About

Our Mission

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

The central objective of an ABFSE-accredited program must be to educate students in every phase of funeral service so that program graduates are prepared for entry-level employment in funeral service.

Upon completion of an accredited program, students will be able to: 

  • Explain the importance of funeral service professionals in developing relationships with the families and communities they serve. 
  • Identify standards of ethical conduct in funeral service practice.
  • Interpret how federal, state, and local laws apply to funeral service in order to ensure compliance.   
  • Apply principles of public health and safety in the handling and preparation of human remains.
  • Demonstrate technical skills in embalming and restorative art that are necessary for the preparation and handling of human remains.
  • Demonstrate skills required for conducting arrangement conferences, visitations,services, and ceremonies.
  • Describe the requirements and procedures for burial, cremation, and other accepted forms of final disposition of human remains.
  • Describe methods to address the grief-related needs of the bereaved.
  • Explain management skills associated with operating a funeral establishment.
  • Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills and research skills needed for funeral service practice.

Our Environment

At the University of Minnesota, you can explore your major in the stimulating environment of the University of Minnesota's Medical School, with access to the resources of a major research university, which include other distinguished schools such as the Carlson School of Management and College of Education and Human Development.

Our Location

The Program is located in a vibrant urban setting, offering a rich student life experience. Our students have easy access to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, where they can experience diverse activities such as sports, arts, music, and other cultural and entertainment venues.

Learn more about living in Minnesota

Contact Information

University of Minnesota
Program of Mortuary Science
A275 Mayo Memorial Building, MMC 740
420 Delaware Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
mortsci@umn.edu
P: 612-624-6464
F: 612-626-4163

Monday - Thursday 
8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Our administrative and faculty offices are located in Suite A-275 Mayo Memorial Building (Second floor, northwest corner of the building).

Our classrooms and labs are located in Jackson Hall.

Our Facilties

Mayo Building

Mayo Building
420 Delaware Street SE

You can park in either the Washington Ave. Ramp or the East River Road Garage and head to the second floor of this building. Here you will find the administrative offices of the Mortuary Science Program (Room A275). The Student Lounge, your oasis on the campus, is also located here.

Jackson Hall

Jackson Hall
321 Church Street SE

Located adjacent to the Mayo Building, the renovated Jackson Hall houses the lecture rooms and modern labs for the Program of Mortuary Science.