I'm currently a pre-mortuary student in Michigan. While looking at various schools, I noticed some offer Associates degrees and other offer Bachelors degrees. From a logical stand point, a Bachelors would probably be the way to go. What I want to know is will it make a huge difference when applying for a job? What do you see as the advantages and disadvantages? An Associates degree would probably be faster, but I'm not really sure. Are there any specific schools you could recommnend? Any input will help. Thanks.

Krissy

Krissy,

Take it for what it is worth from my meager experience, but from what I have encountered, firms could care less whether you have a BS or an AAS degree. All they are concerned with is your ability to be licensed and have the means to handle the deceased and their family in a caring, compassionate, and professional manner. I work in a large firm that handles around 1200 cases within one location. Our directors are about evenly split with those having BS and AAS and our pay scales are basically the same. My firm bases our pay not upon the degree you retain, but your professionalism, attitude, and the feedback we receive from the families we serve. From what I understand there is a shortage of funeral directors/embalmers and the owners of funeral homes are looking for honest, hard-working employees. Unfortunately, the shortage will continue to get worse until the pay scale is increased. I have been told that the average age of funeral directors nationwide is around 56 years of age. I find it a very rewarding career and sacrifice monetary gain with happiness and contentment with what I do and what I am able to be to a family.

I graduated last year from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service and found it to be a great school. I was very well prepared and passed the national board with flying colors. They are part of the Pierce Mortuary Schools and I know they have three schools around the country.

I hope I offered some insight regarding your question.

Todd

I encourage you to not settle for anything less than a four year BS degree in Funeral Service. Most states require a specified number of credit hours in addition to a two year degree. For example, Oklahoma requires 60 hours of college credit in addition to your trade school work. It only makes sense to complete 120 hours and receive a BS in Funeral Service.

I have been in the industry for almost ten years now and it has been my experience that most people tend to burn out and seek employment in other industries. A BS degree will take you much further and make you a much more marketable candidate.

A bachelor's degree will also open the door for graduate study. I received my Masters in Business two years after completing mortuary school. This academic study not only improved my resume but taught me to become a leader. It enhanced areas such as public speaking, analytical skills, and solid management tactics. As a byproduct you don't hear me complaining about the long hours and the low pay in the funeral industry. Everyday this industry is becoming more of a business of sales and the funeral industry has blessed me financially.

In conclusion, I love the funeral industry with all of my heart. This isn't the case with the majority of our industry's workforce....unfortunately. So solidify your academic background with credentials that will open doors for you down the road. You don't truly know that your heart is in the funeral industry until you have several years of experience under your belt. There's a lot of washed up undertakers stuck on call with only a trade school degree.

Chris Teel