The SIU Mortuary Science and Funeral Service Program is proud to be an approved provider of two crematory operator courses. The initial licensing of crematory operator and continued licensing courses are offered online for your convenience. These courses are provided as a demonstration of our commitment to serving our partners and community.
Our highly selective program is just one of six programs in the nation to offer a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science and funeral service. The State of Illinois Comptroller’s Office is the approver of our certification. Participants will receive 2.0 credits upon successful completion of the course, extending their license as an operator.
We are accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Graduates of our program meet the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation licensing requirement
Mortuary Science
Learn more about the Mortuary Science Program at Southern Illinois University, accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Graduates of our program meet the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation licensing requirement
For those who already have the crematory license, this is a 2.0 credit hour course required by the State of Illinois, to keep your license current. Participants will engage in an online review of basic operator principles as a refresher to their current operator license guidelines. Upon completion, participants will earn the professional study credits of 2.0 hours and receive a certificate of completion.
Target Audience: Funeral Directors, crematory operators, and cremation professionals
Course length: Approximately 2 hours
Cost: $98
Time: Course is self-paced and accessed through a link provided to you once you complete the registration. Participants have 90 days to complete the 2-credit hour program. Allow 1-2 business days to receive the access link. Call 618/536-7150 if you have any questions.
Crematory Operator Certification
Course is anticipated to start in summer 2025
This is the initial course needed to obtain a Crematory Operator License. Upon completion, participants will receive certification as an operator.
Target Audience: Funeral Directors, eligible funeral staff who do not yet have a crematory license.
Course length: Approximately 7 hours
Cost: $395
Time: Course is self-paced and accessed through a link provided to you once you complete the registration. Participants have 90 days to complete the 7-credit hour program. Allow 1-2 business days to receive the access link. Call 618/536-7150 if you have any questions.
Accomodations and Refunds
Request for reasonable accommodations should be submitted via email, two weeks prior to the start of each course. Refunds, minus a $15 service fee, will be made if the request is received 2 weeks prior to course start date.