Mortuary Science

There are four requirements for licensure in South Dakota: (1) completion of academic educational requirement (60 semester hours); (2) completion of the prescribed course of study from a college of mortuary science accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, Inc. (one year); (3) completion of 12 months of an approved traineeship/ apprenticeship under the supervision of a licensed mortician; and (4) satisfactory performance on the State Board (or National Board Examination). The student is responsible for arranging sponsorship of the traineeship with a licensed funeral director. The traineeship is a full-time responsibility, which cannot be performed during semesters when the student is registered for college coursework. However, it can be started during the summer interim before college registration and subsequently completed. Students interested in this program should contact the Science and Mathematics Department.

Northern State University does not offer a degree program in mortuary science; however, customization of the General Studies (AA)  degree provides appropriate preparation for transfer to a professional program. Suggested courses are: