Kent State, CCMS partner to expand pathway to mortuary science careers

A recent articulation agreement between Kent State University’s College of Applied and Technical Sciences 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 the 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 Stocker Hall auditorium.

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 https://bit.ly/cats-ccms-2025. For more information, email nbodden@kent.edu.

Kent State offers an Associate of Technical Study–Individualized Program with a pathway to CCMS’ Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree. Students can transfer to CCMS and complete the bachelor’s degree in four semesters. The program follows a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for careers such as funeral directors, embalmers, certified crematory operators, forensic autopsy technicians and certified celebrants who officiate nonreligious personalized funeral services.

“We 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,” said Peggy Shadduck, Kent State’s vice president of Regional Campuses and dean of the College of Applied and Technical Sciences.

CCMS President Mark Ivey shared his enthusiasm about the partnership. “We are blessed to be able to bring our profession through a pathway with Kent State’s Regional Campuses and their excellent academic program as we continue to be the leading mortuary program in the country,” he said.

Joshua Phillips, who graduated from CCMS in 2024 after following a similar pathway, now works at Gompf Funeral Service in Cardington, Ohio, as an apprentice funeral director and embalmer, certified crematory operator and certified celebrant.

“Completing my general education before transferring to CCMS allowed me to dedicate myself fully to the mortuary science program when I arrived,” Phillips said. “These 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’s an opportunity to support families in their hardest moments and make a lasting impact.”

More information about the Associate of Technical Study–Individualized Program leading to the Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree is available at kent.edu/admissions/degree-pathways by selecting CCMS.