Program Overview

Pre-Mortuary Science Program

The Pre-Mortuary Science program at North Dakota State University is designed for students who plan to pursue a career in mortuary science. This program is not a major and does not lead to a degree from NDSU. Instead, it provides students with the necessary coursework to prepare them for transfer to a mortuary science program at another institution, such as the University of Minnesota.

What is Mortuary Science?

Mortuary science practitioners, also known as funeral directors and morticians, are members of a human services profession. They serve their communities and are engaged in the funeral service profession.

Education Requirements

To become a funeral director in most states, one must complete a 2-year (Associate degree) or 4-year (bachelor's) degree program in mortuary science. While requirements for licensure vary by state, four states (Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Oklahoma) require a 4-year bachelor's degree to practice as a funeral director. All students must take the National Board Exam before receiving their degree, as required by The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE).

Coursework Requirements

The following courses are required for most mortuary science schools:

• Financial Accounting (3 credit minimum) - ACCT 200
• General Biology with a Lab (4 credit minimum) - BIOL 111/100L
• General Chemistry with a Lab (4 credit minimum) - CHEM 117/117L or CHEM 121/121L
• Freshman Composition (3 credit minimum) - ENGL 110 or ENGL 111
• Statistics (3 credit minimum) - STATS 330
• General Psychology (3 credit minimum) - PSYC 111
• Public Speaking (3 credit minimum) - COMM 110

Recommended Courses

The following courses are recommended:

• Human Anatomy (3 credit minimum) - BIOL 220 & BIOL 221
• Computer Science (3 credit minimum) - CSCI 114
• Advanced English writing course - ENG 324
• Introduction to Sociology (3 credit minimum) - SOC 110
• Introduction to Philosophy - PHIL 111
• Elements of Economics - ECON 105
• Introduction to Religion - RELS 100
• Personal & Community Health - HNES 217
• Medical Terminology - CHP 125/VETS 115

Experiences

Observation in a funeral home is advised, although not required. Students need to stay informed about the course requirements for admission into the mortuary science program and the licensure requirements.

Application and Admission Information

Students who wish to apply to a mortuary science program should do so through the website of the respective program. Most students transfer to the University of Minnesota to earn the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program with a major in mortuary science, upon completion of 60 semester credits with grades of C or higher. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to be considered for admission.