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CIP 12.0302 Personal and Culinary Services

Funeral Direction/Service

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

110

2025 · 5 schools

International share

0.0%

0 international students

Bachelor's degrees

70

0.0% international

Overview

Funeral Direction/Service is a specialized field focused on the planning, management, and execution of funeral services. This profession encompasses various roles, including funeral directors, embalmers, and grief counselors, all of which are essential in helping families navigate the difficult process of saying goodbye to their loved ones.

Students pursuing a degree in Funeral Direction/Service typically study a range of subjects, including mortuary science, ethics, grief counseling, and business management. These programs are designed to equip students with the necessary skills to handle the technical and emotional aspects of funeral services. Knowledge of legal regulations, cultural sensitivity, and the psychological aspects of grief are also key components of the curriculum.

Practical experience is crucial in this field, often gained through internships or apprenticeships in funeral homes. This hands-on training allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, developing important skills such as communication, organization, and empathy.

The profession is guided by a strong ethical framework, as funeral directors must maintain professionalism while providing compassionate support to grieving families. As society becomes increasingly aware of the importance of personalized and meaningful funeral services, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is expected to grow.

Overall, a career in Funeral Direction/Service is not only about managing logistics but also about offering solace and support to families during one of the most challenging times in their lives. This profession requires a unique blend of technical skills, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to serving others.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2003 to 2025, graduates grew 746% and the international share went from 0.0% to 0.0%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
70.9%
Asian
0.0%
Hispanic
10.9%
Black
10.9%
Other
7.3%
Intl.
0.0%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 5 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#186 Wayne State University Michigan 37 0
— Lake Washington Institute of Technology Washington 26 0
— SUNY College of Technology at Canton New York 21 0
— Milwaukee Area Technical College Wisconsin 14 0
— Mid-America College of Funeral Service Indiana 12 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers 25,100 $27.96 $58,160
Funeral Home Managers 13,910 $44.63 $92,840

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.