This two-year degree prepares students for a career in funeral services.
Morticians and funeral directors are responsible for assisting family members through some of the most vulnerable and difficult times in their lives.
To become a licensed mortician in Maryland, you’ll need an associate degree in Mortuary Science—and CCBC offers the only program in the state.
Accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), CCBC’s Mortuary Science program blends legal, scientific, and business training with a strong focus on cultural competence. Students learn to honor diverse religious traditions and grieving practices while preparing for meaningful careers in funeral service.
A career in funeral services is more than just a job — it’s a calling that requires understanding and compassion. Jobs in this field include mortician, funeral attendant, funeral service manager and funeral director. This is a fulfilling career path with a high employment rate and overall long-term job satisfaction.
hours
The Maryland State Board of Morticians requires 1,000 hours of apprenticeship for licensure.
Average salary in Maryland
The average salary for morticians, undertakers and funeral arrangers in Maryland as of 2023.
expected industry growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that this sector will grow four percent from 2023-2033.
The Mortuary Science associate degree program at Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville Campus is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), 992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097 (816) 233-3747. www.abfse.org
American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)
Robert C. Smith III
Executive Director
National Board Examination pass rates, graduation rates and employment rates for this and other ABFSE-accredited programs are available online in the Directory of Accredited Programs.
To request a printed copy of CCBC's program scores and rates, please contact the program director listed below:
Community College of Baltimore County - Catonsville
Mortuary Science Program
800 South Rolling Road
Catonsville, MD 21228
Classroom and Laboratory Building, Room 105
Diane Donaldson, Program Director
Phone: 443.840.4372
Email: ddonaldson@ccbcmd.edu
Accredited Degree Offered: Associate in Applied Science
Distance Education - YES (General Education courses only)
National Board Statistics: Community College of Baltimore County–Catonsville
| Single Year | School Pass Rate | National Pass Rate |
| 2024 Arts | 96% | 78% |
| 2023 Arts | 80% | 78% |
| 2022 Arts | 82% | 69% |
| 2024 Sciences | 85% | 73% |
| 2023 Sciences | 86% | 69% |
| 2022 Sciences | 78% | 64% |
Program Information: Community College of Baltimore County–Catonsville
| Year | Total enrolled | # of new students | # of grads | Timely grad* | Grad. rate** | Did not finish*** | Overall % employed | Employed in FS |
| 2024 | 84 | 31 | 26 | 20/26 | 77% | 14 | 100% | 92% |
| 2023 | 90 | 30 | 14 | 9/14 | 64% | 8 | 100% | 100% |
| 2022 | 72 | 34 | 21 | 7/21 | 33% | 3 | 100% | 76% |
*Timely graduation = complete program in 1 1/2 times designated program length.
** Graduation rate reflects cohort graduation rate (% of students from original cohort completing in the designated year)
***Left before completing the program; did not finish.
Ready to get started? So are we! Find admission requirements on our SHP Admissions page or download the PDF packet.
Mortuary Science