Funeral Service Education, Associate in Applied Science
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
Program Overview
Northampton's Funeral Service Education program prepares students for careers in the funeral profession. The program provides a deep understanding of funeral service practices, including embalming, funeral directing, and grief counseling. Graduates hold an Associate in Applied Science degree and are well-positioned for careers in funeral homes, cremation societies, and cemeteries.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
This Funeral Service Education Associate in Applied Science provides students with a deep understanding of funeral service practices and prepares them to provide professional and ethical services to bereaved families and communities. With a growing demand for skilled funeral directors and embalmers, the program offers significant earning potential. Graduates hold an Associate in Applied Science degree and may pursue a 12-month Residency Internship. Upon completion, students are well-positioned for careers within the funeral profession.
Objectives:
- Provide support to the bereaved during initial grieving stages
- Arrange and direct funeral ceremonies
- Handle the transfer of deceased individuals
- Prepare bodies according to family wishes and legal requirements
- Sell funeral-related services and merchandise
- Establish pre-arranged/pre-financed funeral accounts
- Secure information for legal documents
- Assist survivors with death benefit claims
- Offer post-death counseling and support
Description:
Northampton's Funeral Service Education curriculum aligns with state licensure requirements. Students admitted to the program will progress through a sequence of general education courses before enrolling in core funeral service courses (prefixed with FUNS). Graduates achieve a well-rounded educational experience, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills fundamental to funeral service practice.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program encompasses fundamental skills, knowledge, and practices of funeral service, with a focus on:
- Developing relationships with families and communities.
- Ethical conduct in funeral service
- Federal, state, and local funeral service laws, including health and safety principles.
- Technical skills in embalming and restorative art for the preparation and handling of human remains.
- Skills essential for conducting arrangement conferences, visitations, services, and ceremonies.
- Methods for addressing the grief-related needs of the bereaved
- Management practices and communication skills for the operation of funeral establishments.
Structure:
This fall-start program requires students to complete 60 credit hours of general education requirements before advancing to the Funeral Service Education Core, which includes 34 credit hours of coursework.
Course Schedule:
Summer Session:
- College Success (COLS101), 1 credit
- English I (ENGL101), 3 credits
- Mathematics Elective (QL), 3 credits
- Introduction to Psychology (PSYC103), 3 credits
- Elective, 3 credits
First Semester (Fall):
- Human Biology (BIOS160), 4 credits
- Introduction to Information Technology (CISC101), 3 credits
- Introduction to Communication (CMTH102), 3 credits
- English II (ENGL151L), 3 credits
- Business Elective, 3 credits
Second Semester (Spring):
- Financial Accounting I (ACCT101), 3 credits (OR Accounting for Non-Accountants (ACCT100), 3 credits)
- Microbiology for Allied Health (BIOS202), 4 credits
- Business Law I (BUSA152), 3 credits
- On Death and Dying (PHIL111G), 3 credits
- Responding to the Bereaved (PSYC221), 3 credits
- Principles of Sociology (SOCA103), 3 credits
Summer Sessions:
- Chemistry of Life (CHEM135), 4 credits
- Business Communications (BUSA221G), 3 credits
- Responding to the Bereaved (PSYC221), 3 credits
- Principles of Sociology (SOCA103), 3 credits
Third Semester (Fall):
- Principles of Funeral Service (FUNS101), 2 credits
- Introduction to Funeral Service (FUNS102), 4 credits
- Funeral Home Operations I (FUNS201), 4 credits
- Pathology for Funeral Service (FUNS203), 3 credits
- Embalming Theory I (FUNS210), 3 credits
- Funeral Services Field Study I (FUNS241), 1 credit (OR Funeral Service Clinical I (FUNS212), 1 credit)
Fourth Semester (Spring):
- Funeral Directing (FUNS105), 3 credits
- Embalming Theory II (FUNS220), 3 credits
- Funeral Home Operations II (FUNS231), 2 credits
- Funeral Services Field Study II (FUNS242), 1 credit (OR Funeral Service Clinical II (FUNS222), 1 credit)
- United States and Pennsylvania Funeral Law (FUNS251), 3 credits
- Cosmetology & Restorative Art (FUNS255), 3 credits
- Funeral Service Education Comprehensive Review (FUNS280), 1 credit
Individual Modules with Descriptions:
FUNS101 - Principles of Funeral Service:
Examines the role of funeral service practitioners in guiding families, ethical conduct, legal responsibilities, managing grief, and societal impacts.
FUNS102 - Introduction to Funeral Service:
Introduces the funeral service industry, its organization, and career opportunities.
FUNS201 - Funeral Home Operations I:
Covers principles of funeral establishment management, including staffing, customer service, record keeping, and marketing.
FUNS203 - Pathology for Funeral Service:
Explores pathological anatomy, principles of decomposition, infectious diseases, and other factors related to the care and preparation of remains.
