Brookings Main Campus
Health care professionals who serve others during a time of loss, pain and grief.
Funeral service workers organize and manage the details of a funeral. To meet the requirements as a mortician, funeral directors need specialized training. All states require those who embalm to be licensed. This field may require from one to four years of study with students earning a diploma, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree at one of 50 accredited schools which offer programs in mortuary science. One or possibly two years of study may be taken at SDSU.
Certification includes passing required board exams and an apprenticeship in an approved funeral home. Leaders of the funeral service field are rapidly recognizing the need for education of the total person. Because the funeral director's work is diverse, he/she must draw upon knowledge of the social and economic fields as well as the scientific and artistic areas which the technical needs of the profession require.
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy lifelong learning.
- Curiosity about life.
- Critical thinking and enjoy solving problems.
- Enjoy science and the scientific method.
- Strong level of empathy.
Internship Opportunities
- Funeral home intern
Suggested Majors
Suggested Minors
Professional Schools Admitting Graduates
- University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices.
In addition, FOCUS 2 Career, a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the Office of Career Development.