Program Overview
Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science
Losing a loved one is never easy, and it's important that those experiencing that loss have a helpful, understanding and graceful professional to help them through. Earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Mortuary Science degree from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and provide just what these families need, just when they need it.
Our mission is to provide students with a comprehensive education in mortuary science and to prepare graduates to enter the funeral service profession to serve the diverse population of the District of Columbia and beyond. It is designed to encompass the managerial and technical aspects of funeral service and its related areas. It also provides the basis for further study in thanatology, pathology, grief counseling, post-mortem examination, forensic psychology and mortuary science. Careers in mortuary science include funeral director, embalmer, autopsy technician and funeral merchandise marketing.
Note: The Mortuary Science associate degree program at the University of the District of Columbia is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE).
Admission Requirements
Review the list of requirements below to ensure that you are eligible for admission into the community college at UDC (UDC-CC) and the Mortuary Science Program. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- Successfully completed all pre-mortuary coursework with a grade of C or better.
- Submit an official transcript with your application as evidence of successful completion of all pre-mortuary coursework (unless you completed all coursework at UDC-CC).
- Successfully completed necessary courses (Anatomy and Physiology I lecture and lab, Fundamentals of Chemistry lecture and lab) within five years of the first date of enrollment in the Mortuary Science program.
- Pre-mortuary grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75.
- Submit at least two confidential letters of recommendation (using the official recommendation forms included in the MS application packet):
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- At least one recommendation letter must be from a science professor.
- Letters not written by a professor must be from someone you have known in a professional capacity for at least one year and who is not related to you.
- UDC-CC Mortuary Science professors or staff may not provide recommendations for students for program admission.
- Submit proof of a physical health examination performed by a licensed health care provider. Proof of the physical examination and vaccinations must be submitted to University Health Services once officially accepted into the program and before the start of the fall semester (by July 31st of each year). You CANNOT register for classes without the receipt of this report by University Health Services. The following vaccinations are required as part of the physical examination:
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- MMR
- Tuberculosis (TB - no longer than 1 year)
- Hepatitis B
- Poliomyelitis
- Tetanus (initial vaccination, followed by booster within the last 10 years)
- A current criminal background clearance check from Global Investigative Services will be required once you have been officially accepted into the program. The background clearance must be received at the start of the fall semester. The clearance will remain in effect for a period of three years; otherwise, rectify to remain in the program. You CANNOT register for classes without the receipt of this report by the program director.
- Submission of a current drug screening for opioids, THC/cannabinoids, amphetamines, PCP, and cocaine (including its derivatives) from Metro Labs upon official program acceptance at the start of the fall semester. You CANNOT register for classes without the receipt of this report by udc.studenthealthportal.com.
- Interview with the Admission, Progression and Graduation (APG) committee is required.
How to Apply
Before being accepted into the Mortuary Science program to pursue your Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, you must first meet the general admission requirements for the UDC Community College. While being accepted into the UDC-CC does NOT guarantee your acceptance into the Mortuary Science program, the following guidelines MUST be followed when pursuing the Mortuary Science Degree Program at UDC-CC:
- Complete a UDC-CC admissions application. This is required for new, returning and transfer applicants.
- If you have taken college courses at another college or university, please submit official transcripts to UDC-CC for transfer credit review.