Mortuary Science, Associate in Applied Science

College(s):
MXProgram Code: 0257
The Associate in Applied Science degree program in Mortuary Science prepares students enrolled in the program with work-based experiences in how to embalm and restore human remains, arrange and conduct religious and humanistic funerals, memorial services, manage funeral home operations, sell funeral merchandise, assist grieving families, and assist members of the medical profession in areas related to human remains. Funeral home establishments may employ students prior to the state of Illinois required internship. The program is in compliance with the standards, guidelines, and curriculum of the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSE), the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR).
Accreditation Agency Information:
ABFSE
3414 Ashland Ave., Suite G
St. Joseph, MO 64506
(816) 233-3747
ABFSE.org
For additional accreditation specific information related to the aims and objectives of the program, please see the following link: www.ccc.edu/colleges/malcolm-x/departments/Pages/Mortuary-Science.aspx
This selective admissions program requires students to submit a separate application or to take additional action before enrolling.
Program Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
General Education Coursework 1 | ||
ENGLISH 101 | Composition | 3 |
MATH 118 | General Education Math | 4 |
BIOLOGY 121 | Biology I | 5 |
SPEECH 101 | Fund Of Speech Communicatn | 3 |
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Professional Medical & Health Care Practices | ||
Health Career Studies | ||
Terminology For Medical Careers | ||
Total Hours | 18 |
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Required Program Core | ||
BIOLOGY 130 | Human Cadaver Anatomy I | 1 |
BIOLOGY 131 | Human Cadaver Anatomy II | 1 |
BIOLOGY 226 | Human Structure and Function I | 4 |
BIOLOGY 227 | Human Structure and Function II | 4 |
MOR SCI 102 | Microbiology For Embalmers | 3 |
MOR SCI 103 | Chemistry For Embalmers | 3 |
MOR SCI 104 | Pathology For Embalmers | 3 |
MOR SCI 108 | Accounting In Funeral Service | 3 |
MOR SCI 109 | Sociology For Funeral Service | 3 |
MOR SCI 111 | History Of Funeral Service | 3 |
MOR SCI 203 | Funeral Directing | 3 |
MOR SCI 204 | Mortuary And Business Law | 3 |
MOR SCI 207 | Restorative Art | 3 |
MOR SCI 209 | Funeral Management & Merchandise | 3 |
MOR SCI 210 | Advance Mortuary Science Practice/Ethics | 2 |
MOR SCI 211 | Psychology Of Funeral Service | 3 |
MOR SCI 213 | Embalming Theory I | 3 |
MOR SCI 214 | Embalming Laboratory | 3 |
MOR SCI 215 | Restorative Art Laboratory | 2 |
MOR SCI 216 | Embalming Theory II | 3 |
ENTRE 201 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship | 3 |
CIS 120 | Introduction to Computer Applications | 3 |
Total Hours | 62 |
1 | At least one course must meet the Human Diversity (HD) requirement. |
Pathway
This is an example course sequence for students interested in earning a degree in Mortuary Science. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If this pathway is followed as outlined, you will earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Mortuary Science.
The Associate in Applied Science degree program in Mortuary Science prepares students enrolled in the program with work-based experiences in how to embalm and restore human remains, arrange and conduct religious and humanistic funerals, memorial services, manage funeral home operations, sell funeral merchandise, assist grieving families, and assist members of the medical profession in areas related to human remains. Funeral home establishments may employ students prior to the state of Illinois required internship. The program is in compliance with the standards, guidelines, and curriculum of the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards (ICFSE), the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR).
For additional accreditation-specific information related to the aims and objectives of the Mortuary Science program, please see the following link: https://www.ccc.edu/colleges/malcolm-x/programs/Pages/Mortuary-Science---Mission.aspx.
Prospective students must apply for admission into the Mortuary Science program.
Semester-by-Semester Program Plan for Full-Time Students
All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students by adding more semesters.
Upon acceptance into the Mortuary Science program, students must follow the prescribed schedule of Mortuary Science courses.
