Mortuary science is a field full of questions – and often, some skepticism. Mortuary science is more than just the study of the dead, as many people believe.
It is a scientific discipline devoted primarily to assisting the family of the deceased. But you might not realize that a mortuary science career extends far beyond that simple definition.
Aside from dedicated science professionals, mortuary science professionals represent some of the most compassionate service professionals, strong managers, and attentive planners.
If you’re interested in mortuary science or want to learn more, you should start with the basics. What is mortuary Science? What does it involve? Before you pursue this career path, what expectations should you have, and what hesitations should you let go of?
Without further ado, let’s get right into business.
What is funeral and mortuary Science all about?
Funeral service, also known as mortuary Science, offers incredibly rewarding, impactful work and allows you to work with people in need. When you study mortuary Science, you provide closure to loved ones and guide them through the process of saying farewell.
Though, This can be a challenging but crucial part of the human experience. Death and loss are natural parts of life. This field provides an essential service everyone needs. For those looking forward to pursuing this career path and have been asking this question:
Is it a good career?
The funeral directors or undertakers, also known as morticians, work heavy hours in a somber atmosphere. Despite not being attractive to many people, there are a variety of advantages to being a mortician.
Having a career as a mortician can provide excellent employment opportunities and high income.
A mortician’s job may require specialized skills, but their job is secure against competition and comes with the opportunity to work with people. If the answer to your question is positive, you can proceed to the next.
What is a funeral and mortuary science program?
In the most simple term, a funeral and mortuary science program offers a career-oriented education and training opportunity to those seeking a career in the rapidly expanding death-care industry.
Often, the term “mortuary science” refers to programs that prepare students for careers as funeral directors and morticians. Additionally, they act as business managers.
The funeral director usually oversees the daily operations of the funeral home, including managing the cost, supervising employees, filing paperwork, and so on. An educational background in business is essential.
Why study funeral and mortuary science programs?
By studying mortuary Science in a certified mortuary science school, you choose to help loved ones cope with loss and say goodbye – a painful but significant step in human life.
Life will always involve loss, and death will always occur; this is true for everyone. By working in this field, you perform a vital service many people need.
Here are four reasons to study the funeral and mortuary science program
The degree program is flexible:
Funeral directors and morticians take time to become qualified. Nevertheless, you are guaranteed to find flexible programs that suit you. Consider how postsecondary education will fit into your life before deciding to go for it.
There are many opportunities for career growth.
Although mortuary Science may seem straightforward, it doesn’t lock you into one career path. Upon completion of your degree program and passing those board exams, you are well prepared for a variety of mortuary science careers, such as:
- Pre-need and at-need consultants
- Expert embalmers
- Funeral service practitioners
- Funeral service directors
- Mortuary transporter
- Mortician
You will have a meaningful, impactful role, no matter what your career choice may be within this field.
Mortuary science provides you with valuable knowledge.
You may already know what is required of this profession if you are interested in pursuing a mortuary science career.
If you choose a career in this field, you must be compassionate and empathic. The goal of your work is to help people cope with the profound loss of a dear loved one; however, you need to develop skills that will help you help them.
The salary potential for mortuary Science is high.
Mortuary science professionals anywhere in the world can expect to make a comfortable living throughout their careers. See below for more information on this.
Do morticians get paid well? How much does a mortician earn?
Morticians earn a comfortable salary because the death care services industry is challenging to work in. For undergraduate certificate programs, the average salary is $30,200, and for Bachelor’s degrees, it is $36,225 per year.
How much do a funeral and mortuary science program cost?
According to the College Board, the average tuition cost for undergraduate programs in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science will be $11,417, while graduate programs will cost $23,552.
77 mortuary science colleges and universities offer funeral Service and Mortuary Science programs in the United States.
The average tuition for the Funeral Service and Mortuary Science program at the mortician schools for the academic year 2024-2024 is $4,703 for residents of the state and $11,417 for students who live out of the state.
Which body accredits funeral and mortuary science programs?
The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) is the national accreditation body for funeral service programs and mortuary science education at universities and mortuary science colleges. Their directory offers a comprehensive listing of funeral homes in the United States.
How long does it take to get a mortuary science degree?
Education for mortuary Science takes between 2 years and 4 years, depending on if you get your bachelor’s or associate’s degree.
The apprenticeship program allows you to shadow a more experienced mortician for three years.
What are the requirements for mortuary science programs?
Morticians need at least an associate’s degree in mortuary science, though some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree. Licensure is required for funeral directors and embalmers.
