5 Reasons to Pursue a Bachelor’s in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science

5 Benefits of a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science

• Business management enhancement
• Basics in business law
• Strategic marketing
• Public speaking skill development
• Enhanced interpersonal communication skills
  

A bachelor’s degree in funeral service and mortuary science is bestowed by a college or university and is a 4-year program. This contrasts with an associate’s degree in mortuary science granted by a junior college, community college, and some 4-year institutions of higher learning. There are some notable differences between a 2-year and 4-year degree program. Some important benefits can be realized by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in funeral service and mortuary science.

1. Business Management Enhancement

A key benefit associated with pursuing a bachelor’s degree in funeral service and mortuary science is the opportunity to access more course opportunities associated with business management, according to the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Whilst learning the technical aspects associated with the funeral industry, many people with mortuary science degrees end up running their own funeral homes. Thus, they need to have a solid foundation in business management, a skill set that can be developed in a bachelor’s degree program.

2. Basics in Business

On a somewhat related note, a bachelor’s degree program in funeral service and mortuary science oftentimes provides a student the opportunity for essential course work in basic business law. Of course, if a major legal issue arises, a funeral director is wise to obtain legal counsel. However, having a basic understanding of some business law basics serves a funeral director and owner well. The typical 4-year course of study includes course work on specific laws related to the operation of a funeral home business in a particular state.

3. Strategic Marketing

The funeral industry is highly competitive. Consequently, an ever-increasing number of four-year degree programs include courses on marketing. These courses are intended to give professionals in the industry a competitive edge. Coursework includes basic marketing and advertising tactics. Also, students typically have the opportunity to study promotional tactics specifically designed for the funeral industry.

4. Public Speaking Skill Development

Funeral directors, including those on staff of and those who own homes, are rather frequently called upon to speak in public. This can include somewhat informal public discussions as well as more formal presentations, including at memorial services. A professional in the field necessarily wants to make a favorable, dignified presentation. Yet another benefit that can be derived from a bachelor’s degree program is the opportunity to take a course or two focused on public speaking.

Related Resource: 10 Best Affordable Bachelor’s in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science

5. Enhanced Interpersonal Communication Skills

Finally, another reason to pursue a 4-year course of study in funeral service and mortuary science is to enhance interpersonal communication skills and tactics. Funeral directors are continually called upon to talk to people who are amid truly emotional experiences. Thus, specialized interpersonal communication training in a college setting can prove invaluable.

Armed with the additional educational opportunities available in a bachelor’s degree funeral service and mortuary science program, a graduate oftentimes has something of a leg-up over the competition that completed a 2-year program. Also, as was discussed, the broader educational experience in a 4-year degree program lays a firmer foundation for one day owning a funeral home business.