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What is Funeral Service and Mortuary Science?

Funeral service is ceremony for honoring, sanctifying, respecting, and remembering the life of a person who has passed away.  Funeral services the various rites, rituals, and ceremonies that are performed to memorialize a person who has died.  A funeral service is a service held to commemorate those no longer with us with the body present.  A memorial service, on the other hand, is a service that is held without the presence of the deceased.  Both a funeral service and memorial service are ceremonies that attend to the needs of the living by providing an opportunity to honor, grieve, and celebrate the lives of those no longer living in a socially acceptable setting.

Mortuary science is a field of study focused on work with deceased bodies.  The term mortuary science is often affiliated with the study of dead bodies in an academic sense.  Students studying mortuary science will be trained to step into roles as morticians, funeral directors, or embalmers.

Both funeral service and mortuary science are disciplines that are related services and sciences associated with death.  As such, both may be combined by colleges into a singular educational track preparing for a career in the mortuary field.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$88,970

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

58.35%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

65,330

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Funeral Service and Mortuary Science Degree

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is one of the most prestigious public research universities across the nation. Since its founding in 1851, the university didn’t fail in providing quality higher education, outstanding research, and world-class faculty that contributed life-changing inventions; the university offers 150 undergraduate majors, 550+ graduate and professional degrees, and home to over 50,000+ passionate students, 20,000 dedicated faculty and staff.

Medical School in University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a top ranked Mortuary Science degree for students who want to pursue an advanced and extensive training in the medical field. The program aims to train students to be well-knowledgeable in managing funeral service proficiently, and appropriately, and to effectively prepare human remains. The program will be conducted with the supervision of trained, experienced and licensed instructors, to help students gain and develop the necessary skills, and in-depth understanding in the field. The program is accredited by The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), The National Funeral Directors Association, etc. 

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Point Park University started as a small business training college in 1933, and has grown and developed by 1960, expanded and soon established a number of different degree programs throughout the years. Now, the university is home to nearly 4,000 full- and part-time students, with 87 undergraduate programs and 13 graduate programs. 

Bachelor of Science in Funeral Service is offered in Point Park University. Students who are interested in this field of study may have two options to select a specific field, one is, Traditional (3-1) Bachelor of Science Degree, in which you will be required to three years of study in the university and followed by a year of study at Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Second is, Bachelor of Science Capstone Program – requiring completing 36 credits at Point Park, and mostly offered to students who have completed a 20-month Associate in Specialized Business degree in Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Students who will pursue this field of study will have a well-rounded education and training in the funeral service major, providing the students an in-depth understanding in different aspects of this field, and real-world experience. 

Acceptance Rate

73.11

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Gannon University is a catholic, liberal arts university and provides excellent quality of higher education since its founding in 1925. It offers 66 bachelor degree programs, 9 Pre-Professional Programs, a number of associate’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs.

Top-rated Mortuary Science program is one of the programs offered under the Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences. Students who want to pursue a career in the field may take this program and be trained in different aspects/areas. With conformed life science, social sciences, and business aspects, students will be provided excellent training, and knowledge in this field; Gannon’s mortuary science prepares students to enter a licensed mortuary school for extensive training, in the senior year. Students will gain in-depth knowledge in the essentials of anatomy and physiology of the human body, will have the opportunity to meet professional bereavement counselors, palliative care organizations, and funeral homes. This program enables aspiring students to have a number career opportunities in various areas, whether it be in funeral home management, become a bereavement counselor, coroner, or hospice care professional, and more. 

Acceptance Rate

75.52

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale was founded in 1869 and was the state’s second teachers college, it is a flagship campus of the Southern Illinois University that has a strong, dedicated service in providing excellent quality for higher education. The university developed, acknowledged and classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching due to its exemplary research activities; the university is now home to more than 14,000 students. 