Additionally, one to three years of apprenticeship experience is typically required by employers. Morticians should have compassion, as well as good interpersonal, business, and time-management skills.
13 Schools that offer the funeral and mortuary science programs in 2024
1. Mid-America College of Funeral Service
Mortuary Science degrees are available at Mid-America College of Funeral Service.
This College offers seven Mortuary Science degree programs. During the year 2019, 47 Mortuary Science students graduated, with 31 receiving Associate’s degrees and 16 earning Bachelor’s degrees.
Middle-America College of Funeral Service, founded in 1905 by Clifford Askins, is a private, nonsectarian college that provides $533,720 in financial aid each year to 122 undergraduate students studying online or on the Mid-America campus.
The Mid-America College of Funeral Service was ranked #2 nationally among mortician schools on College Factual’s 2005 list. A typical MACFS alumnus earned $53,100 during their mid-career.
Students can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Funeral Service Management online with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio for well-rounded academic and managerial abilities.
ABFSE-approved online training is only available to licensed mortuaries with 60 or more associate credits.
With zero practicum requirements, transfer students can enroll in fast 11-week 300-level major courses such as Intercultural Appreciation, Event Planning, and Stress Management.
Location
415 Barren Springs Dr
Houston, TX 77090-5918
Setting: Large City
Student Body
Total Enrollments: 286
Men: 97
Women: 189
Costs
In-State Tuition: $17,750
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,750
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
On-Campus Room & Board: $0
Accreditation
American Board of Funeral Service Education, Committee on Accreditation
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON Mid-America College of Funeral Service program
2. Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
The Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is a vocational, postsecondary educational institution whose primary purpose is to provide instruction and training for individuals interested in a career in funeral service.
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is a non-profit institution in Houston, Texas. Students in 286 schools attend its campus in a large city. The mortuary school uses quarterly academic years. The student-faculty ratio is 24:1.
Among the highest degrees offered by the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is the associate degree. Admission to this mortician school is open to anyone. The total tuition and fees schedule is $17,750. The application fee is $50.
Location
415 Barren Springs Dr
Houston, TX 77090-5918
Setting: Large City
Student Body
Total Enrollments: 286
Men: 97
Women: 189
Costs
In-State Tuition: $17,750
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,750
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
On-Campus Room & Board: $0
Accreditation
American Board of Funeral Service Education, Committee on Accreditation
CLICK HERE ON MORE ON Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service program
3. Worsham College of Mortuary Science
Worsham College of Mortuary Science is in Wheeling, IL, but also offers classes online. There are nine qualifications offered in this mortician school, with the most popular ones being the Associate’s Degree, Funeral Service Director, and Mortuary Science.
Based on the qualification, completion times for this education training range from 1 hour to 2 years, with a median duration of 12 months. The cost to attend Worsham College of Mortuary Science ranges from $10 to $25,000 depending on the qualification, with an average cost of $15,000.
Location
495 Northgate Pkwy
Wheeling, IL 60090-2646
Setting: Large Suburb
Student Body
Total Enrollments: 118
Men: 39
Women: 79
Costs
In-State Tuition: $20,950
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,950
Books: $1,200
On-Campus Room & Board: $0
Student-faculty ratio: 21:1
Specialized Accreditations
American Board of Funeral Service Education, Committee on Accreditation
CLICK HERE ON MORE ON Worsham College of Mortuary Science
4. Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science
With a tuition rate of $17,775, the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science takes the fourth spot as the best and affordable College for funeral service and mortuary science degree courses.
With its proximity to St. Xavier High School, the College confers a high-quality Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree in 16 months to full-time, C- or higher-graded students. Transfers can be made from the Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science program.
After graduation, graduates pursuit the Certified Funeral Celebrant credential, and 93 percent of them land jobs. Additionally, the Crematory Operator Certification Program is available.
Location
645 W North Bend Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45224-1462
Setting: Large Suburb
Student Body
Total Enrollments: 92
Men: 23
Women: 69
Costs
In-State Tuition: $17,775
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,775
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
Specialized Accreditations
American Board of Funeral Service Education, Committee on Accreditation
CLICK HERE ON MORE ON Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science
5. St Petersburg College Clearwater, FL:
St. Petersburg College was established in 1927 and is a public institution. There are 28,853 undergraduate students enrolled, the campus size is 406 acres, and it is located in an urban setting.
Academic calendars are semester-based. According to Best Colleges 2024, St. Petersburg College is ranked #68 in Regional Colleges South.
The School of Funeral Service & Mortuary Science offers a variety of degrees in these fields.
