Funeral Service: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Prepared for leadership in the funeral service profession, this program equips students with the knowledge and skills required to serve with dignity and expertise in end-of-life care. It integrates compassionate service with professional management, focusing on both the emotional and operational dimensions of funeral care.

• Sociology of death and dying: Explores cultural, social, and historical perspectives on death, examining how different communities understand and ritualize the end of life.
• Psychology of grief and grief counseling: Provides insight into the emotional and psychological processes of mourning, preparing students to offer empathetic support to bereaved families.
• History of funeral service: Traces the evolution of funeral practices and industry standards, offering context for modern professional ethics and traditions.
• Funeral direction: Covers the technical and procedural aspects of managing funeral services, including preparation of the deceased, service planning, and coordination of ceremonies.
• Business law and funeral service law: Addresses legal frameworks governing funeral operations, including compliance, consumer protection, and regulatory requirements.
• Funeral home management: Develops leadership and organizational skills essential for running a funeral establishment with integrity and efficiency.
• Accounting and computer operations: Teaches financial record-keeping, budgeting, and the use of digital tools critical for operational transparency and data management.
• Funeral services marketing and merchandising: Focuses on ethical communication, product presentation, and client engagement strategies within the funeral services industry.