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Mortuary Science

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Erie, Pennsylvania
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  • Become a Compassionate Professional with a Mortuary Science Degree from Gannon University

    Death care professionals deal with some of the most consequential decisions in the lives of families every day. By integrating life sciences, social sciences and business aspects, Gannon University’s mortuary science program provides you with excellent training in this challenging and rewarding field. 

    • All of Gannon University’s mortuary science students are prepared to enter mortuary school in their senior year.
    • 98%More than 98% of Gannon University mortuary science graduates pass the licensing examination.
    • The demand for well-trained professionals in this industry is expected to remain high for the next 25 years.

    Learn to Lead the Way in Mortuary Science

    • Become immersed in a multidisciplinary undergraduate degree program that integrates curricula from the fields of health sciences, business, social work and mortuary science.  
    • Benefit from the opportunity to complete community service with local funeral homes.  
    • Pursue a minor to supplement your course of study in fields such as accounting, business administration, marketing, social work or theology. 
     

    Experience an Exceptional Learning Environment

    • Gain the knowledge and skills needed before transferring to a licensed mortuary school of choice - the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science being a popular option - in your fourth year of study.  
    • Take advantage of experiential learning opportunities with funeral directors at local funeral homes. 
     

    Inspire Your Academic Success

    Gain real-world knowledge through key mortuary science courses including:

    • Interviewing Skills: Develop the interpersonal skills required to support families in the bereavement process.
    • Professional Lecture Series: Meet and interview professionals, such as grief and bereavement counselors in hospice, palliative care organizations and funeral homes.
    • Death, Dying and Bereavement: Discuss issues regarding theories of dying, death and bereavement of the aged and assessments and interventions with clients and their families.

    Achieve the Possibilities

    Our mortuary science program is designed for your success. Through curriculum flexibility and high-quality educational opportunities, you can: 

    • Enter a field where the number of openings for funeral home personnel exceeds the number of trained graduates.  
    • Complete two semesters at a licensed mortuary science institution where you receive the hands-on training essential for licensure during your senior year.  
    • Enjoy the benefits of a broad and balanced curriculum that is excellent preparation for a career in funeral home management or as a bereavement counselor, coroner or hospice care professional.
    • Earn a median annual salary of $58,900 for funeral directors, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. To produce competent and caring mortuary science practitioners
  2. To become proficient practitioners in every phase of funeral service provision
  3. To know and practice the laws that governs funeral directors and embalmers
  4. To respect diverse cultural practices related to illness, dying, death, and care of the deceased.
  5. To engage in ongoing education and research in the field of death care services
Eleni Vlachos

Eleni Vlachos School of Humanities and Social Sciences

“I am thankful for my professors who involve me in the Erie community through internships and interpersonal connections."

  • Receive hands-on learning through real-world courses, projects and valuable internship experiences that prepare you to become a professional in the field.
  • 13:1Enjoy a personalized experience inspired by Gannon’s faculty experts and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1.
  • Apply for generous financial aid packages and scholarship awards.

Our Faculty Experts