Which online mortuary science degrees are recognized by the ABFSE?

Key Takeaways

• The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) is the only national accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for mortuary science and funeral service programs.
• Only graduates from ABFSE-accredited programs are eligible for licensure in most U.S. states.
• Several colleges offer fully online or hybrid Associate and Bachelor degrees in mortuary science that meet ABFSE standards.
• Online programs still require in-person clinical labs, embalming practicums, or internships.
• Prospective students must verify both ABFSE accreditation and state licensing board requirements before enrolling.

Why ABFSE Accreditation Matters for Online Mortuary Science Degrees

If you plan to become a licensed funeral director or embalmer, accreditation is not optional. The ABFSE sets educational standards for funeral service programs across the United States. Most state licensing boards require graduation from an ABFSE-accredited institution to qualify for licensure exams and apprenticeships.

You can verify a school's status using the official ABFSE Directory of Accredited Programs. Always confirm accreditation directly through ABFSE rather than relying solely on a college website.

Programs may be:

• Fully online with required local clinical placements
• Hybrid, combining online coursework with on-campus labs
• Primarily campus-based with some distance learning components

The key factor is ABFSE recognition, not delivery format.

ABFSE-Recognized Online and Hybrid Mortuary Science Programs

Below are reputable institutions that offer ABFSE-accredited programs with online or distance learning formats. Program formats may change, so confirm directly with each school.

SchoolDegree LevelFormatEstimated LengthOfficial LinkAmerican Academy McAllister Institute (NY)Associate in Occupational Studies; BachelorOnline with clinical requirements2–4 yearsVisit ProgramDallas Institute of Funeral Service (TX)Associate of Applied ScienceOnline and on-campus options18–24 monthsVisit ProgramSt. Petersburg College (FL)Associate in ScienceBlended distance learning2 yearsVisit ProgramDes Moines Area Community College (IA)Associate in Applied ScienceHybrid format2 yearsVisit ProgramJohn A. Gupton College (TN)Associate of Applied ScienceOnline with campus labs2 yearsVisit ProgramCommonwealth Institute of Funeral Service (TX)Associate of Applied ScienceOnline and residential options2 yearsVisit Program

Important Note About “Fully Online” Claims

Mortuary science is a hands-on healthcare profession. Even programs marketed as fully online require:

• Embalming laboratory training
• Restorative art practice
• Funeral directing practicums
• Supervised internships or apprenticeships

No ABFSE-accredited program can eliminate these clinical components.

Degree Types Available Through ABFSE-Accredited Programs

Associate Degree in Mortuary Science

This is the most common educational path. It typically fulfills minimum educational requirements for licensure in most states. Programs require 60 to 75 credits including:

• Embalming theory and lab
• Restorative art
• Funeral service law
• Grief counseling
• Microbiology and pathology

Bachelor Degree Completion Programs

Some institutions offer bachelor degree pathways designed for students who already hold an associate degree. These programs emphasize:

• Funeral home management
• Ethics and regulatory compliance
• Advanced restorative techniques
• Business law and accounting

A bachelor degree may enhance advancement into ownership, corporate funeral service, or cemetery management roles.

How to Verify Accreditation Status

Follow these steps before enrolling:

1. Visit the official ABFSE website.
2. Access the accredited program directory.
3. Confirm the school's status is “Accredited” not “Candidate” unless you understand provisional risks.
4. Check your state licensing board requirements.

You can locate your state’s funeral service board through the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, which administers the National Board Examination.

Online vs On-Campus: What Is the Real Difference?

FactorOnline/HybridTraditional On-CampusLecture DeliveryVirtual, asynchronous or liveIn-personLab RequirementsShort-term campus intensivesOngoing weekly labsFlexibilityHigher for working studentsStructured scheduleCost VariabilityOften similar tuition, fewer relocation costsHousing and transportation costs

The curriculum and accreditation standards remain identical.

Admission Requirements for Online Mortuary Programs

Most ABFSE-accredited schools require:

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA, usually 2.0–2.5
• Prerequisite courses in biology or chemistry
• Background check or immunization records
• Interview or personal statement

Some programs have selective admissions due to limited lab capacity.

Tuition and Cost Expectations

Tuition varies widely based on residency and institution type:

• Community colleges: approximately $8,000–$20,000 total
• Private institutions: approximately $20,000–$40,000 total

Additional costs include lab fees, embalming kits, clinical travel, textbooks, and National Board Examination fees.

Federal financial aid is available at accredited institutions through Federal Student Aid.

Licensure Path After Graduation

After earning your degree, most states require:

1. Passing the National Board Examination administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards
2. Completing a 1–2 year apprenticeship
3. Passing a state law exam

Each state sets its own requirements. Some states separate embalmer and funeral director licenses.

Career Outlook for Funeral Service Professionals

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, funeral service workers earn a median annual salary above the national average for service occupations. Demand remains stable due to consistent mortality rates and an aging population.

Career paths include:

• Licensed funeral director
• Licensed embalmer
• Crematory operator
• Funeral home manager
• Cemetery operations manager

Graduates with bachelor degrees may also move into regional or corporate leadership roles within larger funeral service organizations.

How to Choose the Right ABFSE-Recognized Online Program

Use this evaluation checklist:

• Confirm ABFSE accreditation status
• Verify your state accepts the program
• Compare graduation and board exam pass rates
• Evaluate lab scheduling flexibility
• Review total tuition, not just per-credit cost
• Ask about job placement assistance

Some schools publish National Board pass rate statistics within the ABFSE annual report. Higher pass rates can indicate stronger academic preparation.

Frequently Overlooked Considerations

• Online programs still require physical presence for embalming training
• Some states restrict distance education for initial licensure
• Transferring credits between mortuary programs can be limited
• Apprenticeships may be difficult to secure without early networking

Choosing an ABFSE-recognized online mortuary science degree ensures that your education meets national professional standards and positions you for licensure eligibility across most U.S. jurisdictions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Online ABFSE-Accredited Mortuary Science Programs

Why is ABFSE accreditation important for an online mortuary science degree?

ABFSE accreditation matters because most state licensing boards only accept degrees from programs approved by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Without this accreditation, you may not qualify for the National Board Examination or for licensure in many states.

Can you complete a mortuary science degree 100% online?

No. Even when coursework is online, ABFSE-accredited programs still require in-person embalming labs, restorative art practice, and supervised clinical or internship hours. You can confirm program formats and requirements in the official ABFSE Directory of Accredited Programs.

How do you check if an online mortuary program is accredited?

Go to the ABFSE website and use the accredited program directory to look up the school by name. Make sure the status is listed as “Accredited,” then review your state’s rules through its funeral service board, which you can find via the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.

What degree do you need to become a funeral director or embalmer?

Most states accept an ABFSE-accredited associate degree in mortuary science as the minimum for licensure. Some employers and leadership roles may prefer or require a bachelor’s degree, especially for funeral home management or corporate positions. Always compare this with your state’s licensing rules.

How much does an online mortuary science program usually cost?

Community college programs often total about $8,000–$20,000, while private schools may range from about $20,000–$40,000, plus fees for labs, supplies, and the National Board Examination. You can explore federal aid options through Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before you enroll.

What is the job outlook and typical pay for funeral service workers?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that funeral service workers earn a median annual wage that is higher than the average for many service jobs, with steady demand due to an aging population. You can review current salary and outlook data on the Bureau of Labor Statistics funeral service workers page.