Alternative education requirements: Funeral directors

Learn about alternative education requirements for licensure if you don't hold an associate's degree in mortuary science.

If you don’t have an Associates of Arts degree in Mortuary Science, you must pass college-level courses at:

  • A regionally accredited school, college, or university
  • Another accredited association approved by the board

Course requirements

  • You must complete 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits with a 2.0 grade point average or a grade of C or better.
  • Credits may be earned at more than 1 college to satisfy the total number required.
  • A diploma or certificate from a mortuary school whose curriculum doesn't equal at least 60 semesters or 90 quarter hours doesn't meet Washington's education requirements.

Required courses

The required courses must include the following subjects:

  • 1 course in psychology
  • 1 course in mathematics
  • 2 courses in English composition
  • 2 courses in social science

The following subjects with an (*) can apply as both a social science and a behavioral science course:

  • American Cultural Studies
  • American Indian Studies
  • Anthropology*
  • Asian American Studies
  • Communications
  • Economics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Forest Resources
  • Geography
  • Government
  • History*
  • Human Services
  • International Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Music
  • Political Science
  • Psychology*
  • Religion
  • Social Studies
  • Social Work
  • Sociology*
  • Speech Communications
  • Urban Design and Planning
  • Women Studies

Additional courses

You must also take 3 courses selected from any of the following subjects:

  • Public speaking
  • Counseling
  • Business administration and management
  • Computer science
  • First aid
  • Behavioral sciences: Anthropology, History, Liberal Studies, Psychology, Sociology, or Women's Studies

Need additional help? Here's how to contact us:

call Phone: 360-664-1555
(TTY: Call 711)
mail Email: funerals@dol.wa.gov
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