Funeral direction can be a demanding profession that balances technical and interpersonal skills. A student in this field may need to earn a higher degree to learn the many aspects of this career, which may include biology, chemistry, communications, business practices, embalming, and psychology.

Master-level studies involve specialized study in a field of research or an area of professional practice. Earning a master’s degree demonstrates a higher mastery of the subject. Earning a master’s degree can take anywhere from a year to three or four years. Before you can graduate, you usually must write and defend a thesis, a long paper that is the culmination of your specialized research.