Mortuary Science Degree Requirements: What is Needed for this Career?

Are you considering a degree in mortuary science? If you are looking for a unique, out-of-the-ordinary career that involves helping others, you may be perfect for this field.

The role of a funeral director can be intimidating to those unfamiliar with the field. This work, however, is incredibly important, meaningful, and rewarding. Planning a funeral requires a lot of diligence and focus on detail. One must arrange for transportation, file legal documents, select religious officials, and organize all the seemingly little details for such a big day. This can be overwhelming for families who are in the midst of grieving their loss. A funeral service director, or mortician, can help. These professionals oversee all funeral arrangements and can even provide counseling services for families and friends of the deceased.

With a degree in Funeral Service, you have the opportunity to support and service clients during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. You can also explore fascinating topics in mortuary science, such as cultural death practices around the world, the psychology of mourning, and thanato-chemistry. But what is needed to break into this type of work? And how do you get into a mortuary science program? Read on, as we break down the mortuary science degree requirements you will need to fulfill before launching your new career.

Requirements to Enter the Mortuary Science Field

Before you think about jumping into a career in mortuary science, you must meet the requirements to enter the field. Looking to become a funeral service director? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an associate degree in funeral service or mortuary science is needed to land this role.

A mortuary science degree will prepare you to sit for the American Board of Funeral Service Education’s National Board Exams, another requirement. Once you’ve passed the Arts and Sciences section of these board exams, you can then secure a one-year paid apprenticeship. And once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you will be able to take your state board exam.

You can read more about the funeral service education requirements here.

Just as teachers, doctors, and CPAs are required to pursue ongoing education to maintain their licenses, those in the mortuary science field are expected to keep up with an education, as well. According to the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS), licensed embalmers and funeral directors must complete 6 hours of continuing funeral service education each year. This may cover subjects like:

• Bereavement care
• Business management and administration
• Religious customs and traditions related to funerals
• Cremation and cemetery services
• Natural sciences
• Restorative arts and embalming
• Federal and state laws governing funeral service
• Counseling
• Funeral service merchandising
• Sanitation and infection control
• Organ donation
• Hospice care

There is a variety of ways in which continuing education may be obtained. You can go through a licensed hospital or healthcare facility, or a regionally accredited mortuary science school. This ongoing education is a must for maintaining your license to practice your profession.

After passing the state board exam, you will be ready for a range of careers in mortuary science, such as:

• At-need and pre-need consultants
• Embalmers
• Funeral service directors
• Funeral service practitioners
• Mortician
• Mortuary transporter

The career options are extensive with a degree in mortuary science, but what about the mortuary science degree requirements in terms of enrolling in a program? Let’s explore the next portion of this guide to get you on the path to pursue your dreams.

Requirements to Enroll in a Mortuary Science Degree Program

Before you begin pursuing your mortuary science degree, you will need to know what to do to get into the program. The admissions process at Goodwin University is straightforward and quite supportive. An admissions officer can help guide you every step of the way. The school has an open enrollment policy. A personal interview with an Admissions Officer is required for all interested applicants, so you can get to know the school as you proceed through the application process!

Acceptance into Goodwin’s mortuary science program requires a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) and, of course, successful completion of the interview. Getting into the university does not necessarily guarantee admission into the mortuary science program, so once you’re accepted into the school and have completed your prerequisites, you may apply to the mortuary science program.

Below we have put together a checklist for you as you fulfill the application process:

☐ Step one of fulfilling your mortuary science degree requirements is to complete an application for admission into the university.
☐ Next, you will meet and interview with an Admissions Officer.
☐ Prospective students must have a $50 non-refundale application fee (this may be waived for eligible applicants).
☐ You will also need to submit proof of high school diploma or equivalent.
☐ Arrange to take the College Success® on-site placement evaluation prior to registration (this may be waived for transfer students or for students that meet required SAT scores). You will receive a study guide for your review.
☐ Submit proof of immunizations. This covers Measles, Mumps & Rubella and Varicella).
☐ IF you have previously earned a degree or earned college credits, send your official college transcripts to Goodwin. This would be needed in order to transfer credits to Goodwin.

Every applicant is informed of their status within two weeks of submitting an application. And remember — the Admissions Officers can help you every step of the way through this process.

These are the mortuary science degree requirements — but this is just the beginning. In addition to the skills and knowledge needed for this field, your educational path will connect you with peers, potential employers, and careers! Many mortuary science programs offer hands-on internship opportunities at real funeral service facilities, where you can learn from experienced professionals in this valued industry. This may be the most important part of the entire process.

Are you ready to launch your new career in mortuary science, and make a difference in the lives of those who are mourning? Learn more about the Associate Degree in Funeral Service at Goodwin University by calling 800-889-3282 or visit us online to request more information.