Mortuary Science

Program Overview

Gannon University's Mortuary Science program prepares students for a rewarding career in the death care industry. The multidisciplinary curriculum integrates health sciences, business, and mortuary science, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the field. Experiential learning opportunities and community service with local funeral homes enhance practical skills. Graduates are well-prepared for careers as funeral directors, bereavement counselors, and other professionals in the industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Gannon University's Mortuary Science program is a Bachelor of Science degree designed to prepare students for a challenging and rewarding career in the death care industry.

Objectives:

• To produce competent and caring mortuary science practitioners
• To become proficient practitioners in every phase of funeral service provision
• To know and practice the laws that govern funeral directors and embalmers
• To respect diverse cultural practices related to illness, dying, death, and care of the deceased
• To engage in ongoing education and research in the field of death care services

Teaching:

• The program offers a multidisciplinary curriculum integrating health sciences, business, social work, and mortuary science.
• Students benefit from community service opportunities with local funeral homes.
• They can pursue a minor in fields such as accounting, business administration, marketing, social work, or theology.
• The program includes experiential learning opportunities with funeral directors at local funeral homes.
• Key mortuary science courses include:
• Interviewing Skills: Develop interpersonal skills to support families in the bereavement process.
• Professional Lecture Series: Meet and interview professionals, such as grief and bereavement counselors in hospice, palliative care organizations, and funeral homes.
• Death, Dying, and Bereavement: Discuss theories of dying, death, and bereavement of the aged and assessments and interventions with clients and their families.

Careers:

• The program prepares students for a career as a funeral director, bereavement counselor, coroner, or hospice care professional.
• The demand for well-trained professionals in the industry is expected to remain high for the next 25 years.
• The median annual salary for funeral directors is $58,900, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Other:

• Gannon University's mortuary science students are prepared to enter mortuary school in their senior year.
• More than 98% of Gannon University mortuary science graduates pass the licensing examination.
• Students can complete two semesters at a licensed mortuary science institution, such as the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, during their senior year.