Mortuary Science in SIU-Carbondale is under the School of Health and Sciences, students who are interested in expanding their knowledge and skills in the medical field and funeral service may take advantage of this program. The program prepares students to achieve academic and professional competency in the field by providing quality, extensive instruction technique. To ensure that training and teaching are in trend and applicable in the modern methods of the profession. The program is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education and graduates of this program will have vast career opportunities, may it be a professional embalmer, funeral service director, or be in a private sector. 

Acceptance Rate

66.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

John A Gupton College was established in 1946, and since then offered a program of study of Mortuary Science, leading to a diploma course program. Boasting its academic excellence in the field, and modernized facility, the college is dedicated to help students pursue other degrees, and of those who wish to continue their path in funeral service; this accredited college opens doors of opportunities for students. 

 

There are three courses offered in a Funeral Service degree in John A Gupton College. The Associate of Arts Degree in Funeral Service, requires a total of 62 semester hours to graduate, the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service is offered online, a web-based program which requires students a total of 60 semester hours to graduate. Lastly, the Funeral Director Certificate which requires students a total of 30 semester hours to graduate. These programs provide students with in-depth knowledge in different aspects of this study, and extensive training to fully acquire and develop necessary skills in this field. This program is accredited by The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, leading to vast career opportunities for students who have completed the programs. 

Acceptance Rate

82.5

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of Central Oklahoma was founded in 1890, and has long been committed to excellent quality of higher education, succeeding in giving the students extensive learning experience expanding and dedicated to development and innovation. The renowned university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Associations of Colleges and Schools. Nearly 15,000 students, 122 undergraduate degree programs and 78 graduate programs. 

Under the College of Mathematics and Science is the Department of Funeral Service. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in Funeral Service, or professional funeral director/embalmer/funeral home owner may take advantage of this program to get in-depth knowledge and training in the field. Experienced and licensed instructors will teach and train the students with extensive learning and hands-on technique for a life-changing, and skill-developing experience. The program aims for the students to develop necessary skills and knowledge, gain critical thinking skills, and proper decorum once they are dealing with real-life challenges in managing funerals. 

Acceptance Rate

84.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Associate Degree in Funeral Service at FINE Mortuary College offers students a comprehensive academic and hands-on training, for the students to meet qualifications and requirements as funeral service practitioners. The program will be conducted by expert and licensed instructors, both in in-class lectures, and lab activities/training; enabling students to get knowledge and techniques from the experts. This program prepares students to acquire and develop skills that are necessary in the field. To have an in-depth understanding with the responsibilities and ethics a professional funeral director must impose, and to hone critical thinking skills to face real-life challenges in managing funerals. Students will also learn the regulations that must be complied when running a funeral service business, and/or managing a funeral.   Learn more about the FMC difference today by requesting admissions information about the school’s high quality programs.  

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc. have been providing training for students who are interested in entering funeral service careers since 1939. It has developed and expanded greatly over the years and has acquired a number of extensive courses in Science. 

In Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc., students will be provided a comprehensive training and laboratory experience. Students who want to pursue a career in the field will be supervised by a licensed instructor and will earn more practical experience in preparing human remains than most other programs. As well as with Funeral directing, students will be given ‘real-world’ experience while learning and facing the challenges of a funeral director; students are trained with a licensed instructor in how to handle paperwork, assisting funeral arrangements, and more.  The institute offers ABFSE accredited diploma, as well as associate level programs in Funeral Directing and Embalming

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$23,320 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The top ranked Funeral Science degree at ASU Mountain Home is designed to provide and widen the knowledge of the students regarding Funeral Service.  Highly qualified faculty have curated a challenging curriculum to intelligently discuss the various different aspects of this field of study. To help the students hone their skills that will be necessary, and suitable once they are dealing with real-life challenges and opportunities to serve within the Funeral Service industry. The program helps the student widen their knowledge in determining the responsibilities they are to fill in this field; funeral management, responsibility for public health, safety, and welfare in caring for human remains, handling paperwork, and tasks in compliance with the federal, state, provincial/territorial  and local regulatory guidelines. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Ogeechee Technical College or OTC is a public technical college founded in 1986, providing excellent quality of higher education, and training that is accessible to all. OTC offers a vast number of programs that will prepare students in their future endeavor, and to enter and be qualified to a more advanced field of study. 

