Funeral Service, A.S.

The Associate in Science in Funeral Service is designed to prepare the graduate for an entry-level position in the funeral service field. Training will consist of lecture, laboratory, and internship. At the completion of all course work, the student may be eligible to take the National Board Examination from the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, but not prior to being verified by the Funeral Service Program. Successful completion of the program and coursework does not guarantee a verification by the Funeral Service Program to register for the National Board Examination.

The Funeral Service Associate Degree Program at Goodwin University is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), 992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097 (816) 233-3747. Web: http://www.abfse.org/. National Board Examination pass rates, 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 pass rates and rates, go to Goodwin University, Funeral Service Program, One Riverside Drive, East Hartford CT or by e-mail at JGomes@goodwin.edu., or telephone (860) 913-2189.

Admission Requirements

The following are the admission requirements for students applying to the Funeral Service program. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program due to the limited number of places available. Admission is based upon completion of the funeral service prerequisites and other requirements. If courses are in progress, acceptance will be conditional upon submission of an official transcript immediately upon completion. All requirements must be completed before enrolling in FNS 202 , Funeral Service Management and Communications.

Complete the application for admission into Goodwin University. Applicants to the Funeral Service program must first meet the requirements for admission and be accepted into Goodwin University.

1. Complete the Funeral Service program application.
2. Earn a minimum GPA of 2.7 in the most recent university course work. University GPA is based on a minimum of 12 completed credits.
3. Complete the required university placement evaluations. Applicants must test into ENG 101 . All remedial courses must be completed before entering the program. Complete all prerequisite courses.
4. Complete Human Biology - BIO 120  (Goodwin University) or equivalent with laboratory component with a grade of a “C” or better:
5. Complete Microbiology - BIO 235  (Goodwin University) or equivalent with laboratory component with a grade of a “C+” or better. This course must be completed within the last ten years.

Point System

Funeral Service applicants who have satisfied all of the admission criteria will be selected according to the point system as specified below:

Previous University Education		Score
Associate Degree or >60 Credits		2
Bachelor’s Degree		3
Master’s Degree		4
Completion of courses taken at Goodwin University
1 course		1
2 courses		2
3 courses		3
4 courses		4
5 courses		5
6 courses		6
7 courses		7
Cumulative GPA (applicable for Goodwin University courses only, based on a minimum of 12 credits)
2.7 - 3.0		1
3.1 - 3.4		2
3.5 - 3.8		3
3.9 - 4.0		4
Total Possible Points		15

Accepted Students

All students must successfully pass a background check and drug screen before official acceptance into the Funeral Service program will be granted. Forms are provided by program personnel.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

1. Explain the importance of funeral service professionals in developing relationships with the families and communities they serve.
2. Identify standards of ethical conduct in funeral service practice.
3. Interpret how federal, state, and local laws apply to funeral service in order to ensure compliance.
4. Apply principles of public health and safety in the handling and preparation of human remains.
5. Demonstrate technical skills in embalming and restorative art that are necessary for the preparation and handling of human remains.
6. Demonstrate skills required for conducting arrangement conferences, visitations, services, and ceremonies.
7. Describe the requirements and procedures for burial, cremation, and other accepted forms of final disposition of human remains.
8. Describe methods to address the grief-related needs of the bereaved.
9. Explain management skills associated with operating a funeral establishment.
10. Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills and research skills needed for funeral service practice.

Funeral Service Program Policies

Policies specific to the Funeral Service Program may be found in the Funeral Service Student Handbook.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete all the general Associate graduation requirements as stated in the catalog. In addition, students must complete all Funeral Service (FNS) core courses with a minimum grade of “C+”.