Mortuary Science (A.A.S.)

Mortuary Science (A.A.S.)–This program includes extensive work in the areas of biological science, business, and social science, as well as instruction within the major area of funeral service. Candidates for licensure must take the National Board Examination sponsored by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Board. After successfully passing the national test, graduates must intern for a period of one year as a Registered Resident prior to receiving the Funeral Director License. The Mortuary Science degree program at Nassau Community College is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) 992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097, 816.233.3734, www.abfse.org

National Board Examination pass rates, graduation rates, and employment rates for this and other ABFSE-accredited programs are available at www.abfse.org. To request a printed copy of this program’s rates, visit the Mortuary Science Department webpage, email MortuaryScience@ncc.edu, or call 516.572.7277.

Registration with the N.Y.S. Bureau of Funeral Directing is required before matriculation status is granted. Students must supply their own transportation to off-campus assignments.

Course Descriptions: Online or PDF

Mortuary Science
A.A.S. Program
Hegis Code: 5299.20
Total Credits: 69

First Semester Credits
ACC 101 Accounting I 3
CHE 135 Chemistry for Applied Science 4
ENG 100 Enhanced Composition I or
ENG 101 Composition I or
ENG 108 The Craft of Composition / Honors English I(1)
3
MSC 124 Anatomy for Embalmers I 3
PSY 203 General Psychology I 3
Total Semester Credits 16
   
Second Semester Credits
ENG 102 Composition II or
ENG 109 The Art of Analysis / Honors English II
3
MAT 102 Introduction to Statistics 3
MSC 112 Public Health and Sanitation 3
MSC 235 Anatomy for Embalmers II 3
SOC 201 Introduction to Sociology 3
Total Semester Credits 15
   
Summer Session Credits
COM 103 Public Speaking 3
CMP 115 Computer in Business 3
Total Semester Credits 6
   
Third Semester Credits
MSC 111 Funeral Orientation 3
MSC 236 Embalming Theory I 3
MSC 237 Embalming Laboratory I(2) 1.5
MSC 238 Pathology(2) 3
MSC 241 Restorative Art 3
MSC 249 Funeral Counseling and Psychology 3
Total Semester Credits 16.5
   
Fourth Semester Credits
MSC 127 Funeral Home Management 3
MSC 234 Mortuary Law and Ethics 3
MSC 242 Human Disposition: Burial and Cremation 3
MSC 245 Funeral Directing with Practicum 3
MSC 247 Embalming Theory II 2
MSC 248 Embalming Laboratory II(2) 1.5
Total Semester Credits 15.5
  1. Depending on placement
  2. Students must provide own transportation to off-campus field experiences

NOTE: The Department recommends that students take 3-6 credits in summer semesters.
A grade of “C” or better is required in:

  • all Mortuary Science (MSC) courses
  • ACC 101 Accounting I
  • CHE 135 Chemistry for Applied Science
  • MAT 102 Introduction to Statistics

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