Explore the Mortuary Science degree program
It takes a strong person to take on the responsibility of dealing with death and deceased bodies, but it is a very rewarding study. Morticians and funeral directors are careers that deal directly with these things. Mortuary Science is the program that leads to these types of jobs. Though not flashy careers, they are still very important to society. You’ll need both a background in science as well as an understanding of human interaction.
Wayne State will provide you with both. You’ll study biology and learn how to interact with families who have lost loved ones. With the Mortuary Science degree program, you’ll be well prepared for a future career in hospitals and funeral homes. You know it will be tough sometimes, but Wayne State is here to provide you with the tools and training you need to take on a sometimes difficult but very rewarding job.
Fast facts
Degree options: B.A. or B.S. in Life Sciences/Mortuary Science
Delivery format: On campus (Wayne); one year at professional school of choice
Program credit hours: 83-84
- Life sciences core (12-13 credit hours)
- Mortuary Science concentration (41 credit hours)
- Clinical year (30 credit hours)
Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.
School: Science, Health, and Criminal Justice
Department: Life Sciences
Opportunities and outcomes
Mortuary science topics covered
- Human anatomy and organ systems
- Gene action and molecular technology
- Physiological processes of the human body
- Accounting systems and financial statements
- Chemical processes and reactions
- Fundamental aspects of organic chemistry
Student learning outcomes
- Students will be able to interpret core concepts in biology
- Students will be able to apply concepts in biology to internships and/or student research
- Students will be able to accurately communicate core concepts in biology
Clinical year
During the clinical year in the Mortuary Science program, students participate in immersive experiences that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills in a real-world funeral service setting. Guided by experienced funeral directors and embalmers, students gain hands-on exposure to funeral service processes. They actively engage in all aspects of funeral service, from consulting with bereaved families to preparing and presenting the deceased for viewing and final disposition. This includes learning to handle and care for human remains, applying embalming techniques, and providing emotional support to grieving families.
Students also develop crucial communication skills, navigating legal requirements, and gaining proficiency in funeral service management. The clinical year in the Mortuary Science program serves as a pivotal period, preparing students for a compassionate and professional career in funeral service.
Mortuary Science students may choose where they will transfer and complete the program; however, most Mortuary Science students finish at Kansas City Community College.
Graduates of the Mortuary Science degree program work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find mortuary science career opportunities. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.
Jobs of recent graduates:
- Funeral Director – Heartland Cremation and Burial Society (Kansas City, Mo.)
Types of employers:
- Funeral homes
- Counseling centers
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- City or county morgues
- Crematoriums
- Funeral home supply companies
- Embalming chemical companies
- Mortuary science schools