Ogeechee Technical College, offers students an accredited Associate degree in Mortuary Science. This is to prepare students to become qualified to a professional career path, and/or to acquire employment in Funeral Service. The program is designed to give students general knowledge in various topics regarding funeral service and mortuary science, and to help the students understand the responsibilities they need to fill once they are in managing a funeral. Students will undergo in-class lectures, and hands-on training to get them familiarized with various topics such as embalming, and restorative arts. This is to help the students gain valuable skills necessary in the profession, and experience to develop their knowledge further in preparation for licensure and employment, or advanced studies. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Northeast Community College is one of the top community colleges in the nation, providing excellent quality of higher education since its founding in 1973. Now, the College is a renowned educational leader and partner across the nation; highlighting balance in excellent quality academics, with promising experience for the students. It now offers over 130 programs in 16 career fields; giving vast career opportunities for aspiring students. For more information about the challenging and engaging academic programs at Northeast Community College, please reach out to obtain admissions information today.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The Funeral Science Technology degree at East Mississippi Community College helps enrolled students become proficient in this field of study with a keen eye on profession growth and the tools to qualify for proper licensure. This program is designed to provide ample training and general knowledge in this study and prepare studies with the core courses to meet the requirements to a college of mortuary science. Students will be assisted and supervised by expert and licensed instructor/faculty to provide in-depth understanding in mortuary science/funeral services; to gain skills necessary for the profession. Students will undergo extensive lab training to give them hands-on experience as well as in-class lectures as part of the course program. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service has developed a leading online certificate in funeral directing program for qualified students.  CIFS provides an excellent, quality education in addition to a maintaining a robust training program.  The College was most referred to as the ‘Harvard of Mortuary Science’ due to its comprehensive teaching and training techniques; boasting its high graduation and employment rate in the death care profession.

The school offers an array of degree and certificate programs in mortuary science and funeral science for students seeking to enter the field after graduation.  Both the AAS and can certificate programs have accredited curriculum that have been lauded for being comprehensive and engaging.  The combination of theory-based learning and hands-on experience is designed to assist students grasp concepts and theories requisite for this profession.  All students undergo specialized training from national experts in the industry, including crematory operations, Funeral Celebrant, and Mass Fatality Response.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

Madisonville Community College offers an array of top rated degree programs for students to consider.  MCC offers associate degree and bachelor degrees in programs from computer systems to welding.  The online degree programs and on-campus programs provide flexibility for those committed to work outside of school.  Depending on the program selected at MCC, students may have the option to study exclusively online or via a hybrid learning program.  Learn more about the robust academic programs offered by Madisonville Community College today by reaching out to the admissions team for complete program information.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana offers an array of robust academic program for qualified students to pursue.  Students who are interested in pursuing a mortuary science or funeral service career.  The degree program in funeral service will require students to take core classes like English composition and business law in addition to degree-specific classes such as embalming, funeral directing and funeral management.  Associate of Applied Science meets the requirements of prerequisites for licensure for students to comply with requisite local and regional agency approval. The program provides extensive and advanced training to help students gain and develop valuable skills necessary to the profession.  This UAHT degree program gives students opportunities to work full time in the funeral service profession upon graduation after meeting all certification and licensure requirement of their specific township.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Goodwin University offers qualifying students access to its leading academic programs that include a top ranked associate degree in Funeral Service.  Goodwin’s adept faculty has curated a curriculum in funeral science to help prepare you for an in-demand career in mortuary science. The Goodwin University degree program is a sixty-five credit academic program that can be completed in less than two years of full-time matriculation.  For those working full-time, the school offers part-time options in this degree program.  The online and on-campus lectures in addition to lab training help blend the academic and pragmatic learning experience.  Learn more about Goodwin University and their academic programs today. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, located in Perkinston, Mississippi, was founded in 1912 and was originally known as Harrison County Agricultural High School. The school first began offering college level courses in 1925 through the support of Harrison, Stone and Jackson Counties. The school was renamed Harrison-Stone-Jackson Agricultural High School and Junior College and by 1942 became a full fledged junior college with the assistance of George County.

