Home  /  Academic Departments  /  Applied Sciences and Technology  /  Mortuary Science

Mortuary Science

Contact the Program Director

Thomas R. Taggart

Residential Faculty - Mortuary Science

480-988-8501

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS ) in Mortuary Science at Mesa Community College is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) | address: 3414 Ashland Avenue, Suite G, St. Joseph, Missouri 64506 | phone: 816-233-3747 | web: www.abfse.org

Interested in our Program?

Download the Application Packet (23 page document, updated 5/12/2012). The Mortuary Science program is located at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Center.

The Mortuary Science program has as its central aim recognition of the importance of funeral service education personnel as:

  • Members of a human services profession;
  • Members of the community in which they serve;
  • Participants in the relationship between bereaved families and those engaged in the funeral service profession;
  • Professionals knowledgeable of and compliant with federal, state, provincial/territorial, and local regulatory guidelines in the geographic area where they practice as well as
  • Professionals sensitive to the responsibility for public health, safety, and welfare in caring for human remains.

The program has the following objectives:

  • To enlarge the background and knowledge of students about the funeral service profession;
  • To educate students in every phase of funeral service and to help enable them to develop proficiency and skills necessary for the profession;
  • To educate students concerning the responsibilities of the funeral service profession in the community at large;
  • To emphasize high standards of ethical conduct;
  • To provide a curriculum at the post-secondary level of instruction; and
  • To encourage student and faculty research in the field of funeral service.

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Mortuary Science

The program is a member of the National Association of Colleges of Mortuary Science (NACMS). As such, it is permitted to grant membership into Mu Sigma Alpha, the National Honor Society of Mortuary Science.

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Mortuary Science includes studies in public health, business management, natural sciences, legal, ethical and regulatory concerns, and clinical requirements associated with the mortuary field. The curriculum combines coursework in mortuary science with a general education component. The program is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). Graduation from the program prepares the student to sit for the National Board examination and begin state internship requirements.

See the Degree Requirements & Related Coursework

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Mortuary Science

This program also provides Continuing Education for Licensed Funeral Service Professionals, 6 credits, spring and fall semesters. The program offers Continuing Education for Embalmer Assistants, 6 credits per year.

Courses are available which lead to Cremation Certification and additional Continuing Education for Certified Cremationists. These courses are separate from the ABFSE curriculum.