Mark T. Evely, Program Director
313-577-1202; evely@wayne.edu

The Mortuary Science bachelor degree program at Wayne State University is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), 992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097 (816) 233-3747. Web: www.abfse.org.

National Board Examination pass rates, graduation rates, and employment rates for this and other ABFSE-accredited programs are available at www.abfse.org. in the Directory of Accredited Programs.

Wayne State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and complies with its provisions on ethical and responsible conduct as defined in Higher Learning Commission Assumed Practices, Number CRRT.B.10.020.

Program Learning Outcomes

1.  Explain the importance of funeral service professionals in developing relationships with the families and communities they serve.
2.  Identify standards of ethical conduct in funeral service practice.
3.  Interpret how federal, state, and local laws apply to funeral service in order to ensure compliance.  
4.  Apply principles of public health and safety in the handling and preparation of human remains.
5.  Demonstrate technical skills in embalming and restorative art that are necessary for the preparation and handling of human remains.
6.  Demonstrate skills required for conducting arrangement conferences, visitations, services, and ceremonies.
7.  Describe the requirements and procedures for burial, cremation, and other accepted forms of final disposition of human remains.
8.  Describe methods to address the grief-related needs of the bereaved.
9.  Explain management skills associated with operating a funeral establishment.
10.  Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills and research skills needed for funeral service practice.

Traditional and Online Courses

Courses are offered in traditional and online formats. Please see the Mortuary Science Student Handbook for additional information and requirements for online courses.

Clinical Requirements

Students must complete embalming and funeral directing clinical requirements as listed in the Mortuary Science Student Handbook.

Academic Advising and Transcript Evaluations

Academic advising, transcript evaluations, and questions regarding transfer credits are available through email to cphsinfo@wayne.edu or by calling 313-577-1716.

Grading Policy

Minimum Grade

Students in the Mortuary Science Program are required to maintain a program curriculum minimum GPA of 2.75 for continued enrollment and satisfactory completion. GPA is calculated at the end of each semester to determine whether continued enrollment is possible. Each course must be passed with a grade of "C" or better. A grade of less than "C" will result in dismissal from the program.

Grade of 'F'

A grade of 'F' indicates that the required class was failed. No credit will be given for the course. Receiving a grade of F in any course will result in dismissal from the program.

Mark of 'I'

A mark of 'I' indicates that course requirements were not completed or submitted as required. The mark is given at the discretion of the instructor.  The student is required to meet with the instructor and submit a written Plan of Work confirming the agreement regarding the method, manner and timing of completing the requirements. Failure to complete requirements by the established deadline will result in the 'I' mark being converted to an 'F'.

Unless otherwise noted in a course syllabus, the following scale will be used in course grading:

93 - 100% A
90 - 92% A-
87 - 89% B+
83 - 86% B
80 - 82% B-
77 - 79% C+
73 - 76% C
70 - 72% C-
67 - 69% D+
63 - 66% D
60 - 62% D-
below 60% F

Final grades for MS 3970, MS 3980, and MS 4000 will be entered as P or N (pass or no-pass) based on the completion of required hours, tasks and activities.

Grades may be viewed in Academica. Grades are usually posted within 24 hours of an instructor submitting them. You will receive an e-mail informing you when grades are posted. 

Time Limitations

Students may enroll full-time for three consecutive semesters (1 year to complete the program) or part-time for six consecutive semesters (2 years to complete the program).  Students must complete the Program within two years of initial admission. Students who fail to complete the program within two years of initial admission must: (1) re-apply to the program and (2) fulfill all program requirements, including additional or different coursework in effect at the time of re-application. 

Professional Licensure

The Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University meets or exceeds the educational requirements for licensure in every state. 

Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of 'C' or better.

Prerequisites for Students Without a Prior Bachelor's Degree