MGC Community College was again renamed, this time to Perkinston Junior College. By 1962 the Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College District was formed, resulting in the consolidation of several campuses and schools into what became known as Mississippi Gulf Coast College in 1987. The school is the first community college to have the United State's president speak at its commencement ceremony, specifically George W. Bush in 2006.

Academics

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offers a large number of programs that allow students to pursue career training and academic transfer opportunities. The variety of options available to students allows them to choose the program that best suits their future goals.

Career training and technical programs provide students the skills and abilities necessary to enter the workforce as professionals in a given field. Students will take a combination of classroom, theoretical and practical courses that allows for the development and application of methods and ideas in controlled settings allowing students to gain experience and training in the real world applications of their knowledge.

Degree and certificate programs will take between one and two years to complete depending on the number of credits taken at a given time.  During this time,  MGC students will earn a degree or certificate that demonstrates competency and allow for the pursuit of employment at the entry level.

Academic transfer programs assist in the completion of a bachelor's degree by allowing students to complete the first two years of a four year education at a MGCCC campus, followed by the transfer of credits to a four year institution for the completion of the final two years.

Students wishing to transfer will have to meet the varying requirements for admission for their desired schools, and as such it is recommended they meet with a counselor to develop a curriculum that best meets the student's desired school or schools transfer criterion.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Enrollment at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is made easy through the school's open enrollment policy. This means that any student that meets the minimum requirements for admission, submits a completed application and pays all associated fees may become a student.

Individuals should also submit transcripts and test scores if available, the absence of which may require the student to take a placement exam prior to registration. Students are encouraged to attend new student orientation and make an appointment with a counselor prior to registration to help in the choice of program enrollment and develop a curriculum.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Students in need of assistance are required to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will be used by the school's financial aid department to determine aid program eligibility and the financial needs of the student.

Due to recent changes in federal regulations governing the disbursement of aid, students may now be chosen at random to provide additional financial information which will be used to compare to the FAFSA in order to verify its accuracy. All aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Mountain Empire Community College is a public community college that is offering Associate degree programs in various fields of study. The college aims to prepare students to become proficient and career-ready in the future. 

Students who want to pursue a funeral service-related profession/employment, and/or wanted to complete a course program in the field to transfer for a bachelor’s degree may take advantage of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Services in Mountain Empire Community College. The program aims to provide the students, academic background, hands-on experience, and knowledge in the field, to help them become a licensed funeral director and embalmer. This will help the students determine their roles and responsibilities in the funeral service profession, gain valuable and necessary skills that will be useful in their future endeavors. The program is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education and recognized by the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and students of this program will have vast opportunities upon graduation; while those who wish to pursue for a higher learning, credits earned from this program are transferable and acknowledged. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The Funeral Services degree and certificate program at NTCC is one of several highly rated programs being offered by the school.  Funeral service includes tracks for a funeral director and embalmer.  The curriculum helps to train students to become professionals in this area of death care.  Students who have completed or earned associate of applied science that is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) and passed the state examination, may take this program for an advanced level to develop existing skills and learning. Students are trained by experienced and licensed instructors throughout the course to help the students further develop skills in professional mortuary management. This program opens vast career opportunities in the field for those who completed this program by providing the students with strong liberal arts and professional business backgrounds. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Holmes Community College, headquartered in Goodman, Mississippi, is a two year institution dedicated to serving its communities educational needs. The school operates three campuses in Goodman, Grenada and Ridgeland, as well as two satellite campuses in Kosciusko and Webster County. HCC traces its origins to 1911 when plans were put forth to establish the Holmes County Agricultural High School.

