Program Overview

The Funeral Service Education degree prepares students for entry-level positions in funeral service. The student is exposed to theory-based and clinical experiences reflective of the current industry standards. It is designed to meet the prerequisites for licensure and employment in the field of funeral service as funeral directors or embalmers.

Information workshops are held in April and August for prospective students. For more information, please call the Science and Technology Division office at (650)306-3291.




Requirements

AS Degree Requirements Major: Core Requirements Note: Students may take BIOL 101 at SKY or BIOL 110 (CAN) or BIOL 100(CAN) or BIOL 130(CAN).
Complete Core Courses: Units
BIOL 110 Principles Of Biology 4 units
OR
BIOL 100 Introduction to the Life Sciences 3 units
OR
BIOL 130 Human Biology 3 units
BIOL 250 Human Anatomy 4 units
FSE. 210 Funeral Directing I 3 units
FSE. 200 Introduction to Funeral Service 2 units
FSE. 212 Funeral Service Science 5 units
FSE. 215 Funeral Directing II 3 units
FSE. 220 Funeral Service Law and Ethics 3 units
FSE. 225 Psychology of Death and Dying 3 units
FSE. 230 Merchandising in the Funeral Service Industry 3 units
FSE. 235 Funeral Service Management 3 units
FSE. 250 Restorative Art 5 units
FSE. 260 Embalming I 4 units
FSE. 265 Embalming II 2 units
FSE. 270 Funeral Service Counseling 3 units
FSE. 280 Funeral Service Education Practicum 5 units
A grade of "C" or better is required for progression through the program. Graduates of the program will be permitted to take the Embalmer Examination offered by the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau of California. The Funeral Service Education Program at Cañada College aims to be accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) 992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097 (816) 233-3747. Web: www.abfse.org. For Institutions or programs that achieve initial accreditation, the effective date of that accreditation is the date initial candidacy was awarded by the Committee on Accreditation (COA). Students who complete all coursework after the date candidacy is awarded, but before initial accreditation is achieved, will be permitted, after initial accreditation is awarded, to take the National Board Examination (NBE) and with all requirements completed, be considered graduates from an ABFSE accredited program. CAUTION: This program is pursuing accreditation but is NOT accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). Until accreditation is achieved, students graduating from this program are NOT eligible to take any licensing examination that requires graduation from an ABFSE accredited program, including the National Board Examination. For more information, please go to BLDG - 23-137C or email at hooperg@smccd.edu or by phone at 650-381-2218.
Total Required Major Units: 51 - 52
And required General Education coursework and electives as needed to meet the minimum 60 units required for the Associate degree.

Please refer to the AA/AS Degree Requirements for more information.