B.S. in Funeral Service

The B.S. in Funeral Service at UCO is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in the funeral service industry, equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills needed to provide compassionate and professional care to families during their time of loss. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for licensure and successful careers in various funeral service roles.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.S. in Funeral Service covers a wide range of topics, including funeral directing, embalming techniques, grief counseling, and business management. Students engage in hands-on learning experiences through laboratory work and field internships, allowing them to develop practical skills in embalming and restorative arts while gaining insights into the operations of funeral homes.

Research Focus: UCO encourages research within the Funeral Service program, promoting exploration of contemporary issues in the field, such as ethical considerations, advancements in embalming technology, and innovative practices in grief support. Faculty members mentor students in their research projects, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for addressing challenges in the funeral service profession.

Industry Engagement: The program emphasizes strong connections with the funeral service industry through partnerships with local funeral homes, participation in professional organizations, and opportunities for internships. These engagements provide students with valuable networking opportunities, industry insights, and real-world experience, enhancing their readiness for post-graduation employment.

Global Perspective: UCO’s B.S. in Funeral Service incorporates a global perspective by examining diverse cultural practices surrounding death, mourning, and funerals. This approach prepares students to work effectively in multicultural environments and understand the importance of sensitivity and respect for different traditions and beliefs in funeral service.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $40

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 61 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 44 or higher.

The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) offers a range of scholarships to support international students in pursuing their higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, encourage diversity, and provide financial assistance. 

Global Broncho Scholarship: The Global Broncho Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for undergraduate international students. The scholarship amount varies and is awarded based on academic achievement.

International Student Academic Scholarship: This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate international students. It recognizes outstanding academic performance and provides financial support.

Ambassador's Scholarship: The Ambassador's Scholarship is awarded to outstanding undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to promoting diversity and cultural understanding.

Honors College Scholarship: The Honors College at UCO offers scholarships to academically talented international students who participate in the Honors College program.

Athletic Scholarships: International students with exceptional athletic abilities may be eligible for athletic scholarships if they participate in UCO's NCAA Division II sports programs.

Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at UCO offer scholarships to students majoring in specific fields. These scholarships are often based on academic performance, major, or other criteria.

UCO Foundation Scholarships: The UCO Foundation administers a wide range of scholarships funded by donors and organizations. These scholarships cover various academic disciplines and criteria.

Cultural Diversity Scholarship: UCO recognizes the value of cultural diversity and may offer scholarships to international students who contribute to a more diverse and inclusive campus community.

Study Abroad Scholarships: UCO encourages international students to explore study abroad opportunities. Scholarships may be available to support their international educational experiences.

Specific Country Scholarships: UCO may have scholarship programs that are specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions.

Graduates of the B.S. in Funeral Service program have diverse career opportunities within the funeral industry, equipping them to serve families with professionalism and compassion. Many graduates pursue careers as funeral directors, responsible for overseeing all aspects of funeral arrangements, including coordinating services, handling logistics, and providing support to grieving families.

Embalmers: A significant number of alumni specialize as embalmers, where they perform the crucial task of preserving and preparing bodies for viewing and burial. This role requires technical expertise and a deep understanding of the embalming process, along with adherence to ethical and legal standards.

Grief Counselors: Some graduates choose to become grief counselors, offering emotional support and guidance to individuals and families coping with loss. This role often involves training in psychology and counseling techniques, enabling professionals to assist clients in navigating their grief journey.

Funeral Home Managers: Others may advance to positions as funeral home managers, where they oversee daily operations, manage staff, and ensure compliance with regulations. This leadership role combines business acumen with compassionate care, making it essential for maintaining the quality and integrity of services provided.

Pre-Need Advisors: Graduates can also work as pre-need advisors, helping families plan for future funeral arrangements. This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to discuss sensitive topics while providing valuable information and options for families to consider.

Mortuary Science Educators: Some alumni may pursue careers in education, becoming mortuary science instructors at colleges or training programs, sharing their knowledge and experience with the next generation of funeral service professionals.

Consultants and Policy Advisors: Additionally, graduates may work as consultants or policy advisors within the funeral service industry, contributing to the development of best practices, ethical guidelines, and industry standards.