Funeral Service Education - AAS Degree
Overview
Limited Entry Program
See Department website and program contacts here
The Funeral Service Education (AAS) degree is designed for students seeking careers in funeral service, embalming, cremation services, and funeral directing. The curriculum combines scientific, technical, and interpersonal training to prepare students for the diverse responsibilities involved in caring for the deceased and supporting grieving individuals and families.
Coursework includes topics such as embalming, cremation, microbiology, pathology, funeral directing, counseling, and management. Students develop practical technical and professional skills used in funeral homes, crematories, and related service environments.
The Funeral Service Education program is workforce-focused and prepares students for licensure and employment in funeral service professions. Students in the program complete coursework and preparation related to the National Board Examination (NBE), which is required for licensure in many states.
Mt. Hood Community College and the Funeral Service Education program are accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE).
Because this is a limited entry program, students should review application requirements carefully and work with program advisors regarding eligibility, prerequisite completion, and program planning.
Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and program planning based on their educational background and career goals.
Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:
- Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
- How to Apply – details the steps required to apply to the program
- Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings
Program Learning Objectives
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Explain the importance of funeral service professionals in developing relationships with the families and communities they serve.
- Identify standards of ethical conduct in funeral service practice.
- Interpret how federal, state, and local laws apply to funeral service in order to ensure compliance.
- Apply principles of public health and safety in the handling and preparation of human remains.
- Demonstrate technical skills in embalming and restorative art that are necessary for the preparation and handling of human remains.
- Demonstrate skills required for conducting arrangement conferences, visitations, services, and ceremonies.
- Describe the requirements and procedures for burial, cremation, and other accepted forms of final disposition of human remains.
- Describe methods to address the grief-related needs of the bereaved.
- Explain management skills associated with operating a funeral establishment.
- Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills and research skills needed for funeral service practice.
Education Plan
This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.
Students can be admitted to the program as a first-year or second-year student. First-year students will start at the First Quarter. Second-year students will start at the Fourth Quarter only if they have completed all of their non-FSE courses first.
General education courses (such as math, writing, health, etc.) can be taken during any term, or before starting the program.
| First Quarter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| MO111 | Medical Terminology | 4 |
| FSE121 | Funeral Service Orientation | 3 |
| WR121Z or WR122Z | Composition I † or Composition II | 4 |
| Health and Physical Education requirement | 3 | |
| Complete one of the following computer literacy courses: | 3-4 | |
| Introduction to Business Computing † | ||
| Computer Concepts I and Computer Concepts Lab I | ||
| Credits | 18 | |
| Second Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| FSE122 | Funeral Service Sociology | 3 |
| MTH065 or MTH058 | Beginning Algebra II (or higher) † or Quantitative Reasoning I | 4 |
| BI100 | Survey of Body Systems † or Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology I or Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| PSY201Z or PSY202Z | Introduction to Psychology I † or Introduction to Psychology II | 4 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| BA111 or BA211Z | Introduction to Accounting † or Principles of Financial Accounting | 4 |
| FSE124 | Funeral Service Law | 4 |
| COMM100Z | Introduction to Communication † or Public Speaking or Introduction to Intercultural Communication (Cultural Literacy course) or Interpersonal Communication or Small Group Communication or Psychology of Human Relations | 4 |
| Complete one of the following chemistry courses: | 4-5 | |
| Introduction to Chemistry and Introduction to Chemistry Lab | ||
| Preparatory Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory | ||
| Credits | 16-17 | |
| Fourth Quarter | ||
| Fall | ||
| Before beginning the fourth quarter of the program, complete all non-FSE courses. | ||
| FSE211 | Embalming I | 4 |
| FSE215 | Cremation | 2 |
| FSE219 | Funeral Service Chemistry | 3 |
| FSE221 | Funeral Home Management I | 3 |
| FSE225 | Funeral Directing | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fifth Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| FSE212 | Embalming II | 4 |
| FSE214 | Restorative Art | 3 |
| FSE216 or BI234 | Funeral Service Microbiology or Microbiology | 3 |
| FSE222 | Funeral Home Management II | 3 |
| FSE227 | Funeral Service Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Sixth Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| FSE213 | Embalming III | 3 |
| FSE217 | Funeral Service Pathology | 3 |
| FSE240 | Funeral Service Clinical Practicum 1 | 6 |
| FSE245 | Funeral Service Issues | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 95-96 | |
- †
When multiple course options are available, the recommended selection is listed first.
- 1
Students may elect to take the internship for three credits (FSE240A Funeral Service Clinical Practicum) in any two terms, summer, fall, winter or spring.
Awarding Requirements
The following requirement(s) must be fulfilled to be awarded the AAS in Funeral Service Education:
- All courses must be completed with a minimum grade of "C" or higher.
- All core courses (FSE) must be completed within 5 years of starting the program.
- Pass the National Board Examination (NBE).
How to Apply
The Funeral Service Education (FSE) program is a limited-entry program. The program admits approximately 20 first-year students each fall term, with additional second-year placements offered as space allows. Because space is limited, students must meet specific eligibility requirements before applying.
View current admissions requirements, deadlines, and point system information
Application Steps
Step 1: Apply to MHCC
Students new to MHCC, or students who have not attended within the past four terms, should apply for admission to Mt. Hood Community College and select AGS in Health Professions Exploration as their major.
Step 2: Submit Official Transcripts
Students must submit official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges attended. Additional documentation may also be required for transfer coursework, AP/IB/CLEP credit, or foreign transcripts used for admission requirements.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
Students must submit the required non-refundable application fee prior to applying to the program.
Step 4: Apply to the Funeral Service Education Program
Students must complete and submit the Funeral Service Education program application during the published application period. Applicants are also required to review the Funeral Service Education Student Handbook as part of the application process.
Step 5: Monitor Application Status
Application updates and admission decisions are communicated through the MyMHCC portal and official college communication channels.
Admission Requirements
The Funeral Service Education program uses a point-based selection system that considers both academic and non-academic criteria when determining admission decisions. Applicants with funeral service or related professional experience may receive additional consideration during the selection process.
Selection criteria and application requirements may change between admission cycles. Students are encouraged to carefully review current requirements and work closely with an advisor regarding prerequisite completion and application planning.
Additional Information
Admission to Mt. Hood Community College does not guarantee admission to the Funeral Service Education program. MHCC reserves the right to modify admission requirements and selection processes.
Mt. Hood Community College welcomes students of all backgrounds and identities. Students of all races, ethnicities, ages, genders, religions, sexual orientations, socio-economic statuses, nationalities, physical abilities, and cognitive differences are encouraged to apply.
If you have questions regarding admissions requirements or application procedures, please contact the Admissions, Registration, and Records Office at LRAdmissions@mhcc.edu.
Career Information
Explore potential careers related to this program, including typical job roles, employment trends, and projected growth. This information can help you better understand how your education may align with future career opportunities.
Cultural Literacy course