Funeral Direction/Service
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
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2003 to 2025, graduates grew 746% and the international share went from 0.0% to 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.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #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
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean 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.