Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science

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Each year CCMS attracts students from all over the United States.

The typical student body contains representatives from 18-20 different states and will be approximately 40% male and 60% female. The students are diverse in age (19-60, with an average age of 24), experience, and educational background.

The diversity of students results in exposure to a national perspective on funeral service and to a broad perspective on life.

For more information on our tuition and fees, please click here!

We offer a variety of financial aid through grants, loans, and scholarships. Please click here for more information, or contact our financial aid office at finaid@ccms.edu.

Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (CCMS) is committed to providing a non-discriminatory environment to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are treated in a non-discriminatory manner during the application process and for students to ensure non-discrimination in all terms, conditions, and privileges of the educational program. CCMS provides, at no charge, reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals where such accommodation would not fundamentally alter the academic, technical, or prerequisites and standards for admission or participation in the program or curriculum, or otherwise cause an undue hardship. Course substitutions and/or waivers will not be granted.

To view our full disability and accommodation policy, please click here.

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) specializes in mortuary science and death care materials. With over 1,500 publications, media and historical assets, the LRC is a lending and research library that supports the academic needs of students and faculty.

Students convene in the center to study, collaborate on projects, and socialize while receiving individual attention from the Learning Resource Director who provides resources in technology, research, and other student services.

Services include:

• Reference textbooks for all courses
• Computers (laptops are available for students to check-out)
• Printers
• National Board Exam study resources
• Books, periodicals, and media
• Information technology support
• Reference services
• Online catalog

CCMS offers two fully accredited seated academic degree programs. We are also getting ready to launch online programs in Fall 2025!

CCMS is not certified to accept international students at this time.

CCMS accepts only transfer credits that meet the quality standards of a regionally accredited college, university, or academic program equivalent. CCMS makes no promises regarding the acceptance of transfer of credit awarded by examination, prior learning, or otherwise until an evaluation/audit or official transcripts has been completed by the CCMS Admissions Director.

Qualified credits for either CCMS academic program must:
1. Be regionally accredited by another college or university, or
2. Be accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education accredited colleges, or
3. Be accredited coursework by the American Council on Education (ACE), and
4. Reflect a cumulative 2.5 GPA for overall transfer courses, and
5. Include evidence of completing the below five courses with a grade of “C” or better in each:

• Accounting
• Anatomy & Physiology (lab not required, but recommended)
• Chemistry (lab not required, but recommended)
• Psychology (Introduction or General)
• Communication Skills (Interpersonal or Basic)

Note! Applicants who have previously earned a regionally accredited Associate, Bachelor, Master, or PhD have satisfied credit hour requirements for admission; however official evidence of completion of all above specific course prerequisites must be submitted in compliance with American Board of Funeral Service Education curriculum requirements. The amount of transfer credits you will need range between 30-60 semester credits based on the CCMS academic program for which you are applying. However, the above transfer credit requirements including the required five courses are mandatory prerequisites for acceptance into either CCMS academic program.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM - TRANSFER CREDIT REQUIREMENTS BY PROGRAM
CCMS offers two academic programs, the Bachelor of Mortuary Science or the Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science academic program. Entrance requirements by program are as follows:

Bachelor of Mortuary Science Program Transfer credit requirements:

• Transfer 60 qualified semester credit hours (or 90 quarter credit hours)
• Transfer credits must include the five mandatory prerequisite courses

Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science Program Transfer credit requirements:

• Transfer 30 qualified semester credit hours (or 45 quarter credit hours)
• Transfer credits must include the five mandatory prerequisite courses

CCMS has ample parking available in our private lot for all students and visitors at no extra charge.

Unfortunately, we are not currently certified to accept international students.

CCMS offers two fully accredited seated academic degree programs. We are also getting ready to launch online programs in Fall 2025!

Bachelor of Mortuary Science (BMS) For those who want to receive the most comprehensive, HLC and ABFSE accredited death care education available in the United States, this program is for you!

The BMS is a campus-based (in-person) mortuary science degree program regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and professionally accredited by The American Board of Funeral Service Education that qualifies a graduate to take the National Board Examination (arts/science) to pursue licensure in any state, including those states that require a Bachelor's degree. Earning a fully accredited BMS degree with CCMS paves the way for you to pursue a post-graduate Master's or PhD because all credits earned are transferrable to any other institution in the nation.

Credits Earned: 62 academic credit hours (transferrable to any other institution)

Delivery: Campus-based (in-person), Monday-Friday, on-site embalming lab

Length: 16 months, 4 semesters (each 14 weeks in length)

Prerequisites: Minimum of 60 qualified* academic transfer credits, including 5 mandatory courses in accordance with CCMS admission requirements

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) For those who already hold a Bachelor degree and/or are looking to complete the required ABFSE accredited 12-month mortuary science course requirements, this program is for you!

The AAS is a campus-based (in-person) mortuary science degree program regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and professionally accredited by The American Board of Funeral Service Education that qualifies a graduate to take the National Board Examination (arts/science) to pursue licensure in any state.

