The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to obtain new facts and details about the lived experiences of Ohio funeral directors during their first five years of licensure after graduating from mortuary college. The study aimed to understand these lived experiences as told by the funeral directors to understand better the factors…

Women students are entering mortuary science programs, being retained, and graduating at much higher rates than ever before. This is despite research that shows women in science-related programs often face discrimination and other barriers to degree completion (Bailey & DiPrete 2016; Jesse 2006; Shauman 2016; Steele et al., 2002; Title IX at…

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions that Alabama funeral service licensees had towards their academic preparation for entry-level funeral service careers in a professional field that was changing. More specifically, this study identified and examined specific learning objectives within the American Board of Funeral…

This study investigated practitioners' perceptions of the a) importance, b) academic preparation related to, and c) adequacy of, funeral service education at academic programs accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) in the context of changing death care preferences in the United States. Participants in this…

This grounded theory dissertation explores the educational experiences of funeral service students as they matriculate through the college of funeral service. Student interviews were utilized to explore the world of funeral service education. The analysis of the data led to the discovery of the theory, "Sustaining the Image of Life." The…