Admissions
Introduction to the University of Minnesota Program of Mortuary Science
Established in 1908 by the Regents of the University of Minnesota, the Program of Mortuary Science is one of the oldest and most comprehensive funeral service education programs in the country.
PRE-ADMISSIONS PLANNING
Recognizing that our students come to us with diverse educational backgrounds, we offer multiple degree-completion track options. We want to help you complete your degree in a timeframe that works best for you. Your academic plan will be determined in consultation with our advisors and is based on a number of factors, including previously-completed coursework, and our degree requirements.
For information on requirements please visit the University's Course Catalog.
Due to our position in the Medical School, we are not a freshman admitting program. Applicants must have completed or in progress 26 or more transferable credits with a GPA of 2.0 or higher at the time of application.
Recommended Pre-Application Courses
Alongside the University's Liberal Education Requirements, completing foundational courses like General/Intro to Psychology, General/Intro to Sociology, and Intro to Communication/Public Speaking will make you a strong applicant for the program.
Review of Previously-Completed Coursework
Please follow the Office of Admissions procedure for credit evaluation.
- The first step is to use Transferology a free tool used by the University to compare equivalencies.
- If the course(s) in question is(are) not listed on Transferology, the next step is to submit the course(s) to the Office of Admissions for review.
This process ensures the most accurate answers to transferability questions. Please note only courses that are accepted as transferable by the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities can be considered for prerequisite equivalency.
Transferability of Credits
Credits that do not transfer to the University of Minnesota typically include vocational or technical courses, skills-based classes, and courses in subjects not offered at the Twin Cities campus. Other non-transferable credits include those from unaccredited institutions, courses with a grade lower than a "D," or military occupational specialty (MOS) credit. Some specific religion courses and courses from institutions without proper accreditation may also not transfer. Please contact the Program of Mortuary Science Office if you have questions about whether a mortuary science course completed at a different institution may be considered for transferability to meet our degree completion requirements. The University does not accept for transfer credit mortuary science courses taken at other ABFSE-accredited institutions that do not also hold accreditation from Institutional Accrediting organizations.
HOW TO APPLY
Starting August 1, 2026:
- How to Apply:
- Transfer students will work with the Admissions Office using the Common App for Transfer Students.
- Current or Readmit UMN students apply using the Change of Change Application form.
- Supplemental Questions: As part of your application, you will be asked to complete two short essays (up to 1,500 characters each) reflecting on what it means to be a contemporary practitioner, your personal preparation, and your vision for supporting those experiencing grief and loss.
- Post-Admission Requirement: If offered admission, you will be asked to complete an Occupational Analysis and Practitioner Interview: Mortuary Science.
When to Apply
Applications are accepted at any time and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Admissions decisions are typically made within 30 days after all application materials have been received by the Program.
- Applications received December 2nd - June 1st will be considered for Fall Semester enrollment.
- Applications received June 2nd - December 1st will be considered for Spring Semester enrollment.
Schedule a virtual meeting with an Advisor
Do you have questions? Would you like to learn more? Schedule a one-on-one meeting to discuss the Program, application process, and recommended transfer courses by emailing your request to [email protected].
Program of Mortuary Science Tour Registration
Prospective students and families are invited to tour the University of Minnesota campus, classrooms, labs, and Mortuary Science Program office. Interested in a tour?
Program of Mortuary Science Tour Registration here!
University of Minnesota Resources
Online Coursework in Mortuary Science
Online and distance learning (DL) courses are permitted when required by the curriculum (such as DL-only courses like Capstone, Medical Terminology, or Thanatochemistry) or when pre-approved by an advisor to fulfill general education and elective requirements (including online coursework through system campuses such as UMN Crookston).