Mortuary Science
Carl Sandburg College offers both a two-year and an accelerated associate degree program for students interested in a career in mortuary science. Students receive instruction in all phases of funeral service, with special attention being given to the high ethical standards within the funeral service profession. These goals are accomplished through a wide variety of educational experiences to develop the essential skills needed to successfully serve within the funeral service profession.
This curriculum is based upon the American Board of Funeral Service Education curriculum outlines. Several of the mortuary science classes require some outside work as well as research about various aspects of the funeral service profession. Upon completion of the mortuary science program, each graduate will have attained those skills necessary to uphold and foster the dignity of the funeral service profession.
Admission requirements for the mortuary science program
The mortuary science program has specific admission requirements and a separate application process. Students must apply and be accepted into the program to enroll. Admission into the program is on a rolling basis, but new students are admitted only for the fall semester each year.
Mortuary science admission requirements are:
- Meet all admissions requirements of Carl Sandburg College.
- Complete the general application to the college.
- Complete the online application form for the Mortuary Science program. This can be found in mySandburg.
- Submit official high school/GED and college transcripts to the Records Office.
- Submit proof of interview with a licensed funeral director.
- Submit official documentation that you have received the Hepatitis B vaccination three-shot series.
- Complete ENG 101 Freshman Composition 1, and submit an official transcript if a course is taken at a college other than Sandburg.
- Set up an appointment to meet with the advisor for the mortuary science program to sign the admissions checklist.
Although the COVID-19 vaccination is not an admission requirement, most clinical sites require vaccination against COVID-19. Check with your program coordinator for more details.
There are six general education courses required for this program:
- ENG 101 Freshmen Composition 1 (Must be completed prior to starting the program.)
- CHM 100 Concepts of Chemistry
- BIO 111 Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals
- BLA 202 Business Law
- BUS 205 Management Fundamentals
- ACC 100 Procedural Accounting
All of these courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Students who complete some or all of the general education courses prior to enrolling in the mortuary science program are more successful in the program. You may consider getting these courses completed at your local community college ahead of time.
Enrollment in the program is limited to a specific number of students due to accreditation requirements. Students who enroll in the program must earn a minimum grade of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in all courses required in the mortuary science program. Failure to attain these grade requirements will result in dismissal from the program with an option to reapply. (Only available on a one-time basis.)
Career and technical programs/courses are offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status in any group protected by applicable federal, state or local law. For more information, contact the Title IX coordinator at 309.341.5258 or the ADA/504 coordinator at 309.341.5262.
For additional information contact:
Welcome Center
309.345.3500
welcomecenter@sandburg.edu
Employment
Opportunities are excellent with many openings in the funeral service profession. These include, but are not limited to:
Funeral directors
Embalmers
Funeral service directors
Funeral attendants
Working conditions
Funeral directors arrange the details and handle the logistics of funerals. They interview the family to understand their preferences regarding the nature of the funeral, the clergy members or other persons who will officiate and the final disposition of the remains.
Most funeral directors are also trained and licensed embalmers. Embalming is the cosmetic and preservative process through which the body is prepared for interment. Most funeral homes are family run businesses, and the funeral directors either are owner operators or employees of the operation.
GRADUATES FROM THIS PROGRAM PURSUE CAREERS IN FIELDS SUCH AS:
Sample course schedules for the mortuary science program
View a sample schedule for mortuary science AAS degree.
View a sample schedule for accelerated mortuary science AAS degree.
Courses in this program are offered face-to-face in the classroom and through practicum experiences in funeral homes.
Estimated costs for the mortuary science program
Students are expected to purchase the required clothing and/or protective equipment used in the program. Additional living and incidental expenses should be expected by the student.
View the mortuary science cost sheet.
View the accelerated mortuary science cost sheet.
Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid, visit our financial aid page for more information.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers access employment, education, training and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Contact the local office to see if you qualify for financial support.
- Hancock County | 550 N. Madison St. | Carthage, IL | 217.357.6749
- Warren/Henderson County |1025 S. 2nd St | Monmouth, IL | 309.734.4745
- Knox County Bondi Building | 311 E. Main, Suite 612 | Galesburg, IL | 309.343.9832
- McDonough County | 440 N. Lafayette | Macomb, IL | 309.837.1280
Scholarships
Thanks to our generous donors, the Carl Sandburg College Foundation is able to award more than $100,000 each year in scholarship dollars to Sandburg students. High school, adult learners, and returning students — everyone is eligible to apply between October 1 and March 15 for the upcoming year.
