Funeral Cosmetology Education and Training Program Information
While not typically its own field of study, classes in funeral cosmetology and restorative art are included in most associate's degree programs in funeral or mortuary science. Though state requirements for licensing as a funeral director vary, most students interested in a career in funeral science pursue an associate's or bachelor's degree through an accredited program.
Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science
A funeral director or mortician is responsible for handling all ceremonial and practical aspects of a funeral or memorial service in accordance with the wishes of the decedent and his or her family. Students in an associate's degree program in mortuary science learn a variety of skills in the sciences, grief counseling, embalming techniques and business skills. Funeral cosmetology is usually taught in combination with restorative art. Students learn how to prepares body for viewing in a casket, how to mend or disguise trauma to the body and how to use cosmetics to restore a life-like appearance to the face. Students also learn about legal aspects of the funeral industry such as the laws surrounding disposition of the body, tax status and death certificates. Most programs in mortuary science require applicants to have completed a high school diploma or GED prior to enrollment.
Program Coursework
Though state requirements vary, most programs feature a combination of classroom education and practical experience in order to qualify for professional licensing exams. Programs typically combine funeral cosmetology with the topic of restorative art and teach these skills during the final year of the program. Mortuary science students may take courses in:
- Microbiology
- Human biology
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Psychology
- Business law and ethics
- Funeral service law
- Embalming
Popular Career Choices
Students interested in funeral cosmetology might specialize in embalming of the deceased. Other career options in the funeral industry include:
- Hearse driver
- Grief counselor
- Funeral arranger
- Cremation technician
Continuing Education Information
While every state in the U.S. requires funeral directors to be licensed, the actual requirements vary; students should check the necessary requirements with their state departments. Graduates of a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) are usually required to meet a minimum age requirement and complete an internship or apprenticeship in order to qualify to take the licensing exam. Some states may require separate licenses for funeral directors and embalmers.
Bachelor of Science in Funeral Home Management
Funeral industry professionals returning to complete a degree or students interested in studying a broad liberal arts education while preparing for a career might be interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in mortuary or funeral home management. There are fewer than ten programs accredited by the ABFSE in the U.S. that grant a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science. These programs include courses in funeral cosmetology and restorative art with both classroom instruction and lab experience. Students learn ways to prepare a body for viewing in a funeral ceremony using plaster, wax and cosmetics to restore the face and body of the deceased. Most universities require students to have completed a high school diploma or GED before they are admitted to a program.
Program Coursework
In addition to the core set of courses for the profession, students are required to complete a full selection of general education courses in the humanities, business and social science. Typical coursework in the funeral home management curriculum can include:
- Chemistry
- Body presentation and cosmetics
- Psychology of grief
- Small business management
- Embalming science
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that employment of funeral directors was expected to increase as fast as the national average for all other occupations between the years 2008 and 2018 (www.bls.gov). Opportunities were expected to be best for those employees who had a broad education and who had skills in multiple areas of the industry, such as a funeral director with both management and embalming skills. The BLS also reported that in 2009, the median annual wage of a funeral director was $54,370.
Related to Funeral Cosmetology Education and Training Program Information
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
List of the Top Hair Stylist Schools and Colleges in the U.S.
Hair stylists are professional cosmetologists who cut and style hair for clients. Brushing, combing, coloring, drying,...
Online Schools and Colleges for an Aspiring Mortician
Morticians work in funeral homes arranging a funeral with a family, embalming, and laying the dead to rest at a grave...
How to Become a Beauty Department Manager
Find out how to become a beauty department manager. Research the education and training requirements, and learn about...
How to Become a Funeral Arranger: Career Roadmap
Find out how to become a funeral arranger. Research the education and licensing requirements, and learn about the...
Become a Funeral Service Worker: Career Guide
- Cosmetology Instructor License and Credential Information
- Online Training Programs and Courses for Cosmetology Instructors
- How The Heidelberg Project Is Transforming Lives Through Art
- Top Degree Programs in Graphic Design and Multimedia - Denver, CO
- Top Ranked University for a Business Accounting Degree - Dallas, TX
- Top Health Information Science Degrees - Houston, TX
- Top School for an MBA in Accounting - Kansas City, MO
- Art Critic: Job Description, Duties and Salary
- Art Exhibit Sees Afghanistan Occupation in a New Light
- Top Ranked School for a Degree in Computer Design Technology - Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Best School for a Degree in Criminal Justice - Anaheim, CA
- Top University for Visual Communications and Digital Media Design - Los Angeles, CA
4 Popular Schools
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
-
School locations:
- Illinois (2 campuses)
- Minnesota (1 campus)
- Texas (1)
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Bachelor
-
- Bachelor in Hospitality Management
-
-
Associate
-
- Associate in Hospitality Management
-
Other Schools:
-
School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Wayne State University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Funeral Related Services
-
School locations:
- Illinois (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Southern Illinois University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Funeral Related Services
-
School locations:
- Oklahoma (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Central Oklahoma include:
-
- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Diploma
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Funeral Related Services
-
School locations:
- New York (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at St. John's University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Funeral Related Services
-
School locations:
- Minnesota (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Minnesota include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework, Diploma
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Funeral Related Services
-
School locations:
- Wisconsin (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Milwaukee Area Technical College include:
-
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
- Cosmetology and Related Services
- Culinary Arts and Culinary Services
- Funeral Related Services
