Mortuary Science
Funeral service personnel are members of a human services profession, members of the community in which they serve, and participants in the relationship between bereaved families and those engaged in the funeral service profession. They are knowledgeable and compliant with regulatory guidelines in the geographic area where they practice and are sensitive to the responsibility for public health, safety, and welfare in caring for human remains.
The Mortuary Science program at MCC 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 to the community at large
- to emphasize high standards of ethical conduct
- to provide a curriculum at the post-secondary level of instruction
- to encourage student and faculty research in the field of funeral service
The Associates of Applied Science (AAS) in Mortuary Science at MCC is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE).
Quick Stats
- Example Titles
- Funeral Director
- Mortician
- Undertaker
- Types of Employers
- Funeral Homes
- Mortuaries
Career Profile
As the population grows older and passes away, the demand for funeral and memorial services will increase. In Arizona, the projected growth over the next five years is above average compared with the rest of the market. However, the number of small funeral homes is declining; they are being bought out by large corporations. In the past, each funeral home had one or more funeral directors. Now, a smaller number of funeral directors may work at all the funeral homes that are owned by a single corporation. Despite the slow growth in this occupation, jobs will open up as current funeral directors retire.
Advancement opportunities generally are best in larger funeral homes. Funeral directors may earn promotions to higher paying positions such as branch manager or general manager. Some directors eventually acquire enough money and experience to establish their own funeral home businesses.
Funeral Directors:
- Organize and direct funeral services
- May perform many tasks, from embalming to accounting
- May work on an on-call basis
- Work with customers during a difficult time
- Usually train for three years
- Need a license
- May need to take continuing education courses
- May be self-employed
Available Associate Degrees and Certificates
| Degree / Certificate | Title | Required Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Associate in Applied Science (AAS) | Mortuary Science | Required Courses |
Meet with an Advisor
Before signing up for classes, you’ll want to meet with an academic advisor. Together, you’ll lay out a program and career path that suits you best. This step is essential to your academic success, so don’t skip it, okay?
Advising for the Mortuary Science program is available through the Applied Sciences and Technology department. You can also contact Advisement & Registration Services for general advising. Both will help you determine the exact courses you need to get the education you’re looking for.
