Mortuary Science

The Mortuary Science program prepares you for the challenges you will encounter as a funeral service professional. The curriculum addresses the changing needs and expectations associated with funeral services and accreditation standards.

The Mortuary Science program is a selective program. When you apply to the college, you will be accepted into the undeclared program while you complete the prerequisite requirements. The mortuary science program accepts a limited number of students each year and there is a separate application process. Contact your campus of interest below for more details.

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PROGRAM AIM
The central aim of the Mortuary Science program recognizes the importance of funeral service education personnel as:

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

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

1. To enlarge the background and knowledge of students about the funeral service profession
2. To educate students in every phase of funeral service, and to help enable them to develop the proficiency and skills necessary for the profession, as defined by the Preamble above
3. To educate students concerning the responsibilities of the funeral service profession to the community at large
4. To emphasize high standards of ethical conduct
5. To provide a curriculum at the post secondary level of instruction
6. To encourage student and faculty research in the field of funeral service

The annual passage rate of first-time takers on the National Board Examination (NBE) for the most recent three-year period for this institution and all ABFSE accredited funeral service education programs is posted on abfse.org. All mortuary science students must take the National Board Examination (NBE) as a graduation requirement.

The Mortuary Science Program at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana - De La Garza campus is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) 3414 Ashland Avenue, Suite G, St. Joseph, Missouri 64506, (816) 233-3747. Web: www.abfse.org.

The Mortuary Science Program at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana-Central Indiana campus is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) 3414 Ashland Avenue, Suite G, St. Joseph, Missouri 64506, (816) 233-3747. Web: www.abfse.org.

WHY CHOOSE THE MORTUARY SCIENCE PROGRAM?
Ivy Tech offers the most affordable Mortuary Science program in the Indiana and Chicagoland area. Our East Chicago campus program is formatted to cater to students desiring a work/life balance with only having Mortuary Science specific courses one day a week.

SAMPLE CAREERS IN THIS FIELD
Embalmer, Funeral Director

DEGREES AVAILABLE
Associate of Applied Science. NOTE: The number of credits required for a degree or certification is based on students who are program-ready and does not include non-academic skills courses. Availability of degrees varies by campus. Contact your campus of interest below for more information.

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN MORTUARY SCIENCE
(Minimum of 60 credit hours)

Associate of Applied Science degree programs are two-year programs that prepare students for careers, career changes and career advancement. Students who need to take longer to complete the degree because of job or family obligations can take the program over a longer period of time. AAS programs may also prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions. These programs offer education in recognized technical areas and specialties with emphasis on analysis, synthesis and evaluation. The program content, which is approximately 30% general education and 70% professional/technical, provides depth and breadth in conceptual and professional/technical skills. The general education courses equip students with the problem solving, communications, scientific and mathematical skills to compete successfully in the job market. Professional/technical courses equip students with the skills to obtain employment and to advance in the workforce.