Alternative education requirements: Funeral directors

Alternative education requirements

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.

The courses must meet all the following requirements:

• You must complete 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits with a 2.0 grade point average or grade C or better.
• 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 (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
  • 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
      • Women Studies
• 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 semester or 90 quarter hours doesn't meet Washington's education requirements.

Questions? Need help?

• Email us: funerals@dol.wa.gov
• Call us: 360.664.1555