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Mortuary Science - AAS

Program Overview

About the Associate of Applied Sciences Program in Mortuary Science

Losing a loved one is never easy, and it's important that those experiencing that loss have a helpful, understanding and graceful professional to help them through. Earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Mortuary Science degree from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and provide just what these families need, just when they need it. 

Our mission is to provide students with a comprehensive education in mortuary science and to prepare graduates to enter the funeral service profession to serve the diverse population of the District of Columbia and beyond. It is designed to encompass the managerial and technical aspects of funeral service and its related areas. It also provides the basis for further study in thanatology, pathology, grief counseling, post-mortem examination, forensic psychology and mortuary science. Careers in mortuary science include funeral director, embalmer, autopsy technician and funeral merchandise marketing.

Accreditation

ABFSE logo

The Mortuary Science associate degree program at the University of the District of Columbia Community College is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), 992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097, 816-233-3747, abfse.org.

Mortuary Science Advisory Board

The Mortuary Science Program Advisory Board functions to support the program in remaining abreast of practices and further developments in the industry. Comprised of a wide variety of funeral service professionals, as well as other community members, the board provides support in the form of information regarding the latest trends in the funeral service industry, recommendations regarding the hiring of faculty, and additional resources and services. Many of the practicum (clinical) experiences for students are provided in the funeral homes that are owned and operated by our advisory board members. The practicum sites are inspected to ensure compliance with local regulations and program requirements.

Admission Requirements

Interested in admission into the Mortuary Science program at UDC? Review the program of study and the list below to ensure that you are eligible for admission into the program.

  • An active and current student enrolled at the Lamond-Riggs campus.
  • Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a four-point grading scale.
  • Good standing with the university, including student accounts, academic standing, and other university admission requirements.
  • Completed a minimum of 17 hours of prerequisite general education courses (including IGED courses) with a grade of at least a “B” or above.
  • Science courses must be completed within 5 years of application.
  • Students who obtain more than two “C” grades in any of the prerequisite courses will not be admitted to the UDC Mortuary Science Program. Students can retake courses to obtain a higher grade up to 3 times with the Dean's approval.

Note: The Office of Admission processes applications to the University only. Admission to the University does NOT guarantee admission to the Mortuary Science Program. Students are NOT automatically admitted to the Mortuary Science Program by indicating an interest in Mortuary Science or declaring Mortuary Science as a major. Students must make an application to the program once you have completed program prerequisites and meet with the student navigator to confirm eligibility. Please note that Mortuary Science admission is competitive.

Prerequisites and Program of Study

Admission to the University Does Not Guarantee Admission to the Mortuary Science Program

The Office of Admission processes applications to the university. Admission to the university does NOT guarantee admission to the Mortuary Science Program. Students are NOT automatically admitted to the Mortuary Science Program by indicating an interest in Mortuary Science or declaring Mortuary Science as a major. Students must apply to the program, as Mortuary Science admission is competitive.

Transfer Credit Evaluations

All students applying to any allied health program at UDC must submit course syllabi for Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, and Clinical Microbiology at the time of a completed transfer evaluation. General microbiology courses will not be accepted as a substitute for Clinical Microbiology. However, students may appeal for credit. The appeal should include the course catalog description and syllabus or course outline (from the appropriate year) for each course in question, which, if possible, should include the course’s learning outcomes.

Please note: The nursing and allied health programs at UDC-CC will not accept science courses (Anatomy I, II, Clinical Microbiology, Chemistry, etc.) completed online, virtual or hybrid formats at other institutions.

Where to Start

How to Apply

First-Time at UDC Students (First-Time in College, Transfer, Re-Admit, International)

Please submit your initial application through the Office of Undergraduate Admission. On this application, you will select AAS Mortuary Science

Once the university has accepted you, please follow all the steps outlined in your admissions letter.

Current and Eligible UDC Mortuary Science Applicants

The Mortuary Science Program is now accepting applications for Fall 2026 admission until Feb. 15, 2026. Please follow the instructions below carefully to ensure your application package is complete. Before submitting an application request, you must have checked your eligibility with your Allied Health Student Navigator. Once you have checked your eligibility, your student navigator will give you your next set of instructions.

Admission to the Mortuary Science program is competitive, and students must follow the steps below to ensure their applications are completed in full.

If you have any questions regarding the application, please email Dr. Donna Austin at donna.austin@udc.edu.

Please Note

If a prospective or current Mortuary Science or Allied Health student appears before UDC’s Judicial Hearing Committee, resulting in a sanction of warning and/or suspension from academic activities (including courses), the individual will not be able to enter or progress in the Mortuary Science or Allied Health programs.

Due to space limitations in our clinical placements, we may not be able to accept every student who desires admission. Any late or incomplete applications will not be considered until those received on time have been reviewed by the program Admission and Progression Committee, at which time eligible late applicants will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis if it is determined that space is available.

Admission Testing Requirements (TEAS)

To enter the UDC Mortuary Science program, applicants must take the ATI TEAS Exam in person, proctored by PSI.

ATI TEAS Minimum Score Requirement

Overall: 75% (Proficient)

TEAS Study Materials

Visit the following sites for TEAS test preparation materials:

Projected Costs

  • ATI TEAS for Allied Health Science: $120+tax
  • Background Check: +/- $140
  • Drug Screening: +/- $37
  • Health Screening: May vary by location

You've Been Accepted

What Comes Next?

Congratulations!

Accepted students must verify completion of the following requirements prior to agency assignments (a component of all nursing practicum courses):

  • Acknowledgment of intent to enroll in writing.
  • Valid UDC Student Picture Identification.
  • Health Clearance by University Health Services.
  • Drug screening if requested.

Mortuary Science Student Handbook

Career Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the funeral services field is predicted to see a 9-percent increase in jobs by 2031!

By earning your Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science degree from UDC-CC, you'll receive access to a variety of career paths beyond the traditional funeral director role, and a median salary of $52,000 a year.

Career opportunities for Mortuary Science graduates include:

Mortuary Science Program Outcomes

Contact Us

Contact us today to learn more about the Associate of Applied Sciences in Mortuary Science degree program at UDC!

Professor John Kirksey

Program Director, Mortuary Science
University of the District of Columbia Community College
Van Ness Campus
4200 Connecticut Ave. NW, Room 203-07
Washington D.C. 20008
202-274-5651
john.kirksey@udc.edu

Hector Mendoza Arias, M.ED.

Student Navigator: Allied Health Sciences
University of the District of Columbia  
Lamond-Riggs Campus
5171 South Dakota Ave. NE, Office 239
Washington, DC 20017
202-274-6718
hector.mendozaarias1@udc.edu

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