The goals and objectives of the MCCC Funeral Service programs are: to provide students with professional training in preparation for licensure in Funeral Service; to prepare students to embark upon a career in a service-oriented, care-giving profession; to provide an academic environment which encourages student research and successfully integrates the theoretical, practical, and technical aspects of funeral service; and to foster the concept of education as a life-long process necessary to meet the demands of an evolving workplace with current emphasis on emerging ethical, environmental, and social issues.
Academic emphasis includes the areas of business management; public health; the social, behavioral, and natural sciences; as well as the legal, technical, and regulatory aspects of funeral service.
Students have two options for completion of their professional education: Funeral Service Certificate and Funeral Service Associate in Applied Science degree. Both programs can be completed either full- or part-time.
Following consultation with the Program Director, the A.A.S. degree program may be selected as a graduation option (not an admissions option) in order to ensure that candidates have the requirements for licensure in their selected state.
Students are responsible for securing part-time employment in an approved New Jersey or eastern Pennsylvania funeral home in order to complete the field experience and practicum courses. This requires the student to be registered as an Intern with the New Jersey State Board of Mortuary Science or as a Funeral/Student Trainee with the Pennsylvania Board of Funeral Directors.
Upon completion of all coursework, graduates will be eligible to take the National Board Exam (NBE). Following the NBE, graduates will be cleared to take state licensing examinations.
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 website ( www.abfse.org).
The Funeral Service program at Mercer County Community College is accredited by the
American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)
992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108
Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097
816-233-3747 / exdir@abfse.org / www.abfse.org
National Board Examination pass rates, graduation rates (beginning in 2015), and employment rates (beginning in 2015) for this and other ABFSE-accredited programs are available at www.abfse.org. To request a printed copy of this program’s pass rates and graduation rates: West Windsor Campus room BS105, e-mail daleym@mccc.edu or rosenbej@mccc.edu, or telephone (609) 570-3472 or 570-3474.
SEE ALSO:
Funeral Service certificate program
Funeral Service Preparatory degree program
The course sequence below represents a recommended example of how this degree program can be completed in two years, presuming a Fall Term start and satisfaction of all Developmental Studies (foundation courses) requirements and prerequisites. Actual approaches toward completion depend on each student's anticipated transfer institution, career objectives, or other individual circumstances.
Students are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor or Success Coach to consider options, establish plans, and monitor progress.
Code | Course (lecture/lab hours) | Credits |
To Do This Semester
|
---|---|---|---|
FIRST SEMESTER | |||
CSW 100 | College Success and Personal Wellness (2/0)
|
2 |
✔ Meet with your faculty advisor to complete an academic plan. Make sure you are aware of any course prerequisites you may need to take, and how long it will take to complete your degree. ✔ Use your online tools: Check your MercerMail daily, utilize features of Office 365, and get to know Student Planning. ✔ Take advantage of Learning Centers or Online Tutoring to support your studies and assignments. |
ENG 101 | English Composition I (3/0) | 3 | |
PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology (3/0) | 3 | |
MAT — | Mathematics general education elective
|
3-4 | |
— — | General Education elective
|
3 | |
SECOND SEMESTER | |||
ACC 106 | Office Accounting I (3/0) | 3 |
✔ Transitioning to college can be challenging. Meet with your Success Coach for guidance and support. ✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1. ✔ Contact professors with questions and use their office hours to develop a connection. Talk with them to get the inside scoop on how your profession works. ✔ Be sure to visit the Career Services office to explore jobs, internships, and career information and get help with your resume and other career tools. ✔ Apply for Continuing Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships. |
BIO 106 | Human Anatomy (3/2)
|
4 | |
BUS 107 | Business Law I (3/0) | 3 | |
ENG 112 | English Composition II (3/0) with Speech (3/0) | 3 | |
CHE — | Chemistry elective
|
3 | |
THIRD SEMESTER | |||
FUN 203 | Funeral Service Principles (3/0) | 3 |
✔ Keep in contact with each professor and your faculty advisor. Make sure you are on track to graduate on time. ✔ Work with Career Services to formulate plans for after you've earned this degree. ✔ Develop team and leadership skills by getting involved in activities and clubs. ✔ Apply for Continuing Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships. ✔ Manage your stress! Take advantage of the MCCC pool, Fitness Center, free yoga and Zumba. Reach out for counseling or other support if you need it. Your Success Coach can connect you with resources. |
FUN 206 | Introduction to Funeral Service (3/0) | 3 | |
FUN 215 | Funeral Service Law (3/0) | 3 | |
FUN 247 | Principles of Embalming I (3/0) | 3 | |
FUN 223 | Funeral Service Pathology (3/0) | 3 | |
FUN 251 | Embalming Lab and Practicum (0/3/2 days)
|
3 | |
FOURTH SEMESTER | |||
FUN 217 | Funeral Service Management (3/0) | 3 |
✔ Get ready to start your career! Begin the job application process. ✔ Discuss your career plans with your faculty advisor. S/he can help you transition successfully. |
FUN 227 | Restorative Art (2/2) | 3 | |
BIO 215 | Principles of Microbiology (3/0) | 3 | |
FUN 249 | Principles of Embalming II (2/0) | 2 | |
FUN 229 | Funeral Service Counseling (3/0) | 3 | |
FUN 220 | Funeral Service Laws, Rules and Regulations (1/0) | 1 | |
FUN 295 | Funeral Service Field Experience (2/0/2 days)
|
3 | |
66-67 | |||
NOTE: Enrollment in any FUN course requires approval of the Director of Funeral Service Programs. New Jersey and Pennsylvania students must complete 60 college credits before enrolling in FUN courses. At the conclusion of the program, the student will have a minimum of 96 credits. |