Pre-Mortuary Science Roadmap
Start your journey to becoming a mortuary science professional.
Individuals entering the mortuary profession typically follow two paths: funeral director or embalmer. The funeral director counsels families and next of kin with regard to the conduct and composition of a funeral service of burial, disposition, or cremation for a deceased human body. The funeral director also supervises burials, dispositions, and cremations and maintains a funeral establishment. The embalmer prepares deceased human bodies for such funeral services as previously listed. This includes, but is not limited to, disinfecting and using preservative chemical substances on bodies to clean and purify them. Embalmers also obtain burial or removal permits.
Mortuary Science Prerequisite Classes
Depending on the school you plan to attend, you may need additional prerequisite courses. Meet with an advisor for more information.
Typical Mortuary Science School Requirements
Biological Sciences (Related to the human body) – 3 courses
Chemistry – 1 semester
Psychology or Counseling – 2 semesters
English – 2 courses
Business – 4 courses
Electives – 60 credit hours
What to Take at University of Nebraska Lincoln
Some classes require prerequisites. Meet with an advisor for help planning your courses.
Biological Sciences – BIOS 101/101L, 110/110L, 111, 206, 213/213L, 214, LIFE 120/120L, or 121/121L
Chemistry – CHEM 109A/L or 113A/L
Psychology or Counseling – Any PSYC, SOCI (if counseling related), or SOCW
English – ENGL 150, 151, 254, or 354
Business – Any ACCT, BLAW, CSCE, ECON, FINA, MNGT, MRKT, or COMM 286
Electives – Choose any college credit courses to support your pre-mortuary science studies
Suggested Science Sequencing
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
The above coursework requirements fulfill the licensure requirements for the state of Nebraska. Students should contact the specific mortuary science program regarding course requirements for the school’s associate degree. A directory of accredited mortuary science programs can be found at http://www.abfse.org/html/dir-listing.html.
Other Notes:
- Licensure: Students attending a mortuary science program will earn an associate’s degree. A baccalaureate degree from UNL is not required prior to admission to mortuary school. 60 undergraduate hours are required for licensure plus completion of a mortuary science program. UNL offers coursework required at the undergraduate level as specified by the state of Nebraska licensure requirements for funeral directing and embalming. These hours must be earned in addition to a full course of instruction in a school of mortuary science; hours earned as part of the mortuary degree or diploma cannot be used towards meeting these 60 hours. Licensure requirements vary by state.
- Math Requirement: Some required science courses, like chemistry, require math as a prerequisite. See a pre-health advisor for math placement information.
Extracurricular Involvement and Activities:
Pursuing pre-mortuary science requires more than just coursework. Your extracurricular activities, employment, and healthcare experiences like shadowing and volunteering will contribute greatly to your success in this field. See a pre-health advisor in the Explore Center to plan extracurricular activities that will prepare you for this program.
Application and Admission
Application: Students interested in pursuing an associate degree in applied science at an accredited mortuary science school will follow the specific application procedures for each school. A directory of accredited programs in mortuary science can be found at http://www.abfse.org/html/dir-listing.html.
Entrance exam: No entrance exam is required.
Additional admission requirements: Some programs will require an interview and receipt of letters of recommendation prior to admittance to the program.
Plan Your Path to a Mortuary Science Program
- Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to create a comprehensive academic and co-curricular plan
- The timeline to mortuary science school will vary based on program
- Research application requirements
- See specific school websites for any specific application requirements which may vary by program.
- Meet with a representative of the program for specific questions and guidance
- Apply to Mortuary science programs
- The application process for mortuary science programs varies by school. Please consult programs directly regarding applications and requirements.
- A list of schools can be found at the American Board of Funeral Service Education website
- Complete required prerequisite courses
- Attend Mortuary Science program (1-2 years)
Suggested Academic Preparation
- 60 undergraduate credit hours at any accredited mortuary science program
- No bachelor’s degree required
Local Professional Schools
There are no mortuary science programs in Nebraska. However, you can search schools at the American Board of Funeral Service Education website.
Current Students
Current students: Meet with a Pre-Health advisor to talk more about your Pre-Health goals.
Are you a non-UNL student looking for information about Pre-Health? Click here