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Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service

SIU Mortuary Science students in professional attire in the merchandising lab

We are proud to offer one of the nation’s most selective bachelor’s degree programs in the nation that is career-focused. Our outstanding faculty lead classes in in anatomy, pathology, and microbiology along with providing concepts of art and cosmetology. Graduates of the program also learn how to manage and operate funeral homes as funeral directors, overseeing all aspects of the business.

Our program offers a bachelor of science degree, making a student eligible to be licensed in all 50 states. You will study a wide range of courses both in class and in lab to give the student the skills and resources to become a valuable asset in the funeral service profession.

With a 92 percent graduation rate, our students move into the field quickly with 83 percent employed within two years of graduation.

Interested professionals can also register for our Cremation License Continuing Education course.

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Traditional 4-year B.S.

Track 1 is for the on-campus student who does not have an associate degree (AAS) in mortuary science, but is seeking traditional in-class delivery en route to a four-year bachelor’s degree. Graduates of the program will receive their Funeral Director License after earning their degree.

Transfer students may complete their degrees after completing their associate’s degree, allowing them to finish the baccalaureate degree in a short period of time. Students may also apply for the capstone option to reduce the total number of hours required to complete non-major courses.

The traditional track is accomplished by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.

  • Total Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
  • University Core Curriculum: 39 credit hours
  • Requirements for Major: 76 credit hours
  • Approved Career Electives: 5 credit hours

Compass IconCheck out the undergraduate Curricular Guide, which helps you outline what courses you would want to take each semester for all four years. View all related undergraduate courses.

Online Capstone

We also offer an online bachelor of science degree completion option, designed specifically for the working professional. The program is designed with working funeral directors and embalmers in mind.

All required coursework can be complete in as little as two academic years (or 6 concurrent semesters). Plus, we'll work with you to to create a custom plan that meets your career needs. At SIU, we offer continuous enrollment for online students.

The capstone option is accomplished by fulfilling the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree.

  • Total Degree Requirements: 120 credit hours
  • University Core Curriculum: 30 credit hours
  • Requirements for Major: 76 credit hours
  • Approved Career Electives: 5 credit hours

Compass Icon View all related undergraduate courses.

Internships

At SIU, our students are encouraged to participate in an internship, enabling aspiring professionals to firsthand experience working in the funeral service industry while building upon concepts learned in class.

As a intern, you work side-by-side with a mentor to kearb about how to complete mortuary tasks, and then you practice under close supervision to develop your skills.

Admissions

Southern Illinois maintains a rigid admissions process for our program to maintain the quality required by the field. In order to attend one of the few schools in the nation with such a program, the program follows strict rules of accreditation for students interested in state-of-the art facilities and internship sites as well as enjoying a low faculty-student ratio. In order to be considered for admission to the program, students must meet the SIU general admission requirements.

SIU’s online Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service degree requires an A.A.S. degree in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service.

SIU Mortuary Science and Funeral Service Student mold clay faces

Student Organization

Sigma Phi Sigma is a Mortuary Science and Funeral Service business fraternity based on bringing together students for social opportunities, community events, and business connections.

Accreditation

The Bachelor’s degree program in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service is the ONLY one of its kind offered at a public university within the state of Illinois. Our program is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Students graduating from our program meet the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation licensing requirements. SIU's Mortuary Science and Funeral Service degree is recognized by other state boards as well.

SIU Mortuary Science and Funeral Service Students practice explaining the benefits of caskets

Contact Information

Anthony Fleege,
Program Director
Applied Science Art Building 116
1365 Douglas Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: 618-453-5698
splash@siu.edu

Michael Rowell,
Academic Advisor
Applied Science Art Building 18 E
1365 Douglas Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: 618-453-8869
michael.rowell@siu.edu 

School of Health Sciences | College of Health and Human Sciences | 618-453-7211 |