This program prepares you for a career as a licensed funeral director and embalmer in a profession that demands compassion, dedication, and creativity. Once accepted into the program, you will be immersed in all facets of the funeral profession and trained to become one of the best funeral directors in the expanding death-care career area.
Courses provide a variety of unique learning opportunities through lectures, hands-on labs, field trips, seminars, guest speakers, and internships. Topics include embalming, arranger training, grief studies, business management, religious funeral practices, regulatory compliance, and more.
Training takes place in classrooms, state-of-the-art embalming and restorative art labs, an arrangement conference room, a merchandise selection room, and a funeral chapel.
Upon completion of the program, you will earn an associate degree and be eligible to take the National Board Exam for funeral directors (required for licensure).
This program is offered in partnership with Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). You will complete one year at Western, then transfer to MATC to complete the degree.
Career Opportunities
Funeral Director
Mortician
Embalmer
Funeral Services Manager
Grief Counselor
Pre-need Counselor
Funeral Service Assistant
End-of-Life Doula
Program Outcomes
Explain the importance of funeral service professionals in developing relationships with the families and communities they serve
Identify standards of ethical conduct in funeral service practice
Interpret how federal, state, and local laws apply to funeral service in order to ensure compliance
Apply principles of public health and safety in the handling and preparation of human remains
Demonstrate technical skills in embalming and restorative art that are necessary for the preparation and handling of human remains
Demonstrate skills required for conducting arrangement conferences, visitations, services, and ceremonies
Describe the requirements and procedures for burial, cremation, and other accepted forms of final disposition of human remains
Describe methods to address the grief-related needs of the bereaved
Explain management skills associated with operating a funeral establishment
Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills and research skills needed for funeral service practice
Admissions Requirements
Additional Requirements
To enroll in the Funeral Service program, first apply for admission to the College, then electronically sign the program's Technical Standards. You can find a link to this document below.
In addition:
- A minimum of 24 college credits in areas specified by the state examining board are required for admission into the Funeral Service program at MATC. The courses taken at Western meet those requirements. See a MATC Community & Human Services Pathway advisor for more information.
- B- (or higher) is required in Business and Natural Sciences courses.
- C (or higher) is required in General Education courses.
- One year of high school-level biology and chemistry is required.
Software & Technology
Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.
If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.
Computer/Laptop Hardware
- Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
- Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
- Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.
Software Needs
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
