Pre-Mortuary Science

  What is Pre-Mortuary Science?

The Raymond Walters pre-mortuary science program is an associate of applied science degree program designed for students who want to transfer to the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (CCMS). There, students will complete a bachelor of mortuary science degree. All courses from Raymond Walters will transfer to CCMS.

Mortuary science seeks to enroll persons who believe in the dignity of funeral services, who are committed to competent, professional service, and who desire more than minimal technical training.  Aside from embalming and other preparatory services, graduates also need experience in arrangements counseling, merchandising and funeral directing.

An education in mortuary science is rigorous. Students are required to have two years of general education -- including liberal arts, business and behavioral science -- before studying mortuary science. Upon graduation from a four-year program, students must take state and national board examinations.

  Success Factors

Successful graduates must have people-oriented skills and professional manners during times of high stress, possess good listening, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, have a professional demeanor, and have an understanding of different cultures.  They must have good business skills.

  Career Possibilities

Employment opportunities for graduates of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (CCMS) program exist mainly in funeral homes, but also in hospitals, public health organizations and related industries. Graduates of the CCMS program are equipped not only with classroom experience, but with laboratory work/study and practicum experience as well.

  Majoring in Pre-Mortuary Science

This program is offered in cooperation with the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Students who transfer to CCMS will gain hands-on experience in that school’s on-site clinical embalming facility.  CCMS also uses laboratory, videotape and role-play situations to prepare students, and places many in work-study and practicum programs in local funeral homes.

Through courses like Gross Anatomy for the Embalmer, Business and Mortuary Law, Psychology of Grief Counseling Procedures, Pathogenic Microbiology and Human Dignity in the Helping Professions, CCMS students acquire a sophisticated knowledge of public health, human anatomy, embalming, disinfection, restoration and more.

  Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this program. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently confirmed or enrolled, you can check your degree requirements online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the Course Applicability System (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.

Pre-Mortuary Science 28AA-PMRT 

 FRESHMAN YEAR

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
English Composition I, II	ENGL 101, 102	6
Biology I, II, III	BIOL 101, 102, 103	15
or Fundamentals of Biology I, II, III	BIOL 126, 127 128
Introduction to Sociology I, II	SOC 141, 142	6
Contemporary Social Issues	SOC 143	3
Introduction to Psychology I, II	PSYC 101, 102	6
Human Development III: Adulthood & Aging	PSYC 207	3
Effective Public Speaking	COMM 171	3
Elective		3
TOTAL		45

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
Literature Elective		3
Electives		3
Intermediate Composition	ENGL 289	3
Fine Arts Electives		9
Accounting or Economics Electives		6
Small Business Management	MGMT 286	3
College Math or Science Elective		3
Business Ethics or Medical Ethics	PHIL 271 or PHIL 272	3
Business Law II: Contracts	BLAW 232	3
Computer Elective		3
Historical Perspectives Elective		3
Persuasive Speaking	COMM 202	3
TOTAL		45

  UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

The program has been designed to provide a seamless transfer to mortuary science programs.  The program has an articulation agreement with the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.

  Admission Requirements

This program is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED and the desire to succeed in college. Although admission is open, students accepted into the program must meet the academic standards of the program to advance to upper levels of study.

  Accreditation

The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, Inc. and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.