Semester 1 | Hours | |
---|---|---|
Prerequisites and General Education | ||
ENGLISH 101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
BIOLOGY 121 | Biology I 1 | 5 |
MATH 118 | General Education Math 2 | 4 |
HEAPRO 102 or BIOLOGY 120 |
Health Career Studies 1 or Terminology For Medical Careers |
3 |
Hours | 15 | |
Semester 2 | ||
Prerequisites and General Education | ||
ENTRE 201 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship | 3 |
SPEECH 101 | Fund Of Speech Communicatn 1 | 3 |
CIS 120 | Introduction to Computer Applications | 3 |
BIOLOGY 226 | Human Structure and Function I | 4 |
Hours | 13 | |
Semester 3 | ||
Summer | ||
BIOLOGY 227 | Human Structure and Function II | 4 |
Hours | 4 | |
Semester 4 | ||
MOR SCI 102 | Microbiology For Embalmers | 3 |
MOR SCI 103 | Chemistry For Embalmers | 3 |
MOR SCI 104 | Pathology For Embalmers | 3 |
MOR SCI 111 | History Of Funeral Service | 3 |
Hours | 12 | |
Semester 5 | ||
MOR SCI 108 | Accounting In Funeral Service | 3 |
MOR SCI 109 | Sociology For Funeral Service | 3 |
MOR SCI 207 | Restorative Art | 3 |
MOR SCI 213 | Embalming Theory I | 3 |
Hours | 12 | |
Semester 6 | ||
MOR SCI 203 | Funeral Directing | 3 |
MOR SCI 204 | Mortuary And Business Law | 3 |
MOR SCI 215 | Restorative Art Laboratory | 2 |
MOR SCI 216 | Embalming Theory II | 3 |
BIOLOGY 130 & BIOLOGY 131 |
Human Cadaver Anatomy I and Human Cadaver Anatomy II |
2 |
Hours | 13 | |
Semester 7 | ||
MOR SCI 210 | Advance Mortuary Science Practice/Ethics | 2 |
MOR SCI 211 | Psychology Of Funeral Service | 3 |
MOR SCI 209 | Funeral Management & Merchandise | 3 |
MOR SCI 214 | Embalming Laboratory | 3 |
Hours | 11 | |
Total Hours | 80 |
1 | Program Prerequisite |
2 | General Education Requirement |
Choose your courses with your College Advisor.
Program Admission Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Official high school transcripts or General Education Certificate (GED) showing date of graduation or completion date (as applicable) for first-time college enrollment.
- Completion of 18 hours for Fall/August day enrollment or completion of 34 semester credit hours Spring/May evening enrollment.
- Fall/August day enrollment:
Course List Code Title Hours BIOLOGY 120 Terminology For Medical Careers 3 or HEAPRO 102 Health Career Studies BIOLOGY 121 Biology I 5 ENGLISH 101 Composition 3 SPEECH 101 Fund Of Speech Communicatn 3 MATH 118 General Education Math 4 Total Hours 18 - Spring/May evening enrollment:
Course List Code Title Hours BIOLOGY 120 Terminology For Medical Careers 3 or HEAPRO 102 Health Career Studies BIOLOGY 121 Biology I 5 ENGLISH 101 Composition 3 SPEECH 101 Fund Of Speech Communicatn 3 MATH 118 General Education Math 4 BIOLOGY 226 Human Structure and Function I 4 BIOLOGY 227 Human Structure and Function II 4 BIOLOGY 130 Human Cadaver Anatomy I 1 BIOLOGY 131 Human Cadaver Anatomy II 1 ENTRE 201 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 3 CIS 120 Introduction to Computer Applications 3 Total Hours 34
- Fall/August day enrollment:
- Grade C or better in all prerequisite courses.
- Submission of completed application to the Mortuary Science Program.
- Submission of an essay.
- Interview with Program Director and Advisory Council Members
- Electronic notification of acceptance by program: May
- Transfer status is not a guaranteed acceptance. Malcolm X College admissions performs transcript evaluations at the request of the student. Transcript evaluation forms are available at the Office of Admissions and Student Records on campus.
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Grade Point Average must be at least “C” (GPA 2.5) for Fall day enrollment
- BIOLOGY 226 Human Structure and Function I and BIOLOGY 227 Human Structure and Function II general education courses for transferability must have been completed within five years of admission. If more than five years, these courses must be audited or successfully tested out through program assessment. All courses strictly in Mortuary Science must be taken in the program. Transfer students must submit a full application packet and meet with Program Director.
- Completion of all prerequisite electives and general education courses specified in day or evening curriculum.
- Submission of three letters of recommendation.
- Application deadline: April 7 of every year
- Electronic applicant response to acceptance offer: May
- Vaccinations are required
- Conviction of a felony: contact the IDFPR (217) 782-8556 to inquire if license would be awarded by state to practice in this profession.
Acceptance Policy
- Candidates offered admission may not defer admission to a subsequent year. Applicants who decline admission must reapply.
- The Mortuary Science Program at Malcolm X College is accredited by:
The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)
3414 Ashland Avenue, Suite G
St. Joseph, Missouri 64506
(816) 233-3747
www.abfse.org
Executive Director: Robert Smith. - The Mortuary Science Program information and application is available on the web: www.ccc.edu/colleges/malcolm-x/programs/Pages/Mortuary-Science---Admissions.aspx.
- The annual passage rate of first-time takers on the National Board Examination for the most recent three-year period for this institution and all ABFSE accredited funeral service education programs is posted on the American Board of Funeral Service Education web site www.abfse.org
To graduate with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Mortuary Science and be eligible to apply to the IDFPR, the student must:
- Complete the required prerequisite courses.
- Register and complete the Arts and Sciences National Board Exam (NBE) within 45 days of the City Colleges of Chicago graduation date.
- Complete the 62 credit hours of the Mortuary Science curriculum.
- Earn at least a 2.5 grade point average, a “C” or higher in Mortuary Science courses.