- Basic Certificate in General Mortuary Science (Less Than 1 Year)
- Associate’s Degree in General Mortuary Science
Location
6021 142nd Ave N
Clearwater, FL 33760-2822
Setting: Small City
Selectivity
Completion Rate: 33%
Student Body
Total Enrollments: 28,853
Men: 10,951
Women: 17,902
Costs
In-State Tuition: $2,682
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,513
Student to faculty ratio: 23:1
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- American Board of Funeral Service Education, Committee on Accreditation
CLICK HERE ON MORE ON St Petersburg College Clearwater, FL PROGRAM WEBSITE
6. University of Central Oklahoma
The University of Central Oklahoma, located in Edmond, offers a fully accredited bachelor’s degree program in funeral service students can earn on-campus or online.
With a history dating back to 1890, this mortician school has been highly successful at producing Fulbright Scholars.
Students majoring in funeral service at the University of Central Oklahoma have a first-time national board pass rate of 94% for Arts and 100% for Science.
For one of the best mortuary science colleges, The University of Central Oklahoma readily comes to mind for funeral service and mortuary science degree offerings with a low in-state tuition of $7,489.
To help bereaved families through their losses, the Department of Funeral Service offers a cheap Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree for community leaders through D2L Brightspace or Coyner Health Sciences Hall.
It provides 124 credits and is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. It offers a Heisenberg Uncertainty Fund Scholarship, making courses such as Embalming Chemistry and Funeral Service Statutory Law even more affordable.
The Transformative Learning field experience placements, like the Crawford Family Cremation Service or Baggerly Funeral Home, for NBE preparation require a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Location
100 N University Dr
Edmond, OK 73034
Setting: Large Suburb
Selectivity
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Completion Rate: 36%
Student Body
Total Enrollments: 14,821
Men: 5,778
Women: 9,043
DEGREE OPTIONS:
Bachelor of Science in Funeral Service
COST
In-State Tuition: $7,489
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,376
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 36 percent
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
CLICK HERE ON MORE ON University of Central Oklahoma PROGRAM WEBSITE
7. American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service
American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service is a private college located in Manhattan, New York, in the New York City Area. There are 464 undergraduate students enrolled at this small institution.
The American Academy Funeral Service has a 100% acceptance rate. Funeral Service and Mortuary Science are the only majors offered. Alumni of the American Academy Funeral Service earn a starting salary of $41,300 after graduating 100% of their classes.
Location
619 West 54th Street – 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10019
Setting: Large City
Student Body
Total Enrollments: 464
Men: 148
Women: 312
Costs
In-State Tuition: $18,112
Out-of-State Tuition: $1811,2
Student-faculty ratio: 22:1
On-Campus Room & Board: $0
Accreditation
American Board of Funeral Service Education, Committee on Accreditation
CLICK HERE ON MORE ON American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service PROGRAM WEBSITE
8. Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc
Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc (PIMS) is a Private (not-for-profit) 2-4 years school located in Pittsburgh, PA. According to Carnegie Classification, it is an Associate’s – Public 4-year Generally An Associate Program.
Tuition & fees for 2024 at Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc are $25,610. Approximately 43% of undergraduates enrolled in the University receive grants or scholarships. The average funding amount is $4,687.
There are 217 students enrolled at the school, and the student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1 (5.88%).
The average earning after ten years of graduation is $38,700.
Location
5808 Baum Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15206-3706
Setting: Large City
Student Body
Total Enrollments: 217
Men: 69
Women: 148
Costs
In-State Tuition: $25,610
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,610
Student to faculty ratio: 17:1
Accreditation
American Board of Funeral Service Education, Committee on Accreditation
CLICK HERE ON MORE ON Pittsburgh Intitute of Mortuary Science Inc PROGRAM WEBSITE
9. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities makes our list of best and affordable mortuary science school for funeral service and mortuary science degree options with a $14,760 in-state rate.
Students with a minimum 2.5 GPA and 60 credits of prerequisites can earn a Mortuary Science Bachelor’s degree at the Medical School at a low cost.
As outlined by Dr. Michael LuBrant, the 60-credit, ABFSE-accredited major has 110 years of experience teaching courses such as Funeral Arrangement Theory. In addition to two 16-week clinical rotations at over 50 partner funeral homes, graduating seniors are placed at 96 percent of the companies.
Even second-degree Bachelor’s students may take the One-Year Accelerated Track from September to August.