Mortuary science program learning outcomes
As it prepares students to serve within the funeral service profession, the mortuary science program adheres to the institutional commitment to student success in both human development and achievement of educational goals. This includes educating our students in all phases of funeral service with special attention given to the high ethical standards within the funeral service profession. These goals are accomplished through a wide variety of educational experiences that develop the many skills needed to successfully serve within the funeral service profession.
The curriculum is based upon the American Board of Funeral Service Education curriculum outlines. Several of the mortuary science classes require some outside work as well as research about various aspects of the funeral service profession. Upon completion of the program, each graduate will have attained those skills necessary to uphold and foster the dignity of the funeral service profession.
FAQs
Can this program be completed part-time?
No. This program must be completed exactly as the curriculum states. You choose the two-year program or the accelerated program.
Is this an online program?
No. There are online sections available for some of the general education courses, but the courses are only available at the main campus in Galesburg, IL.
Are there certain grade requirements?
Yes. All courses in the program, as well as the six general education courses, must be completed with a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale). Failure to attain these grade requirements will result in dismissal from the program with an option to reapply. (Only available on a one-time basis.)
What is the accelerated program?
The accelerated program is available to any student who has successfully completed all of the prerequisite courses contained within the mortuary science program course of study. These courses must be completed prior to being admitted to the program. All 51 credit hours of the program are then completed in two semesters: 27 credit hours in the fall semester and 17 credit hours and the eight-week practicum during the spring semester.
What are the general education courses required for the program?
- ENG 101 Freshman Composition 1
BIO 111 Anatomy & Physiology Fundamentals
CHM 100 Concepts of Chemistry
BUS 205 Management Fundamentals
ACC 100 Procedural Accounting
BLA 202 Business Law
All of these courses must be completed with a grade of C or above.
Accreditation
Graduates from the mortuary science program are eligible to take the National Board Examination as administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, Inc. This exam allows graduates to apply for the Illinois Funeral Directors and Embalmers license. For other state licensure requirements, please contact the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, Inc. or the state in which licensure is sought.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Mortuary Science at Carl Sandburg College is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). National board examination rates, graduation rates, and employment rates for this and other ABFSE-accredited programs are available on the ABFSE website. To request a printed copy of this program’s pass rates and employment rates, contact:
Tim Krause
Coordinator of the mortuary science program
2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.
Galesburg, IL 61401
tkrause@sandburg.edu
309.345.8501
Initial accreditation was in 1997. The last comprehensive review was in 2017. The next comprehensive review will be in 2024.
Re-accreditation: April 2018 for a period of seven years with stipulation to demonstrate evidence of faculty evaluation.
Most recent accreditation decision: April 2019 — accepted report demonstrating evidence of faculty evaluation.
Meet the instructors
Tim Krause
Professor/Coordinator, Mortuary Science
Matthew Kendall
Associate Professor, Mortuary Science
Department of Health Professions
2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.
Galesburg, IL 61401
309.341.5299
Student Organizations
Sigma Phi Sigma
The purpose and mission of Sigma Phi Sigma are to promote professionalism, knowledge and fellowship within the mortuary science profession.
Advisor: Tim Krause: 309.345.8501 | tkrause@sandburg.edu
PROGRAM INFORMATION for Carl Sandburg College
|
Year |
Total enrolled |
# of New Students |
# of Grads |
Timely Grad* |
Graduation rate** |
Did not finish*** |
Overall % Employed |
Employed In FS |
|
2021 |
19 |
19 |
8 |
7/8 |
75% |
2 |
100% |
75% |
|
2020 |
17 |
8 |
14 |
14/14 |
78% |
5 |
56% |
64% |
|
2019 |
26 |
13 |
14 |
14/14 |
100% |
0 |
100% |
86% |
*Timely graduation = Complete program in 1.5 times designated program length.
**Graduation rate reflects cohort graduation rate (% of students from original cohort completing in the designated year).
***Left before completing the program; did not finish.
NATIONAL BOARD STATISTICS for Carl Sandburg college
|
Single year |
School pass rate |
National pass rate |
|
2021 Arts |
14% |
68% |
|
2020 Arts |
71% |
73% |
|
2019 Arts |
54% |
72% |
|
2021 Sciences |
50% |
57% |
|
2020 Sciences |
92% |
64% |
|
2019 Sciences |
64% |
63% |