Madonna University has an educational mission of instilling Christian humanistic values and intellectual inquiry along with the Franciscan ideal of ministering and serving others.

To enhance the University mission and ideals, the Department of Hospice and Palliative Studies faculty believe in the Hospice Philosophy as defined by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. In accordance with this belief, the program prepares students to serve diverse populations during the terminal phase of life and to perform effectively as members of a transdisciplinary team whose goal is to enhance the quality of life by focusing on the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the hospice patient and family.

The Graduate Certificate in Hospice and Palliative Studies program provides students with a strong foundation in the core concepts and philosophy of interdisciplinary hospice care. Through the five core courses within the graduate curriculum, students may supplement an existing graduate degree or further studies through advanced work within the field of hospice and palliative care.