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey
2024-25 Estimated Annual Cost of Attendance
cost per credit hour
Tuition: $5,880
Fees: $2,290.50
Food plan: $4,690
Housing: $4,730
Most Affordable College in Nebraska
- College Affordability Guide, 2024
Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.
Mortuary Science degree program courses
Students must complete the life sciences core courses, Mortuary science concentration courses, and a clinical year at an affiliated mortuary science school. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.
Life sciences
core credits
Mortuary science
concentration
credits
Clinical year
credits
Total program
credits
Life sciences core courses (12-13 credit hours)
Credits: 4
Description: The first course for Biology majors. A grade of C- or better in this course is a prerequisite for all biology courses in the biology concentration. A study of the microscope, basic cell structure and function, DNA replication, mitosis, meiosis, genetics, evolution, population biology, and diversity. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: One year of high school biology or BIO 102 Biology for General Studies
Credits: 4
Description: Emphasis on nomenclature, atomic structure, bonding, gaseous and liquid states, equilibrium, and stoichiometry. 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: High school chemistry or CHE 102 Chemistry for General Studies
Choose one of the following:
- PHY 201 General Physics I (3 credits) – An algebra-based general physics course intended primarily for health professions, life science and education students. Topics include vectors, kinematics and dynamics, equilibrium, rotational motion, energy, momentum, oscillations, fluids, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: 2 years of algebra.
- PHY301 University Physics I (4 credits)– A calculus- based general physics course intended primarily for scientists, pre-engineers, computer and math majors and advanced health professional students. Topics include vectors, kinematics and dynamics, equilibrium, rotational motion, energy, momentum, oscillations, fluids, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: High school physics and MAT 140 Calculus I or equivalent calculus class.
Plus:
PHY 321 Physics Laboratory I (1 credit) – Concurrent enrollment in PHY 201/301 recommended but not required. This laboratory is a required course for both PHY 201 General Physics I and PHY 301 University Physics I. Experiments, appropriate to the level of lecture, include topics in mechanics, momentum, work and energy, and fluids. 3 hours lab. Physics lab fee of $20 required.
Mortuary science concentration courses (41 credits)
Credits: 4
Description: Study of the anatomic structure of the human organism. The 11 organ systems of the human and representative quadrupeds will be examined in detail with lecture, dissection, and other laboratory exercises. Dissection is required of all students taking this course. An understanding of human anatomy is beneficial for students that will ultimately enroll in advanced courses of cell biology, histology, comparative vertebrate embryology and anatomy, and parasitology. Having training in human anatomy is also beneficial for students interested in health-related and biomedical careers. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: BIO 110 Biology Concepts
Credits: 4
Description: A study of the mechanisms of inheritance, the molecular basis of gene action and the use of molecular techniques and molecular technology in biomedical, agricultural, and industrial research. The lab component of this course focuses on hands-on use of molecular equipment and technologies used in graduate and industrial molecular based research. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisites: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, CHE 106 General Chemistry I
Credits: 4
Description: A study of the fundamental physiological processes of the human body. Functions of the 11 organ systems will be studied. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisites: BIO 220 Human Anatomy, CHE 106 General Chemistry I
Credits: 3
Description: A study of the role of accounting in the business environment. Emphasis is on applying basic terminology, concepts, processes, and outputs of the modern accounting system; development of an understanding of the nature and purpose of the major financial statements; and development of the ability to evaluate financial accounting information in problem-solving and decision making.
Credits: 3
Description: Continuation of BUS 240. Emphasis is on further study of items reported within major financial statements and development of the ability to evaluate managerial accounting information in problem-solving and decision making.
Prerequisite: BUS 240 Accounting I
Credits: 4
Description: A continuation of CHE 106 with emphasis on kinetics, redox reactions, molecular geometry, hydrolysis, electrochemistry, and solubility products. Qualitative analysis included. 3 hours of lecture, 3 hours of laboratory. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: C- or better in CHE 106 General Chemistry I or by consent of instructor
Credits: 4
Description: Emphasis on nomenclature, functional groups, and organic structures as related to living matter. 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: C- or better in CHE 107 General Chemistry II
Elective courses numbered 300 or above from any department (6 credits) – For a complete listing of courses and their descriptions, view the course catalog.
Plus choose 9 hours from the following (must include 3 hours of HUS or PSY):
- BIO 385 Microbiology (4 credits) – Topics of study detail the structure and physiology of microorganisms including mechanisms of pathogenesis. Beneficial aspects of microorganisms are also discussed with regard to both the human body and the environment. Lab techniques include microbial identification, enumeration procedures and student designed research. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $20 required. Prerequisites: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, CHE 106 General Chemistry I.
- BUS 222 Business Law I (3 credits) – Introduction to the study of law, the law of contracts, agency and employment, negotiable instruments, personal property and bailments, and the laws governing the sale of goods.
- HUS 202 Introduction to Human Service Counseling (3 credits) – This course summarizes the history and standards of the human services profession. It also clarifies the personality characteristics, skills, and knowledge that lead to the development of effective human services professionals. Students implement these during service-learning activities in human services agencies in the community (as available) and discuss their experiences in small reflection groups.
- PSY 316 Social Psychology (3 credits) – The scientific discipline that investigates social influences that appear to produce similarities and differences in human behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 101 General Psychology or SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology.
- PSY 406 Death and Dying (3 credits) – This course examines various causes of death (including “natural causes,” AIDS, suicide, violent deaths), dying with dignity, and our attitudes about death, rituals, and grief processes. Prerequisite: PSY 101 General Psychology or SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology.
- SOC 415 The Family (3 credits) – Study of the basic social unit: socialization processes, love, marriage, parental roles, conflict, and divorce, within a historical and cultural perspective. Prerequisite: SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology or SOC 220 Social Problems, or instructor permission.
- BIO 385 Microbiology (4 credits) – Topics of study detail the structure and physiology of microorganisms including mechanisms of pathogenesis. Beneficial aspects of microorganisms are also discussed with regard to both the human body and the environment. Lab techniques include microbial identification, enumeration procedures and student designed research. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab. Class fee of $20 required. Prerequisites: C- or better in BIO 110 Biology Concepts, CHE 106 General Chemistry I.
Clinical year experience (30 credit hours)
Credits: 30
Description: Academic credit completed at an affiliated mortuary science school. You will apply to the school during your junior year and complete HSC 498 during your senior year. There are no tuition requirements for HSC 498.
Prerequisite: Minimum of 90 semester hours completed
Popular pairings
Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study or to focus their studies on a specific topic. Students who recently majored in Mortuary Science at Wayne State also paired this major with one or more of the following programs:
- Chemistry (minor)
- Human Services (major or minor)
Related programs
Students interested in the Mortuary Science program may also be interested in:
Applied Science (partnership with UNL)
Chemistry/Health Sciences (B.A. or B.S.)
Medical Lab Science (B.A. or B.S.)
Plant Biology (B.A. or B.S.)

