Pre-Mortuary Science Focus, AS
The Associate of Science degree program in Pre-Mortuary Science is designed for students who are planning to transfer to a four‐year bachelor's degree program in Mortuary Science. The curriculum fulfills the general education requirements of most bachelor degree programs but also is specifically designed to prepare students for the challenging mortuary science program. Upon completion of the bachelor's degree in Mortuary Science, the new funeral service professional will be eligible to take the qualifying exam for Certification in Thanatology (CT) from the Association of Death Education and Counseling and the Thanatology Association. Combining the thanatology certification with funeral director and embalmer licensure is empowering the funeral service professional to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates will:
- Demonstrate skills in supporting the bereaved by describing the grieving process and its relationship to healing.
- Explain individual and cultural differences in attitudes tow death, grieving, mourning, loss, assessment and intervention, and traumatic death and death education.
- Demonstrate preparation for transfer to a bachelor's degree program by completing foundational courses and thanatology with no loss of credits upon transfer.
Where You Could Go
- Works with the bereaved, providing sensitive, effective intervention during a time of emotional need.
- Is a professional caregiver who enables families and communities to express their concern for life and the living.
- Is a motivated man or woman who practices a unique vocation and who is legally required to possess certain professional qualifications.
- Is involved in a variety of activities within the community.
- Carries out administrative and logistical tasks required by law, custom and accepted practice.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Funeral Service Professional:
- Provides support to the bereaved during initial stages of their grief.
- Arranges and directs funeral ceremonies.
- Arranges for removal of the deceased from the place of death.
- Prepares the body according to the wishes of the survivors and requirements of the law.
- Secures information for legal documents.
- Files death certificates and other legal papers.
- Assists survivors with details for filing claims for death benefits.
- Helps individuals adapt to changes in their lives following a death through post-death counseling and support group activities.
Job Demand
With nearly half of Ohio’s funeral directors over the age of 55, retirements are expected and the outlook for the employment is very good. Further, Ohio entry level and median wages are above the national average underscoring the earning potential new graduates (US Department of Labor, 2014).
How Does the Program Work?
Students enroll at NC State and beginning in their first semester they are introduced to the arts and sciences of funeral service. Working closely with their NC State advisor, the student enrolls in a range of courses specifically planned to support a career in funeral service. They include courses in natural sciences, social sciences, and business. Students will study thanatology (science of death and dying) and prepare for a career as an embalmer through intensive human anatomy and physiology in the NC State gross anatomy lab.
Transfer Options
Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science
Upon completing the Associate of Science Degree with a Pre-Mortuary Science Focus students may transfer to the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science to earn the Bachelor of Mortuary Science Degree. Completion of a baccalaureate mortuary science program, like the program at CCMS, is required for Ohio licensure as a funeral director and embalmer. The NC State academic advisor will assist you with each step to make your transfer to CCMS effortless.
Wayne State University
Students who complete their Associate of Science Degree with a Pre-Mortuary Science Focus can also transfer to Wayne State University in Michigan, which provides a local option to complete the Bachelor’s Degree in Mortuary Science at in-state Michigan rates. Students do not have to relocate to the university. Coursework is completed online and via practical experience at the Barkdull Funeral Home and Crematory in Shelby. The Wayne State program meets all of the educational requirements for licensure in Ohio.
The total estimated cost of the Wayne State University program is $41,000 ($11,750 at NC State with the balance at Wayne State University in-state tuition rates). The Wayne State program has a 94% job placement rate in the industry. Job growth is very strong throughout north central Ohio.
Year One
Fall Semester
MATH 1110 - College Algebra
A study of: 1) polynomial operations, rational expressions, exponents, radicals; 2) linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, absolute value applications and their graphs; 3) graphs of elementary functions and non-functions including inverse functions, combining functions, and translating and transforming functions; 4) study of polynomial functions including the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra, zeroes of polynomials, rational functions, partial fractions; 5) exponential and logarithmic functions including graphs and applications; 6) Gauss-Jordan elimination and Cramer's Rule. This course meets the requirements for OTM College Algebra TMM001.
ENGL 1010 - English Composition I
This is a basic course in expository writing and critical reading. Students read a variety of nonfiction works and write summaries, analysis, essays, and a researched argument in response to their reading. Students learn to read actively and accurately and to organize, develop, and revise coherent papers appropriate for a college-educated audience. (OTM for First Writing Course TME001)
BIOL 1230 - Biology I
This course is an introduction to biology for bioscience majors and students planning to transfer to four year institutions. The course will introduce fundamental concepts of biology including the scientific method, structure and chemical properties of cells. The course will introduce students to biochemical pathways, bioenergetics, and basic concepts of genetics, heredity and homeostasis. Historical contributions and application of biological principles to biotechnology will be discussed. Students will meet three lecture hours and three lab hours per week. Semesters available: Day - F
HIST 1010 - American History I
This American Studies course is an introductory survey course covering the development of American politics, law, religion, philosophy, art and literature from 1600 to 1877. The goal of the course is to help students understand the cultural development of the United States especially in relation to its religion, art, philosophy, law, and political system. (TAG# OHS043 or if combined with HIST1030 OHS010. This course also meets the requirements for the OTM Arts and Humanities - TMAH)
Spring Semester
BUSM 1010 - Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship
In this course the student is exposed to a broad view of the business enterprise. Special emphasis is placed upon the role and importance of entrepreneurship and small-business management. The student will gain insight into the necessity and mutual interdependence of such key business functions as management, human resources, operations and quality, marketing, accounting, and finance. Additionally, the topics of globalization and economics are introduced. Throughout this course, the student will gain extensive experience in problem solving by means of applying basic business math skills to typical business scenarios.
