Programs: Funeral Service Management, Bachelor of Science Degree, Associate of Arts in Mortuary Science Degrees

The primary mission of the mortuary science program is to provide the student with a broad-based education, which prepares the student for a successful career in funeral service or whatever field the student chooses. The secondary mission is to sufficiently prepare the student to sit for the National Board Exam given by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. This exam is required for licensure in most states.

Bachelor of Science Degree Program

Funeral Service Management

Associates of Arts Degree Program

Mortuary Science

Accreditation

The American Board of Funeral Service accredits the Briarwood College Mortuary Science Program.

Career Information

Graduates who pass the licensing exam and complete state apprenticeship and law requirements will be qualified to start and/or own their own funeral homes. In addition, employment is often obtained in privately owned funeral homes, corporate funeral homes, chemical companies, casket manufacturers, and corporate offices.

With the aging population, the expected mortality rate should increase from its traditional 8/year/thousand to 13/year/thousand starting in 2010 and remain so for better than 30 years. The number of students entering funeral service has not changed dramatically in the past 20 years, leading to sporadic shortages of professional personnel.

Generally, the entry level salary has been equated nationally to the starting salary of a teacher. Fringe benefits include the normal life and health, plus some offer clothing and travel allowances.

Mortuary suppliers, such as chemical and casket manufacturers, tend to hire licensed funeral directors for sales staff. Large corporations, such as Carriage Services or Service Corporation, offer opportunities to move into multi-location management and positions in corporate headquarters.