Point Park University

What you'll study

This programme blends biological science, technical mortuary skills and business and counselling studies. Core topics typically include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry as applied to embalming, embalming theory and laboratory practice, restorative art, funeral directing and service planning, mortuary law and ethics, grief and bereavement counselling, and business principles for funeral service.

Instruction is delivered through lectures, small-group seminars, wet labs and supervised practicum. Students spend substantial time in embalming and restorative art laboratories developing hands-on competencies and complete an externship or internship with accredited funeral homes to gain real-world experience. Many students also undertake a capstone project or practicum portfolio that demonstrates readiness for professional practice and licensure.

Entry requirements

• High school diploma or recognised equivalent; applicants are expected to show a solid academic record.
• Preparation in science (for example biology and chemistry) is strongly recommended and helpful for success in laboratory courses.
• Application materials typically include an application form, personal statement explaining interest in funeral service, and academic transcripts.
• Selection may involve an interview and evaluation of interpersonal maturity and suitability for work in bereavement support and clinical settings.
• Successful applicants must be able to meet health and safety requirements for laboratory and clinical placements; these commonly include up-to-date immunisations, tuberculosis screening and criminal-background checks as required by placement partners and licencing bodies.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for licenced roles in the death-care sector, including funeral director, embalmer and crematory operator. Typical career paths also include funeral home manager, restorative artist, bereavement counsellor, cemetery administration, cremation services coordinator and roles in regulatory agencies or insurance and pre-need planning.

Skills developed in the programme — technical embalming and restorative work, grief communication, regulatory knowledge and business management — are also applicable to allied areas such as hospital and hospice bereavement services, forensic mortuary work, military mortuary affairs and continuing education or ownership of funeral service businesses.

Why study at Point Park University

Point Park offers a focused, professionally oriented funeral service programme with small classes and hands-on laboratory instruction that emphasises practical competence. Students benefit from faculty who bring industry experience, close supervision in embalming and restorative labs, and established relationships with local funeral homes for practicum and internship placements in the Pittsburgh region.

The university’s urban location enables access to a wide range of placement opportunities across community funeral homes, cremation facilities and related organisations. The curriculum is structured to prepare students for the practical examinations and licensing requirements typical in the profession, while also building business, ethical and counselling skills needed for leadership in the death-care industry.