Credits Earned: 47 academic credit hours (transferrable to any other institution)

Delivery: Campus-based (in-person), Monday-Friday, on-site embalming lab

Length: 12 months, 3 semesters (each 14 weeks in length)

Prerequisites: Minimum of 30 qualified* academic transfer credits, including 5 mandatory courses in accordance with CCMS admission requirements

The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science is an institution which endeavors to develop end of life professionals who can function with distinction within their chosen profession and within the community of life. The College strives to provide the best education possible, and focuses on offerings that provide convenience, accessibility and outreach to learners.

The College provides a sound education and learning experience for its students, both in the seated and online environment, to help them prepare for a successful career in funeral service. Central to the College philosophy is the firm belief that by example and excellence in teaching, supplemented by the opportunity for extensive practical experience, the College can develop professionals who will be technically competent, ethical and responsive to the needs of others. Inherent in this philosophy is the college's recognition of its obligation to the student, the profession, and the community.

A leader in funeral service education since 1882!

As embalming developed into a respected trade during the Civil War, it became necessary to standardize the embalming process and train embalmers in a school setting. To meet this need, our founder Joseph Henry Clarke established the Clarke School of Embalming in 1882 and would eventually become known as the "father of American embalming schools."

The Clarke School

While Clarke was working as a casket salesman for the Whitewater Valley Coffin Company, he became aware of the need for improved methods of preserving human bodies. To learn more, he enrolled in an anatomy course taught by Dr. C. M. Lukens at the Pulte Medical College, located at the corner of Seventh and Mound Street in Cincinnati. Clarke and Lukens hit it off, and eventually they created a school of embalming where they demonstrated arterial embalming techniques using newly developed embalming chemicals.

The first class was organized Monday, March 8, 1882. Lasting only six days, each of the seven students received intensive training in the amphitheater of Pulte Medical College in Cincinnati. With the class being a success, five subsequent classes were organized during the remainder of 1882. To broaden student knowledge and stimulate interest in the school, Mr. Clarke and his colleagues took their teachings to Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston where his ventures proved prosperous. (Coincidentally, 1882 was also the founding year for the National Funeral Directors Association.) The Clarke School of Embalming was founded as a permanent institution of learning and renamed Cincinnati College of Embalming in 1909. The College found a home in General Hospital in 1915.

Dhonau Reforms the Curriculum

In 1909 upon Clarke's retirement, Charles O. Dhonau purchased the college. Having a high regard for the educational and licensing system, Dhonau pursued his vision of becoming an educator to improve and expand mortuary education. In the 1920's, Mr. Dhonau was a pioneer in developing an expanded curriculum and was instrumental in the organization of the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), which was established to evaluate mortuary science programs. In 1933, with an expanding curriculum, the college moved into an independent, remodeled building at 3200 Reading Road. It remained there for 46 years.

Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science

After developing a cooperative academic program together with the University of Cincinnati in 1966 Mr. Dhonau subsequently renamed the college Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. The Cincinnati Foundation for Mortuary Education, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization to support the college, was established which to this day functions as the college's financial foundation. When Dhonau retired, Dr. George Sleichter, a faculty member of 40 years, became Director of the institution (1970-1975). Dr. Sleichter's resigned in 1976 for health reasons and Mr. David Fitzsimmons was appointed the 4th President of CCMS(1976-1986).

In 1977, the college established 2 and 4 year programs partnering with Edgecliff College and relocating onto their campus at 2220 Victory Parkway. In 1987, Edgecliff consolidated with Xavier University and CCMS was moved into Xavier's A.B. Cohen Center where it remained until 1995 when sixteen acres of land was purchased in Finneytown, Ohio and a new, modern building was constructed at 645 W. Northbend Rd.

CCMS Becomes Accredited

In 1980, CCMS received authorization from the Ohio Regents to award the Associate of Applied Science degree, and in 1982 it received accreditation of that degree by the Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1986, CCMS became the first private college of mortuary science in the nation to be authorized to award the Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree. In 1987, CCMS was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association and by the American Board of Funeral Service Education at the bachelor's degree level. CCMS has maintained both its regional and professional accreditations to this day.

Current Campus

The design of the current building remains specific to the education and training of funeral service students. Students enjoy a spacious, modern learning environment, equipped to enhance practical experience, with its own embalming and gross clinical laboratory complex. With a focus in hands-on applications and clinical/restorative art lab training, construction of the new building was completed with the intention of creating a venue where students apply practical applications to develop confidence and competence in all aspects of funeral service.

For over 130 years, CCMS continues to deliver a high standard of excellence in comprehensive curriculum, practical experience, and overall student satisfaction. We invite you to stop in at 645 W. North Bend Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio if you are ever in the area!

To learn more about our academic programs and curriculum, please click here or visit our website at www.ccms.edu.