Academics

Holmes Community College offers a variety of programs to assist its students in getting the education they need. Associate, certificate and diploma programs provide the necessary education to either move on to a four year institution or to pursue a career in a chose field of study. Adult education courses are also available for those who wish to complete their education.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in enrolling at Holmes Community College should complete and submit the application, all relevant transcripts and if under the age of 21 ACT or SAT test scores. Students interested in financial aid should complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to obtain their PIN and Student Aid Report. Additionally students should apply for aid from the state of Mississippi. Student can then use the “my doghouse” feature available through the school website check their financial aid status. Further inquiries about the process can be made at the school's financial aid office.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Florida State College at Jacksonville is one of the fastest developing, and competitive community colleges in the nation; it ranks among the top colleges and universities in Florida, providing excellent quality of higher education. It was founded in 1965, grew and innovated through the years, producing outstanding scholars, and world-class faculty.

Students who wish to pursue a career in funeral service, or want to run and administer a funeral home may take the Associative in Science (A.S.) in Funeral Services degree program to help them meet the standards and needs of northern Florida, and prepare them to become qualified for the funeral service employment. This program aims to train the students to become more knowledgeable, have an in-depth understanding in the field, and gain necessary skills that they’ll utilize in their future endeavors. To prepare students and demonstrate critical thinking skills in funeral administration, in dealing with paperwork, transferring of the human remains, arrangement conferences, services, ceremonies, and more.

The students are provided with comprehensive on-hands training in embalming and restorative art that will be conducted by licensed and expert faculty/instructor; this program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, and National Funeral Directors Association.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

History
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College was founded in 1950 in Cumberland, Kentucky, and was known as Southeast Community College until 2004. SKCTC has five campuses located in Cumberland, Harlan, Middlesboro, Pineville and Whitesburg, and services Bell, Harlan and Letcher Counties as well as neighboring counties in Tennessee and Virginia. The school is one of 16 open-admission schools that comprise the Kentucky Technical and Community College System, and is dedicated to academic and technical excellence by offering modern facilities and up to date programs that reflect the needs of individuals and the community. To that end the school is constantly reviewing its offerings to ensure that they are relevant, updating them as needed by adding new programs and upgrading facilities. SKCTC prides itself on assisting students achieve their goals both during their studies at the institution and after they graduate. Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Academics
Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College offers associate's degrees, trade certificates and diplomas for over fifty programs. 50% of the student body is enrolled in transfer programs to four year institutions. Transfer programs cover the first two years of a four year education, allowing students to move to a four year institution upon completion and pursue a bachelor's degree. The first two years often come at a lower cost and often allow students to experience post-secondary in a more palatable setting. Technical and career programs provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the workforce as professionals. Upon completion of one of these programs a student will be eligible for entry level positions immediately upon graduation. Interested individuals may also pursue non credit courses for personal growth and development, or simply for fun.

Available programs include:

Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College should contact the admissions office and request an application. A high school diploma or GED is required to attend, and a transcript should be sent to verify completion. ACT or COMPASS test scores are also required, and are used for placement. Once all materials are provided SKTCT will send a reply regarding admissions status. As an open-enrollment institution, individuals who meet the minimum requirements for entry will be accepted, with tuition for the semester paid for at the time of registration.

SKTCT offers financial aid, scholarships and payment plans. Interested students should contact the Southeast Financial Aid office to see how to apply and whether they qualify. Students will be asked to provide financial documents, including tax returns for themselves and their parents, and to fill out applications that will help determine eligibility and awards. Financial aid is disbursed based on need, with higher household incomes being awarded less aid than those with lower incomes.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Cypress College is a community college founded in 1966 in Cypress, in southern California, providing academic excellence in higher education, offering a wide range of fields of studies. It continued to grow and expand, becoming one of the top community colleges in the nation and home to thousands of bright students, and dedicated faculty. 

