must be filed with the Dean no later than the beginning of the student's final semester. The signature of Professor Hames and the student's Dean are required on the form.