FUNS210 - Embalming Theory I:
Teaches the principles and techniques of embalming using an anatomical approach.
FUNS241 - Funeral Services Field Study I:
Provides practical experience in various aspects of funeral services under the supervision of a registered funeral director.
FUNS105 - Funeral Directing:
Investigates the responsibilities, protocols, and procedures of funeral directing, covering topics like directing services, consulting with families, and legal regulations.
FUNS220 - Embalming Theory II:
Continues studying embalming techniques, focusing on advanced skills and specialized considerations.
FUNS231 - Funeral Home Operations II:
Builds on Funeral Home Operations I, extending knowledge on management practices and funeral establishment operations.
FUNS242 - Funeral Services Field Study II:
Offers more advanced, supervised field experience in funeral services.
FUNS251 - United States and Pennsylvania Funeral Law:
Examines federal and state laws regulating funeral service practices, including licensing, embalming, funeral trusts, and cemetery operation.
FUNS255 - Cosmetology & Restorative Art:
Provides technical training in cosmetology and restorative art techniques appropriate for use in funeral service.
FUNS280 - Funeral Service Education Comprehensive Review:
Prepares students for the National Funeral Directors Examination (NFDE) and other licensure exams, reviewing crucial concepts in funeral service.
Assessment:
Throughout the program, students are assessed through:
- Exams (oral and written), quizzes, and homework assignments
- Practical demonstrations of skills within the Embalming Lab
- Participation in field studies and clinical experiences
- Projects and presentations that contribute to portfolio growth
Teaching:
Methods:
Students learn through a blend of instructional methods, including lectures, discussions, demonstrations, hands-on labs, case studies, guest speakers, and field experiences. The program encourages active and experiential learning.
Faculty:
The faculty consists of experienced professionals holding licenses in funeral directing and embalming. They are dedicated to providing mentorship and guidance to students.
Unique Approaches:
- The program offers opportunities for students to participate in research alongside faculty.
- Sigma Phi Sigma is a designated student association for Funeral Service Education, fostering support and connections among its members through conferences and community service activities.
Careers:
Career Paths:
- Funeral Director
- Embalmer
- Pre-Need Funeral Counselor
Opportunities:
Students are competitive for positions in the funeral service industry. Upon graduation, they may join funeral homes, cremation societies, cemeteries, or insurance companies offering death benefits.
Outcomes:
- High post-graduate placement rate into the funeral service profession
- Earning potential is strong and continues to grow
Northampton Community College
Overview:
Northampton Community College (NCC) is a public community college located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. NCC is known for its affordability and commitment to student success.
Services Offered:
NCC provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Personalized guidance and support for academic planning and course selection.Academic Support:
Resources like tutoring, writing centers, and learning labs to enhance academic performance.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help students finance their education.Career Development:
Assistance with career exploration, job search, and resume building.Student Life:
Clubs, organizations, and events to foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for personal growth.Library Services:
Access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and technology resources.Health and Wellness:
Counseling services, health clinics, and wellness programs to support student well-being.Technology Help:
Technical support and resources for students to utilize technology effectively.Student Life and Campus Experience:
NCC offers a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and organizations, attend social events, and engage in extracurricular activities. The college also provides opportunities for leadership development and community involvement.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordability:
NCC is one of the most affordable colleges in the region, offering significant savings compared to other institutions.High-Quality Education:
NCC provides a rigorous and relevant curriculum, preparing students for successful careers or further education.Student Support:
The college offers a wide range of services and resources to support student success, both academically and personally.Flexible Learning Options:
NCC offers a variety of class formats, including online, hybrid, and traditional, to accommodate diverse student needs.Transfer Options:
NCC has transfer agreements with numerous four-year colleges and universities, making it easy for students to continue their education.Academic Programs:
NCC offers over 120 programs of study across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Humanities:
English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.Business and Technology:
Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Science, and more.Health Sciences:
Nursing, Medical Assisting, Dental Hygiene, and more.Public Safety:
Criminal Justice, Fire Science, and more.Trades and Skilled Crafts:
Automotive Technology, Welding, and more.Other:
NCC has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. The college also has a robust alumni network, providing opportunities for networking and career advancement.
Entry Requirements:
- High school graduates and non-traditional student applicants: will need to have completed high school Biology and Chemistry (with labs) with a grade of C or better AND have an overall G.P.A. of 2.5 or better.
- Current NCC and Transfer student applicants: Grades of C or better in each course being transferred in; achieved a minimum G.P.A. of 2.75 for any college-level work completed.
- Funeral Service Education core courses (courses with the prefix FUNS) may only be taken by those students who have completed the 60 hours of general education requirement. See prerequisites for grade requirements.
- A physical examination and completed medical health form are also required for acceptance. Obtain necessary immunizations and/or titers.
