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Funeral Service Degree

Bachelor of Science in Funeral Service

Offered on campus

Build a Meaningful Career Path

Point Park University's funeral service degree program prepares students for funeral service director careers, an impactful profession that integrates science, business management and helping others. Funeral directors care for the dead, assist their loved ones and manage the funeral arrangement process from start to finish.

Our partnership with the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS) allows students to build a strong foundation of knowledge around what the funeral service profession entails and the science that goes into it at Point Park, followed by hands-on training at PIMS. Additionally, faculty from PIMS teach some of Point Park's courses, bringing their years of industry experience into the classroom.

Our program — with the option to choose a concentration in health and science or business administration — offers two paths:

Program Options

Traditional (3-1) Bachelor of Science Degree 

In cooperation with the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, we offer a Bachelor of Science degree requiring three years of study at Point Park University, followed by one year of study at PIMS.

Curriculum

Our traditional funeral service program begins at Point Park University. After earning 72 credits at Point Park, you will attend PIMS to complete the 12-month, three-trimester diploma program. Upon completion of requirements at both schools, you will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Financial Aid

Point Park’s Office of Financial Aid will process your financial aid, including your year at PIMS. If you choose to live on campus during your PIMS year, federal and state financial aid awards will be applied to housing expenses first. Any remainder will be refunded to you, and you will be responsible for paying PIMS tuition. Students are not eligible for University scholarships or grants through Point Park while taking classes at PIMS.

Capstone Bachelor of Science Degree

In cooperation with the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, we offer a Bachelor of Science Capstone degree, which requires completion of the 20-month, five-trimester Associate in Specialized Business degree at PIMS, followed by one year of study at Point Park.

Curriculum

Our capstone funeral service program follows study at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. After completing the 20-month, five-trimester Associate in Specialized Business Degree at PIMS, you will attend Point Park to earn 36 credits. Upon completion of requirements at both schools, you will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Financial Aid

Upon admission into the capstone program, Point Park’s Office of Financial Aid will process your financial aid.

Mortuary School Transfer Students

This degree program reflects a specialized arrangement between Point Park University and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Sciences. If you are a student interested in transferring credits to or from another mortuary school, please contact registrar@pointpark.edu.

Courses & Topics

You will receive a well-rounded education through Point Park University's core curriculum and classes in the funeral service major. Some of the courses include:

  • Occupational Safety and Health
  • Public Health
  • Psychology of Emotion
  • Professional Selling
  • Ethical Leadership
  • Funeral Service Capstone
B.S. Degree Requirements (Traditional Format) B.S. Degree Requirements (Capstone Format) Course Descriptions

Traditional Bachelor of Science (3-1) Program FAQ

You can contact PIMS at any time before or after you begin your studies at Point Park University to schedule a visit and learn more about the PIMS campus and program. You should contact the PIMS Admission Office one year prior to completing your Point Park courses to begin the enrollment process for PIMS.
The traditional Bachelor of Science in Specialized Professional Studies – Funeral Service program is a cooperative 3-1 program. You will attend Point Park for your first 72 credits (four to six semesters) of study and then attend PIMS for you final 60 credits (three semesters). For most students, this will be three years at Point Park and one year at PIMS.  During your final year at PIMS, you will also complete a research project at Point Park for your senior capstone.
You will enroll in the PIMS Diploma Program (Embalming and Funeral Director) which is a three semester program (fall, spring and summer). Once completed, 48 of the 60 credits in the PIMS program will transfer back to Point Park and you will receive your bachelor’s degree from Point Park.
The courses required for the traditional Bachelor of Science in professional studies/funeral service degree program can be found in this degree requirements guide.  

Point Park’s Office of Financial Aid will process your financial aid — including your year at PIMS.  You will need to complete a Financial Aid Consortium Agreement form before you attend PIMS.

If you choose to live on campus during your PIMS year, federal and state financial aid awards will be applied toward housing expenses first. Any remainder will be refunded to you, and you will be responsible for paying PIMS tuition.

If you choose to live off campus during your PIMS year, federal and state financial aid awards will be refunded to you, and you will be responsible for paying PIMS tuition.

Students are not eligible for Point Park University scholarships or grants while taking classes at PIMS.

Yes. You can get food and housing from Point Park while enrolled at PIMS. You will have a Point Park ID card and have access to the library, computer labs, dining facilities, student clubs, student activities, etc.  Eligibility to participate in NCAA sports is determined on an individual basis. 

Capstone Bachelor of Science Program FAQ

The capstone Bachelor of Science in Specialized Professional Studies – Funeral Service program is a cooperative program. You will attend PIMS for your first 97 credits (five semesters) of study and then attend Point Park for your final 36 credits (two semesters). For most students, this will be two years at PIMS (including a summer semester) and one year at Point Park. 

You will enroll in the Associate in Specialized Business Degree program (Funeral Service Management), which is a five-semester program (includes a summer semester). Once completed, 84 of the 97 credits in the PIMS program will transfer to Point Park and you will begin the bachelor’s degree capstone program at Point Park. 
The courses required for the capstone Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies/Funeral Service degree program can be found in this degree requirements guide.   

Upon admission into the capstone program, Point Park’s Office of Financial Aid will process your financial aid for your studies at Point Park.

Students are not eligible for Point Park University scholarships or grants while taking classes at PIMS. 

Yes, you may choose to live on campus during your time at PIMS.  You will be responsible for paying food and housing costs at Point Park.
No, this is a capstone program. You will be a PIMS student while taking classes at PIMS and a Point Park student while taking classes at Point Park. However, you will be governed by all applicable University policies if you choose to stay on campus during your time at PIMS.
Point Park University
201 Wood Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1984
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