Program History

The Program of Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota, established in 1908, was the first program of its kind in this country to be organized at a state university. During the first 50 years of its existence, the program grew from a six-week session to a 36-week course of study. In 1951, a two-year curriculum leading to the associate in mortuary science degree was approved. The course of study for the associate degree was expanded to three years in 1955. The bachelor of science degree with a major in mortuary science, granted upon satisfactory completion of a four-year curriculum, was approved by the Board of Regents in 1968. Impetus for the changes in program length and academic credentials resulted from changes in the philosophy and needs of the funeral service profession. Currently, the Program of Mortuary Science is part of the Medical School.

Milestones in the Program of Mortuary Science