Program Facts

GU Mortuary Science Facts

• 100 percent of Gannon mortuary science students move on to mortuary school in their fourth year. Students have access to local funeral homes to interact with funeral directors and their staffs.
• Gannon mortuary science graduates enjoy a 100 percent pass rate on licensing examinations.

Major Facts

• There is currently a wealth of job opportunities for funeral directors and embalmers. Demand will increase in the coming years as the Baby Boomer generation grows older. In fact, nearly 30 percent of the total U.S. population was born between 1946 and 1965.
• The average salary of a funeral director is $60,390 with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $30,700 and the top 10 percent earning more than $94,000. Earnings potential depends on a variety of factors including years of experience, education, number of services performed, number of facilities operated, location, and community size.

About the Program

• Mortuary science majors complete 98 credits at Gannon and complete their degree at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science or another licensed institute. Graduates will receive a bachelor of science degree from Gannon and a diploma from the school of mortuary science. With an emphasis on business, Gannon’s mortuary science program ensures students receive excellent preparation for funeral home management.
• Students work with local hospice, bereavement and other support groups.
• Many mortuary science majors also pursue a minor to supplement their course of study in the fields such as accounting, business administration, marketing, social work and theology.