A recent articulation agreement between 麻豆果冻鈥檚 College of Applied and Technical Sciences (CATS) and the Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science provides a seamless pathway for students to earn a Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree. To help industry professionals, educators and students understand the benefits of this partnership, an informational gathering is scheduled for Sept. 29 on the Kent State Ashtabula Campus from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Susan J. Stocker Hall.
The free event will include panel discussions and breakout sessions with industry leaders, alumni and representatives from Kent State and CCMS. Those planning to attend should register at . For more information about the event, emails can be sent to nbodden@kent.edu.
Kent State offers an Associate of Technical Study-Individualized Program with a pathway to CCMS鈥 Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree by which students can transfer to CCMS.
Subsequently, the Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree can be completed in four semesters at CCMS, following a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to become funeral service professionals such as funeral directors, embalmers, certified crematory operators, forensic autopsy technicians and certified celebrants that officiate non-religious personalized funeral services.
鈥淲e are excited to collaborate with the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science to expand access to this valuable pathway for learners throughout our Regional Campus system, supporting students as they explore and pursue meaningful careers,鈥 said Peggy Shadduck, Ph.D., Kent State鈥檚 vice president of Regional Campuses and dean of CATS.
CCMS President Mark Ivey noted that he shares the excitement about this collaboration and the opportunities it presents to students across the state. 鈥淲e are blessed to be able to bring our profession through a pathway with Kent State鈥檚 Regional Campuses and their excellent academic program as we continue to be the leading mortuary program in the country,鈥 he said.
Joshua Phillips graduated from CCMS in 2024 after following a similar pathway. He now works at Gompf Funeral Service in Cardington, Ohio, as an apprentice funeral director/embalmer, certified crematory operator and a certified celebrant.
鈥淐ompleting my general education before transferring to CCMS allowed me to dedicate myself fully to the mortuary science program when I arrived,鈥 he shared. 鈥淭hese pathways help students enter the program prepared to learn, prepared to serve and ready for a career that makes a meaningful difference. Mortuary science is more than a profession. It鈥檚 an opportunity to support families in their hardest moments and make a lasting impact.鈥
To download information about the ATS individualized program leading to a bachelor of mortuary science degree visit kent.edu/admissions/degree-pathways and select CCMS.