Prepare Skilled Professionals | Serve Communities
Our mission is to skillfully combine the study of behavioral, physical and applied sciences for the goal of preparing graduates for careers as knowledgeable, skilled and innovative funeral service professionals.
Recognizing that our students come to us with diverse educational backgrounds, we offer multiple degree-completion track options. The Program offers admission to students for both Fall and Spring semesters. Applications are accepted at any time and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Each October the Program of Mortuary Science offers scholarships to current students. In past years, scholarship awards have ranged form $500 to $5,000. Applications are accepted from annually October 1st - 15th!
Licensing requirements depend on where you wish to live and practice as a funeral director. To assist graduates, employers, and other Program stakeholders with workforce needs, we offer a free, online job posting service for positions relating to the practice of mortuary science.
Program of Mortuary Science Tour Registration
An opportunity for prospective students and family to come see the University of Minnesota Campus, the classrooms/labs and the Office of the Mortuary Science Program. Interested in a tour?
Upcoming Events
CEU Webinar Via Zoom or In Person:
Anatomy Bequest 101: A Collaborative Partnership With Funeral Service Professionals
Thursday, December 18, 2025 - 1:30 pm - 2:20 pm
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2025 Alumni & Friends Holiday Gathering!
Thursday, December 18, 2025 - 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm at Surly Brewing Co. 520 Malcolm Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55414!
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Spring 2026 New Student Orientation (Date Change):
Thursday, January 15, 2026 - 7:30 am - 2:00 pm
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Spring 2026 Networking Event:
Friday, January 23, 2026 - 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm - HSEC 3-110
Prospective and Current Students, Alumni and Funeral Service professionals meet to discuss a career in funeral service and job opportunities in the field.
Funeral Service Professionals: REGISTER HERE
Prospective Students: SIGN UP HERE for a brief panel discussion and introduction to the Funeral Service professionals attending the Networking Event.
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2026 Commencement:
Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11:00 am in the Coffman Memorial Union Theater
Program Director, Michael LuBrant
Funeral directors are health care professionals who serve others during a time of loss, pain and grief. The Program of Mortuary Science's mission is to skillfully combine the study of behavioral, physical and applied sciences for the goal of preparing graduates for careers as knowledgeable, skilled and innovative funeral service professionals. Program graduates will be prepared to serve bereaved members of their communities in a manner that is proficient, dignified and caring.
Virtual Reality Enhances Mortuary Science Training at the UMN
The University of Minnesota’s Health Sciences Library integrates virtual reality into its mortuary science curriculum, allowing students to experience end-of-life scenarios firsthand. Professor Janet McGee has incorporated VR into her coursework since 2023, emphasizing the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of end-of-life care.