Transfer to Wayne State
Our generous transfer credit policy will allow you to get credit for what you've already earned.
- If you've taken courses at other institutions, you can transfer those credits to Wayne State.
- Already have an associate degree? Seamlessly transfer your full degree through one of our transfer pathways.
- Military or veteran student? You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.
Life Sciences Department faculty

Douglas Christensen, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Doug Christensen is a biology professor at Wayne State College. His teaching interests include utilization of molecular biology in a broad range of sciences (including medical, environmental, and industrial fields); teaching about battles between the immune system and the evolving world of bacteria and viruses; microbiology; molecular genetics; and immunology.

Buffany DeBoer, MSE
Instructor
Buffany DeBoer is a biology instructor at Wayne State College. Her teaching interests are general education biology and environmental science.

Mark Hammer, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Mark Hammer is a biology professor at Wayne State College. He advises students who are interested in a career as a conservation biologist, physician assistant (including RHOP pre-PA), or occupational therapist. He is also the director of the A. Jewell Schock Natural History Museum.

Michael Mutehart, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Michael Mutehart is a life sciences professor at Wayne State College. Mutehart has a strong background in clinical anatomy education. His teaching responsibilities are mainly in the field of human gross anatomy and its related counterparts (histology, comparative anatomy, etc.).

Shawn Pearcy, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Shawn Pearcy is a biology professor at Wayne State College. His teaching interests are biology, human physiology, vertebrate embryology, and physiological ecology.

Danielle Peekenschneider, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Danielle Peekenschneider is a biology professor at Wayne State College. Her teaching interests include general education biology, oncology, and immunology.

Jillian Wormington, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Jillian Wormington is a biology professor at Wayne State College and the zoological curator of the A. Jewell Schock Natural History Museum.
Get in touch
Department of Life Sciences
Carhart Science Building, Room 106
Phone: 402-375-7329
Clubs for life sciences and biology majors
Biology Club - For students interested in biological sciences
Health Science Club - For students pursuing careers in health-related fields

Rankings and accolades
Recognized for excellence
A Best College of Distinction
Wayne State was recognized as a Best College of Distinction for our excellence in student engagement, teaching, community, and successful graduate outcomes.

A Top Public College in the Midwest
WSC was identified as one of the top public universities in the Midwest for 2025 by U.S. News & World’s Best Colleges ranking report.

Where you'll learnDepartment facilities

Carhart Science Building
The Carhart Science building holds several state-of-the-art classrooms and labs for students in math, science, and pre-professional health programs.

Gardner Hall
Gardner Hall is home to the Department of Business and Economics at WSC and connects to advanced computer labs in the Center for Applied Technology by skywalk.
Your next steps
