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.

Prospective students must complete a separate application to the program (available in November for the following Fall entrance) in addition to the regular college application. 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
Complete Core Courses, 44 units Units
FSE. 200 Introduction to Funeral Service 2 units
FSE. 210 Funeral Directing I 3 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. Program Entrance Criteria: A. Microbiology - BIOL 240 B. Human Anatomy - BIOL 250 C. Business Law - BUS. 201 D. Chemistry - CHEM 410 E. Reading and Composition - ENGL 100 F. Introduction to Funeral Service - FSE. 200 G. Intermediate Algebra - MATH 120 Students must take the Arts and the Sciences section of the National Board Exam (NBE) as a requirement for graduation. 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 The annual passage rate of first-time takers on the National Board Examination (NBE) for the most recent three-year period for this institution and all ABFSE accredited funeral service education programs is posted on the ABFSE web site (www.abfse.org). National Board Examination scores, graduation rates, and employment rates for this and other ABFSE-accredited programs are available at www.abfse.org. To request a printed copy of this program’s scores and rates, go to BLDG - 23-137C or by email at thompsona@smccd.edu or by phone at 650-306-3322
Total Required Major Units: 44
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.