ENGL 1030 - English Composition II
This is a course in argument and research writing. Students read issue-based works and write summaries, responses, and an argument and research paper. Students learn to organize research projects, find and evaluate sources, incorporate ideas and quotations from sources, document their sources in MLA and APA style, analyze and use argumentative strategies and persuasive appeals, and prepare and revise effective, coherent papers. (OTM for Second Writing Course TME002)
COMM 1010 - Speech
This course involves instruction and experience in giving a presentation. Students are taught the principles of speech content and delivery so that they can effectively participate in a variety of practical speaking situations. Presentations will include the informative speech, persuasive speech, visual aid/demonstration speech, impromptu speech, and group presentation. (OTM for Oral Communication TMCOM and TAG# OCM013)
ACCT 1010 - Financial Accounting
This is an introductory course of study in financial accounting and financial reporting for business entities. (TAG# OBU010)
HMSV 1190 - Death and Dying
Course Description: This course will focus on why and how people experience loss, death and grief. We will investigate the ideas of Kubler-Ross and others and expand our exploration to include the Eastern and Judeo-Christian perspectives. In addition, we will consider a variety of sources of grief (death, divorce, alcoholism, birth of a handicapped child, life-threatening illnesses, etc.) and how people react to such events
Year Two
Fall Semester
CHEM 1210 - Chemistry I
This is the first semester of chemistry for science majors or pre-professional students. A quantitative introduction to dimensional analysis with significant figures, atomic structure, the molecule, principles of ionic bonding, stoichiometry, chemical solutions, thermochemistry, classification of elements including periodicity, electron configuration, gases, liquids, and solids. Student will be exposed to applications of chemistry in society. (TAG# OSC008; If combined with CHEM 1220 TAG# OSC023)
SOCY 2010 - Cultural Diversity and Racism
Sociological exploration of American racial and ethnic groups. Emphasis placed on the social construction of race and ethnicity, patterns of intergroup contact. Historical comparative analysis of selected groups with emphasis on economic, political and structural inequalities. Please note outcomes are written to OBR standards using OBR language. Ohio Articulation Number OSS 050 Race and Ethnicity . This course also meets the requirements for OTM in Social and Behavioral Sciences TMSBS.
PSYC 1010 - Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Psychology is an introductory level course and is a study of the basic human behavior. Topics include the history of psychology, scientific methods, biological processes, cognitive processes, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, intelligence, human development, personality theory, psychopathology and treatment, stress and health, and social psychology. Please note outcomes are written to OBR standards using OBR language. Ohio Articulation Number OSS015. This course meets the requirements for OTM in Social and Behavioral Science TMSBS
BIOL 2751 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This course is an in-depth study of the principles of human anatomy and physiology. It includes the study of structure and function of the body as a whole and study of cell biology, histology, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, endocrine, and nervous systems plus the special senses. Laboratory exercises are designed to supplement lecture topics and include microscopy, the study of models, cat and specimen dissection, cadaver study, and physiological experiments. (OTM approved course in Natural Sciences TMNS)
Spring Semester
BIOL 2752 - Anatomy and Physiology II
This course is a continuation of BIOL 2751. It includes the study of structure and function of blood and the cardiovascular, lymphatic/immunity, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems. Laboratory exercises are designed to supplement lecture topics and include microscopy, the study of models, cat and specimen dissection, cadaver study, and physiological experiments. (OTM approved course in Natural Sciences TMNS)
MUSC 1010 - Music Appreciation
Develop listening skills used for understanding elements of musical style in a historical perspective and the significance of music as fine art.
COMM 2070 - Intercultural Communication
Course explores the dynamic role intercultural communication plays in today's ever complex and changing world. Intercultural communication will be viewed through the lenses of individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal/cultural perspectives to help students understand the context of both their own behavior and the behavior of others. (This course may NOT be substituted for COMM 1010 - Speech ). Semesters Available: Based on need.
SOCY 1010 - Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to the theoretical foundations and methods used to gather, interpret, and evaluate data in sociology. Insight into how society is organized by focusing on the structure and function of social institutions, the impact of culture and socialization on individuals and groups, and systems of stratification among various racial and ethnic, social class, gender and sexuality groups. Please note outcomes are written to OBR standards using OBR language. Ohio Articulation Number OSS021. This course meets the requirements for OTM in Social and Behavioral Science TMSBS.
BUSM 1110 - Business Law & Ethics
This course is a study in the legal and ethical environment in which businesses operate. (TAG # OBU004)