Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, Other.: The DTI for this program is 60.1%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $35483) to the average debt ($21329) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 60.1%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($35483) against the typical student debt ($21329), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Considering Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $35483, and with an average student debt of $21329, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.6—pretty reasonable for most students.
With more than 2451 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, Other (CIP 12.0399) is a specialized field of study that focuses on the professional, ethical, and compassionate management of the deceased and the support of grieving families. While standard mortuary science programs focus primarily on embalming and funeral directing, the "Other" category includes innovative or niche programs. This may include studies in green burial practices, restorative art for trauma cases, funeral home management and entrepreneurship, or specialized bereavement counseling services.
This degree is ideal for individuals who are composed, empathetic, and possess a high degree of emotional intelligence. It is a path for those who want to provide a vital community service by honoring the lives of the deceased while helping the living navigate one of life's most difficult transitions.
What Is a Funeral Service and Mortuary Science (Other) Degree?
A Funeral Service and Mortuary Science (Other) degree combines the biological sciences with social sciences and business management. It prepares students for the technical aspects of handling remains while also training them in the legal, religious, and cultural rituals surrounding death. Because it is an "Other" category, these programs often emphasize modern trends, such as alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) or the logistics of repatriating remains across international borders.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train professionals in the sanitary and aesthetic preparation of human remains
- Prepare students for the administrative and legal requirements of death care
- Develop specialists in diverse cultural and religious funeral traditions
- Support the growth of eco-friendly and "natural" death care solutions
This structure emphasizes dignity, public health, and professional ethics.
What Will You Learn?
Students in these programs learn to balance the scientific requirements of the mortuary with the delicate interpersonal needs of funeral arrangements.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Perform embalming and restorative procedures to prepare remains for viewing
- Manage the legal documentation required for burials, cremations, and death certificates
- Conduct compassionate "arrangement conferences" with grieving family members
- Direct funeral ceremonies and coordinate with clergy and cemeteries
- Apply principles of microbiology and anatomy to ensure public safety
- Manage the business operations of a funeral home or crematory
These skills are essential for protecting the health of the public and the emotional well-being of the bereaved.
Topics You May Explore
Depending on the program focus, students may study:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology for Mortuary Science
- Embalming Chemistry and Techniques
- Restorative Art and Derma Surgery
- Funeral Service Law and Ethics
- Grief Psychology and Bereavement Counseling
- Small Business Management and Accounting
- History of Funeral Customs and Comparative Religions
- Green Burial and Sustainable Death Care
This coursework ensures that graduates are both technically proficient and culturally sensitive.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A degree in Funeral Service (Other) leads to careers that require a unique blend of technical skill and human compassion.
Common job roles include:
- Funeral Director or Mortician
- Embalmer
- Crematory Operator or Manager
- Restorative Art Specialist
- Bereavement Coordinator
- Cemetery Manager or Memorial Park Director
- Pre-need Consultant (helping people plan their own services in advance)
- Funeral Home Owner or Manager
Many of these roles require state licensure, which usually involves passing a national board exam and completing an apprenticeship.
Where Can You Work?
Professionals in mortuary science work in quiet, professional environments where respect and privacy are paramount:
- Private and Corporate-owned Funeral Homes
- Crematories and Alternative Disposition Facilities
- Public and Private Cemeteries
- Hospitals and Medical Examiner Offices (in specialized support roles)
- Organ and Tissue Procurement Organizations
- Religious Organizations and Community Centers
- Self-employed as an Independent Funeral Consultant
These environments require individuals who can work effectively under pressure while maintaining a calm and comforting presence.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings in the funeral service industry are stable and often include comprehensive benefits due to the essential nature of the work.
- Funeral Directors typically earn between $55,000 and $85,000, with those who also manage a facility earning more.
- Embalmers often earn between $45,000 and $65,000, depending on their level of specialization.
- Funeral Home Managers can earn between $75,000 and $110,000.
- Crematory Managers typically see salaries ranging from $50,000 to $75,000.
Many funeral homes offer performance-based bonuses and "on-call" pay, which can significantly increase total compensation.
Is This Degree Hard?
The academic work is rigorous, particularly the science courses like anatomy, chemistry, and microbiology. However, the most challenging part of the degree is the emotional and physical demand. You must be comfortable working with the deceased and be strong enough to assist with moving caskets. You must also be able to maintain your composure while working with people experiencing profound grief.
Success requires a high degree of maturity, attention to detail, and the ability to work long or irregular hours.
Degree Levels and Learning Formats
Programs are offered to meet different state licensing requirements:
- Associate Degrees (A.A.S.) are the most common and are the minimum requirement for licensure in most states.
- Bachelor’s Degrees are increasingly preferred for those aiming for management or corporate leadership roles.
- Certificates are sometimes available for specific niche areas like cremation or restorative art for those already in the field.
Because of the hands-on nature of embalming and restorative art, many programs are hybrid, with lecture courses online and intensive "clinical" labs in person at a mortuary school or a partner funeral home.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Have a deep sense of empathy and a desire to help others in crisis
- Are comfortable with the biological and scientific aspects of handling human remains
- Value tradition, ritual, and community service
- Are highly organized and can manage complex legal paperwork
- Possess a "poker face" and can remain calm in emotional situations
- Want a career with high job security and a clear professional path
It is a perfect path for the "caregiver" who has the stomach for science and a heart for service.
How to Prepare in High School
Students interested in mortuary science can prepare by:
- Taking classes in Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy
- Focusing on Business, Speech, and Psychology courses
- Volunteering at a local hospice or hospital to become comfortable with death and grieving
- Developing strong professional communication and writing skills
- Inquiring at a local funeral home about a "job shadow" or part-time office work
You do not need to be from a "funeral family" to enter the field. A respectful attitude, a strong constitution, and a commitment to professional ethics are the most important qualities for success.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor