University of Central Oklahoma

What you'll study

This programme combines scientific, technical and professional coursework with supervised practical experience. Core areas include embalming science and laboratory practicum, restorative art, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology and chemistry as they relate to mortuary practice, thanatology and grief counselling, and legal and ethical issues in funeral service.

• Embalming and restorative art: hands-on lab work covering arterial and cavity embalming techniques, preservation, sanitation and cosmetic restoration.
• Anatomy, physiology and pathology: foundational courses that explain human structure, disease processes and how they influence mortuary practice.
• Chemistry and microbiology: applied laboratory science focusing on reaction of embalming chemicals and infection control.
• Funeral directing and service administration: planning and conducting services, regulatory compliance, documentation and disposition options including burial and cremation.
• Thanatology and bereavement care: communication skills, grief theories and family support techniques for working with bereaved clients.
• Business and management: accounting, marketing, human resources and small business management tailored to funeral home operations.
• Practicum and internship: supervised clinical hours in embalming labs and placements with licensed funeral homes or mortuary facilities to apply skills in real-world settings.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions requirements include satisfactory high-school performance with competence in science and English. Colleges-level preparatory coursework in biology and chemistry is strongly recommended. Mature applicants with relevant experience or an accredited associate degree in mortuary science may be considered for advanced standing.

• Academic: high-school graduation or equivalent; evidence of readiness for degree-level study.
• Recommended subjects: biology and chemistry at secondary level, and strong written communication skills.
• Additional requirements: because of the clinical nature of the programme, applicants should expect background checks, immunisation and health screening, and a suitability interview or practical assessment as part of professional placement clearance.
• Licensing preparation: students should be aware that becoming a licensed funeral director or embalmer typically requires completion of an accredited mortuary science curriculum and successful performance on state or national licensing examinations; this programme delivers the academic and practical components that prepare graduates for those processes.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for licensure and careers within the funeral service profession and related fields. Common roles include funeral director, embalmer, crematory operator, cemetery manager and funeral home manager. The degree also supports careers in bereavement counselling, hospice coordination, disaster mortuary operations, regulatory compliance, sales and supply for funeral products, and public health roles related to mortuary practice.

• Operate or manage funeral homes and mortuaries, including directing services and family liaison.
• Provide embalming, restorative art and body preparation services in clinical environments.
• Work in cremation services, cemetery operations and monument or memorial businesses.
• Pursue roles in bereavement support, hospice programmes and community grief services.
• Move into funeral home business ownership, administration, sales or regulatory and public-sector positions.

Why study at University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma offers a programme that balances strong scientific coursework with extensive practical training delivered by faculty with professional experience in the field. Students benefit from laboratory-based embalming and restorative-art instruction, supervised practicum placements with local funeral homes and community organisations, and classroom modules in law, ethics and business that prepare graduates for the responsibilities of licensed practice.

Located in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, the university provides access to a broad network of regional funeral service employers and placement opportunities. The programme’s emphasis on hands-on learning, professional standards and community engagement is designed to produce practitioners who are technically competent, compassionate and ready to meet the practical and managerial demands of modern funeral service.