An associates degree in funeral service or mortuary science is typically required to become eligible for licensure as a Funeral Director in New York State. Coursework focuses on ethics, grief counseling, funeral service, and law. It is also not uncommon for mortuary science programs to include elements of public speaking, mathematics, anatomy, biology and public health. Students will also participate in skills elements to learn the sciences of embalming and restoration work.

The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) accredits funeral service and mortuary science programs, most of which offer a 2-year associate’s degree at many community colleges. Some programs offer a bachelor’s degree. Programs of study can be completed in-person, via distance learning (online), or by a combination of methods based upon the program’s established curriculum.

Upon completion of an accredited mortuary science program candidates in New York State must:

  • successfully complete the National Board Examination which is divided into two phases; Arts, and Sciences.
  • undertake a 12-month post-graduate residency at a New York State registered funeral firm under the direct supervision of a licensed Funeral Director
  • successfully complete an examination on the laws of funeral directing administered by the New York State Bureau of Funeral Directing

The American Board of Funeral Service Education has accredited these programs within New York State.
For pre-requisites, program information, or to apply please contact the program administrator.

Nassau County
Community College
Mortuary Science Department
357 East Road
Garden City, NY 11530

Administrator: Michael Mastellone
Phone: (516) 572-7727

State University
of New York
Canton
34 Cornell Drive, Cook 109
Canton, NY 13617

Administrator: David Penepent, PhD
Phone: (315) 386-7170

American Academy
McAllister Institute
of Funeral Service Education
1501 Broadway, Suite 1102
New York, NY 10035

Administrator: Donald Cymbor
Phone: (212) 757-1190

Hudson Valley
Community College
Mortuary Science Department
80 Vandenburgh Avenue
Troy, NY 12180

Administrator: Lori Q. Purcell
Phone: (518) 629-7334