Students who are pursuing a profession in the field of mortuary science and funeral service may take advantage of the Mortuary Science program being offered in Cypress College. The mortuary science program prepares students’ career path in the death care profession, for employment in funeral service, and funeral management; students will undergo extensive training to get an in-depth understanding in this field of study. Students who have successfully completed an Associate in Science degree in mortuary science are eligible to take this program for advanced learning, and training to qualify for licensure. This program prepares the students with the responsibilities they’ll have in the field of funeral service, and mortuary science, to help them gain and utilize necessary skills in managing a funeral, embalming, and/or running a funeral home, and your profession’s role in the community. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

Miami Dade College is a public college in Miami founded in 1959, it successfully grew as one of the largest institutions of higher education in the country, providing excellent quality of higher education for all. It is now home to more than 100,000 students from across the nation, and in various different countries, 6,500 dedicated faculty, and offering hundreds of degree programs. 

Students who seek an immediate entry in the funeral service career may take advantage of this program offered in Miami Dade College – Associate in Science in Funeral Service. Students are prepared to have an in-depth understanding in all aspects of funeral management/operations, as well as the responsibilities of a funeral director and/or embalmer. Students will have the opportunity to have employment in the field; for licensure as a funeral director and/or embalmer in the state of Florida and all other states. Students will undergo extensive training in clinical labs, and class lectures that will be conducted by expert and licensed instructor/faculty. Students will gain broad knowledge in various areas of this field of study, such as, funeral directing, accounting, funeral home management, cremation, embalming, restorative art, microbiology, and more. This is for the students’ benefit to gain necessary skills that they’ll utilize in their profession, to successfully execute their proficiency in their future endeavor.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

St. Petersburg College (SPC) in Clearwater, Florida opened in 1965, and since then provided extensive and excellent quality of higher education, boasting its emerging, innovative technologies, and state-of-the-art training facility for advanced manufacturing. St. Petersburg continued to develop, and provide the students with academic excellence, and prepare their path for career opportunities. 

Students who are pursuing a career in Funeral Services may take this program in SPC to help them gain qualifications for employment and licensure. The A.S. Degree in Funeral Services will help students gain technical competence, and in-depth knowledge in this field of study, and become a licensed funeral director and/or embalmer. Students will learn about various aspects of this field of study, such as, embalming and restorative techniques, standard guidelines and responsibilities of a professional funeral director, health and safety regulations, and legal requirements. Courses in this program will be conducted by a licensed and expert instructor/faculty, and will provide students lectures, lab activities/trainings that will further help the students in learning and developing skills. The program is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, and acknowledged by the National Board Examinations, therefore career opportunities for students are wide.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

Educational Requirements in Funeral Service

In terms of educational requirements, Funeral Service and Mortuary Science degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Skills & Abilities Required in Funeral Service

  1. Speaking clearly and diplomatically
  2. Instructing others during challenging times
  3. Reading comprehension of contracts and special requests
  4. Active listening skills
  5. Writing clarity with great sensitivity
  6. Speech clarity & proper diction
  7. Exceptional oral expression
  8. Oral comprehension to process requests and grief
  9. Analytical thinking to solve service issues proactively
  10. Exceptional written comprehension
Online Colleges Offering Degrees in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science

Mortuary Career & Funeral Service Specializations

Students earning a formal education in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science can expect to generalize in the field or narrow their focus on a singular specialization. Specializations available can include a number of career opportunities. Examples of career pathways in mortuary science include: office manager, funeral director, mortician, auditor, embalmer, human resource manager, sales director, training manager, teacher, advertising specialist, marketing manager, counselor, cost estimator, social psychologist, and social worker.

Job Growth in Funeral Service

The job growth in mortuary science and funeral service are projected to be quite steady. In fact, a recent survey by the U.S. Department of Labor and BLS indicate a 5% rise in employment for funeral directors in the coming decade. Compensation for funeral service managers and morticians will vary by location and prior experience. However, the BLS estimated the median annual income of a funder service manager at $78,040 and a mortician at $51,850. The income range for both career tracks span between twenty-nine thousand dollars a year and $140,000 a year. Thus, it is important to know your market and adjust compensation expectations accordingly.

For additional information about the funeral science industry, trade associations such as the NFDA may be a institution worth researching. Associations and organizations such as these provide tools, resources, insights, and networking opportunities for professionals in the field providing a common bond plus a platform for career enhancement.

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