What degree do you need to be a funeral director?

When getting your education in mortuary science, you need to take courses that concern professional ethics, microbiology, chemistry, pathology, embalming, mortuary law, anatomy, federal regulations, grief counseling, and funeral service psychology.

You will also be asked to gain hands-on experience by dissecting cadavers, restoring and presenting damaged corpses, training with embalming chemicals, and working with other toxic chemicals. Training will also include safety protocols for these activities.

In addition, you might consider taking business-related classes as well if your goal is to open up your own mortuary.

After school, you must seek out an apprenticeship, as this step is required by the ABFSE. These typically last anywhere from one to three years. If possible, you can also start and possibly finish your apprenticeship while attending school.

Next, you need to obtain state licensure. To do this, you must pass an exam that includes questions on psychology, funeral service merchandising, business law, funeral service history, microbiology, pathology, restorative arts, embalming, and anatomy. Depending on the state in which you reside, you may have to obtain an embalming license separately.

To become a funeral director, you also need a clean criminal history. Aspiring funeral directors that have felony charges will most likely not succeed.