Location
100 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0213
Setting: Large City
Selectivity
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Completion Rate: 83%
Student Body
Total Enrollments: 51,327
Men: 23,550
Women: 27,777
DEGREE OPTIONS:
Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science
In-State Tuition: $14,760
Out-of-State Tuition: $30,438
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 80 percent
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
CLICK HERE ON MORE ON University of Minnesota-Twin Cities PROGRAM WEBSITE
10. Dallas Institute of Funeral Service
Dallas Institute of Funeral Service is a private, non-profit college in Dallas, Texas. The campus is located in a city with a total enrollment of 254 students. The mortuary science school uses a quarter-based academic year.
There is an 11-to-1 student-faculty ratio. Dallas Institute of Funeral Service offers an associate degree as its highest degree. The school offers open admissions.
The tuition and fees are $11,870.
Location
3909 S Buckner Blvd
Dallas, TX 75227-4314
Setting: Large City
Student Body
Total Enrollments: 254
Men: 83
Women: 171
Costs
In-State Tuition: $11,870
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,870
Student-faculty ratio: 11:1
Accreditation
American Board of Funeral Service Education, Committee on Accreditation
CLICK HERE ON MORE ON Dallas Institute of Funeral Service PROGRAM WEBSITE
11. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Established in 1869, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is a public university. The campus size is 1,136 acres, it has an undergraduate enrollment of 8,466, and it is in a rural setting.
The academic calendar is semester-based. In the 2024 edition of Best Colleges, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale is ranked #258 nationally.
The tuition and fees for in-state students are $14,904; tuition and fees for out-of-state students are $14,904.
Location
Lincoln Drive
Carbondale, IL 62901-4512
Setting: Small City
Selectivity
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Completion Rate: 48%
Student Body
Total Enrollments: 11,695
Men: 6,032
Women: 5,663
Costs
In State Tuition: $9,638
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,094
Books: $1,100
On Campus Room & Board: $10,622
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
CLICK HERE ON MORE ON Southern Illinois University-Carbondale PROGRAM WEBSITE
12. Point Park University
Point Park University was established in 1960. 3100 students are enrolled in the undergraduate program, and the campus is urban. The academic calendar is semester-based. Best Colleges ranks Point Park University at #83 in Regional Universities North.
With an average tuition of $31,450, Point Park University is one of the best mortuary science colleges for funeral service and mortuary science degrees.
The Department of Natural Sciences offers A high-value Bachelor of Science in Funeral Service, Engineering & Technology in Health Science and Business Administration in two customized concentrations.
Under the direction of Dr. Gregg Johnson, the 120-credit program at MIMS is a combination of three years on-site and one year at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.
Those with an Associates in Specialized Business choose instead the 36-credit, 20-month Bachelor of Science Capstone Program. Along with Psychology of Death and Bereavement Services courses, Pioneers participate in internships at Bucktrout Funeral Home and the Medical Examiner’s Office during their third year.
Location
201 Wood St
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1984
Setting: Large City
Selectivity
Acceptance Rate: 73%
Completion Rate: 60%
Student Body
Total Enrollments: 3,929
Men: 1,534
Women: 2,395
DEGREE OPTIONS:
Bachelor of Science in Funeral Service
Costs
In-State Tuition: $31,450
Out-of-State Tuition: $31,450
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 60 percent
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
CLICK HERE ON MORE ON Point Park University PROGRAM WEBSITE
13. Gannon University
Gannon University is a Catholic-private institution that was founded in 1925. It is located in the city of Erie, on the northwestern tip of Pennsylvania. The campus has a total enrollment of 3,432 and is 63 acres in size.
The academic calendar is semester-based. According to the 2024 edition of Best Colleges, Gannon is ranked as #227 among National Universities.
For the study of funeral service and mortuary science, Gannon University is one of the best and most affordable accredited mortuary science colleges with its tuition and fee of $32,136 per year.
For its students who want to become licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Palumbo Academic Center offers a three-year, one-semester degree program in Mortuary Science in partnership with the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.
Dr. Parris Baker, the sequence’s coordinator, integrates the Professional Lecture Series into core Erie courses like Counseling Older Adults and Death & Dying. This 98-credit sequence is MSCHE-accredited.
Location
109 W Sixth St
Erie, PA 16541-0001
Setting: Small City
Selectivity
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Completion Rate: 68%
Student Body
Total Enrollments: 4,444
Men: 1,680
Women: 2,764
Costs
In-State Tuition: $32,136
Out-of-State Tuition: $32,136
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
CLICK HERE ON MORE ON Gannon University PROGRAM WEBSITE
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