- Pass the Comprehensive Exit Examinations in order to be eligible to register for NBE
- Meet all graduation requirements of the City Colleges of Chicago and Mortuary Science program.
Application Deadline is April 7 of every year. New students are accepted into the Mortuary Science program during the spring of each year, with the program starting during the spring term in May and during the fall term in August. Mortuary Science core courses are offered
- Monday through Thursday during the fall enrollment in the day from 8:00–10:50 am;
- during the spring enrollment in the evening from 6:00–8:50 pm; and
- during the summer enrollment in the evening from 4:00–9:50 pm.
Upon acceptance into the Mortuary Science program, students must provide documentation of current health insurance, immunizations and recent medical examination. The student must exemplify professionalism, good communication and language skills and an overall comprehension of public health and sanitation. Some of the required courses have their own prerequisite course. Please see each course descriptions in the college catalog.
Aims of the Program
Central aim recognizes 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, and local regulatory guidelines as well as professionals sensitive to the responsibility for public health, and welfare in caring for human remains. Refer to ABFSE.org.
Objectives of the Program
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, as defined by the Preamble above; 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; and to encourage student and faculty research in the field of funeral service.
Careers
This program can prepare students for the jobs listed below. Click on each one to learn more, including average earnings, annual job openings, and how much education people in that field have. For additional guidance and resources on career options, current City Colleges students and alumni can contact the Career Services Office.
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Directors
Job Description
Perform various tasks to arrange and direct funeral services, such as coordinating transportation of body to mortuary, interviewing family or other authorized person to arrange details, selecting pallbearers, aiding with the selection of officials for religious rites, and providing transportation for mourners.
Salary Based on Experience Level
Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County
Emsi earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Annual Wages
Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $33,408 |
---|---|
Median 50th Percentile | $56,720 |
Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $93,128 |
Hourly Wages
Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $16 |
---|---|
Median 50th Percentile | $27 |
Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $45 |
Annual Job Openings
54 annual openings in Cook County
National Education Attainment
Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.
Degree Program | % of Jobs |
---|---|
A high school diploma or less | 1.58% |
A certificate | 13.04% |
Some college | 5.62% |
An Associate degree | 72.59% |
A Bachelor's degree | 5.24% |
A Master's or Professional degree | 1.93% |
A Doctoral degree or more | 0.00% |
7.17% continue their education beyond an associate degree
Funeral Service Managers
Job Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate the services or resources of funeral homes. Includes activities such as determining prices for services or merchandise and managing the facilities of funeral homes.
Salary Based on Experience Level
Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County
Emsi earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Annual Wages
Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $41,985 |
---|---|
Median 50th Percentile | $101,702 |
Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $218,078 |
Hourly Wages
Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $20 |
---|---|
Median 50th Percentile | $49 |
Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $105 |
Annual Job Openings
15 annual openings in Cook County
National Education Attainment
Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.
Degree Program | % of Jobs |
---|---|
A high school diploma or less | 7.99% |
A certificate | 0.00% |
Some college | 0.00% |
An Associate degree | 57.28% |
A Bachelor's degree | 21.98% |
A Master's or Professional degree | 12.75% |
A Doctoral degree or more | 0.00% |
34.73% continue their education beyond an associate degree
Funeral Attendants
Job Description
Perform variety of tasks during funeral, such as placing casket in parlor or chapel prior to service; arranging floral offerings or lights around casket; directing or escorting mourners; closing casket; and issuing and storing funeral equipment.
Salary Based on Experience Level
Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County
Emsi earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Annual Wages
Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $18,641 |
---|---|
Median 50th Percentile | $27,951 |
Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $38,522 |
Hourly Wages
Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $9 |
---|---|
Median 50th Percentile | $13 |
Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $19 |
Annual Job Openings
55 annual openings in Cook County
National Education Attainment
Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.
Degree Program | % of Jobs |
---|---|
A high school diploma or less | 65.03% |
A certificate | 0.47% |
Some college | 7.15% |
An Associate degree | 27.21% |
A Bachelor's degree | 0.13% |
A Master's or Professional degree | 0.00% |
A Doctoral degree or more | 0.00% |
0.13% continue their education beyond an associate degree
Embalmers
Job Description
Prepare bodies for interment in conformity with legal requirements.
Salary Based on Experience Level
Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County
Emsi earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
Annual Wages
Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $23,287 |
---|---|
Median 50th Percentile | $44,818 |
Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $90,494 |
Hourly Wages
Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $11 |
---|---|
Median 50th Percentile | $22 |
Senior-Level 90th Percentile | $44 |
Annual Job Openings
3 annual openings in Cook County
National Education Attainment
Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.
Degree Program | % of Jobs |
---|---|
A high school diploma or less | 0.00% |
A certificate | 12.61% |
Some college | 0.00% |
An Associate degree | 51.89% |
A Bachelor's degree | 35.51% |
A Master's or Professional degree | 0.00% |
A Doctoral degree or more | 0.00% |
35.51% continue their education beyond an associate degree