If you enroll in a course of study and satisfactorily complete two years of units or the equivalent, you may be eligible to receive an associate degree. These degrees are usually offered in a wide range of disciplines within the sciences and the humanities.

What is an associate degree in mortuary science? Programs in mortuary science typically teach students all facets of working in the funerary industry, including services to the living and the dead. Course work may include how to conduct services, how to plan funerals and how to prepare the body. Specific classes can include mortuary microbiology, mortuary chemistry, pathophysiology, mortuary law, psychology, ethics, grief counseling, embalming, restorative art and small business management.

A degree in mortuary science usually prepares students for handling a deceased person’s body, as well as providing services to that person’s loved ones. The lessons learned in how to deal with people compassionately can be used to work with people in general at all times.

As with any academic degree, the costs of this one may depend on your chosen institution and its specific program. One way of helping to reduce costs can be to choose an online course of study.

The types of positions that one may be eligible for after receiving this degree are embalmer, funeral director, mortician, undertaker and funeral home manager. Generally speaking, the positions are divided into those that are more administrative, those that deal more heavily with the living and those that handle the bodies themselves. Note that licensing may be required for some of these positions and, in some cases, an internship. The most common employers are usually funeral homes and hospitals.

Getting started on your educational goals is often easier with a little research. For more information, search for your program below and contact directly the admission office of the school of your choice by filling in the lead form.