The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science offers applicants the opportunity to engage with qualified and credentialed faculty, be enriched by our ever-evolving curriculum, and participate in real-world practical experience.

It is the policy of the Institute to admit students that are the best qualified and those that will assume the professional responsibilities of a licensed embalmer and funeral director. 

Applicant should consider the following before applying:

• No prior college is required for on-campus programs, but the online program requires at least 30 qualifying college credits depending on the state of licensure.
• Education requirements are determined by the state in which you wish to be licensed. PIMS encourages all applicants to contact that states’ board of funeral directors to verify if there are prerequisite requirements, what the education requirement is, and register if necessary. 
• PIMS does not have student housing, on-campus students relocating to the area are responsible for securing their own housing. The PIMS Housing Help Sheet can assist in getting you started with your search.
• PIMS enrolls students in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Enrollment can be competitive, so it’s suggested to apply by the application deadlines, which are:
  • Deadline: December 13th for January 27th (campus) and January 13th (online)
  • Deadline: May 29th for June 1st (campus & online)

Please contact our Admission Office at admissions@pims.edu or at 412-362-8500 if you have any questions!

How to Apply:

• Complete an online application; you will first create a login then use the “Continue an Application in Progress” button with your login information to complete the rest of the application. 
• There is a $50.00 application fee payable by credit card within the online application.
• PIMS will need to collect the following items which can be submitted one-at-a-time or all together:
  • The PIMS Signature Page and Medical Form
    • All information must be on the medical form. No supplemental documentation of immunizations will be accepted 
  • A headshot photo (resembling a passport photo)
  • An official high school transcript or a high school equivalency
    • If a final high school GPA is 2.0 or less, 12 liberal arts or general education college credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher is required
  • All official college transcripts 
  • Two letters of recommendation. References shall not be related to the applicant
  • Copy of healthcare insurance card 
  • An essay up to 300 words with the subject, “Why I am Choosing Funeral Service as a Career”.

Items can be sent together or separately via email to Mr. Kevin Drobish at kdrobish@pims.edu OR mailed to PIMS, Application Materials,  5808 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15226, or faxed to 412-362-1684. 

Don’t forget you can track the progress of your application within the PIMS Applicant Portal!

What happens next:

• Once your application and all the supporting materials listed above have been submitted it is sent to the Admission Committee for review.
• A decision from the Admission Committee will be emailed within three weeks of your application submission.
• If accepted, depending on how close the start date is, a PIMS Enrollment Package will be provided with items to return to the school.
• If you push your start date back, applications are good for one year and application items may be shredded after that timeframe. 
• If denied, an applicant can reapply in one year or if additional college credits are obtained and a 2.0 or greater is achieved an applicant can reapply at that time.