Politely clasped hands of a funeral director in front of some funeral bouquets.

Funeral Service Education

Diploma or Certificate

1 – 2 years

Learn how to apply

Highlights


Flexible Education — complete your academic and experiential learning while remaining in your community, and under the supervision of funeral service professionals.

Engaging Instructors ― learn from experts in the profession who are dedicated to your education.

Professional Licensing — be eligible to license with the regulator in the Province of Alberta.

Student Funding — apply for student loan funding to support your education.

 

Mount Royal offers three programs under Funeral Service Education. Explore the three options, compare licensing requirements, costs, curriculum and courses and choose the funeral service program that’s right for you.

Funeral Service Diploma

Prepare to license as a funeral director and embalmer

  • Complete within a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 6 years
  • Study full-time or part-time
  • Diploma is the preferred credential with many funeral homes

Funeral Director Certificate

Concentrate on funeral directing only

  • Complete within a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 6 years
  • Study part-time

Embalmer Certificate

Specialize in embalming and restorative arts

  • Complete within a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 6 years
  • Study part-time

The three Funeral Service Education programs integrate online theory and hands-on experiential learning, through the completion of supervised practica and work experience. In most cases, these can be completed in the community of your choice.

Students residing outside of Alberta — check with your Provincial Regulatory Board for guidelines and regulations on completing the practical and work experience courses within your province.

Career possibilities

  • Funeral director
  • Embalmer
  • Instructor
  • Examiner
  • Cemetery manager/Operator
  • Autopsy technician
  • Technical sales

Questions?

Information about the program can be answered by the Funeral Service Education team.

Contact us
Mist covered forest valley.

Study at MRU

 

Discover everything you need to know about becoming an MRU student.

Learn more
A bouquet of flowers on a casket.

Students break the taboo of death

Students break the taboo around death and find comfort in a Funeral Services career.

Two people comforting another at a funeral.

Licensing and affiliations

Learn how to receive the proper licensing to practice in your province.

A rose on a headstone that reads 'In Memory Of'

Practicum and work experience requirements

Complete these requirements before starting your program.

Take the next steps to become a Mount Royal student

Application process Sign up for an info session
Apply now

Continuing Education

Mount Royal is pleased to offer five occupational programs and a multitude of continuing education courses and programs. View the full program listing to start your professional development.

Information session

Join us at 1 to 2 p.m. MDT on Tuesday, Nov. 12 for a prospective student virtual information session. Learn more about the program, chat with program staff and more.