Pre-Mortuary Science
The Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) Pre-Mortuary Science faculty program prepares students with the scientific, technical, and practical experience required to confidently begin careers in the funeral service industry.
Our program offers specialized knowledge in the 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.
An Associate of Science (AS) degree in pre-mortuary science from WCCCD prepares you for work in funeral service occupations and work at:
- Crematories
- Funeral homes
What’s the Job Outlook for Funeral Service Workers?
Employment of funeral service workers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Those who are licensed as both funeral directors and embalmers and are willing to relocate should have the best job opportunities.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2020, Funeral Service Occupations, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-andservice/funeral-service-occupations.htm
What’s Required to Complete the Pre-Mortuary Science Program?
An AS in Pre-Mortuary Science from WCCCD requires 67 total credits.
As a Pre-Mortuary science student at WCCCD, you’ll take both general education courses and courses required for a pre-mortuary science major.
Some students plan to transfer to a four-year college or university after earning their AS. If that’s your goal, you might choose specific courses. Talk with your advisor about a personalized plan that meets your goals.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Pre-Mortuary Science Degree?
Most Pre-Mortuary Science students take five semesters (2.5 years) to complete AS degree prerequisites and required courses.
What Will I Learn as a Pre-Mortuary Science Student?
WCCCD Pre-Mortuary Science students learn the analytical and technical skills necessary to become undertakers and oversee the preparation and care of the remains of people who have died, and perform embalming duties as necessary
Recommended course sequence:
Where is WCCCD’s Pre-Mortuary Science Program Offered?
The Pre-Mortuary Science program is offered at our Downriver and Curtis L. Ivery Downtown campuses. Both campuses also offer classes for other science-related certificates and degrees.
As a WCCCD student, you can take courses, use facilities, and get involved at any of our six locations.
Contact Info
Phone: 313-496-2600
Email: edaffairs@wcccd.edu
