Funeral Service
- Associate Degree
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Typical Start:
This program prepares you for a career as a licensed funeral director and embalmer in a profession that demands compassion, dedication, and creativity. Once accepted into the program, you will be immersed in all facets of the funeral profession and trained to become one of the best funeral directors in the expanding death-care career area.
Courses provide a variety of unique learning opportunities through lectures, hands-on labs, field trips, seminars, guest speakers, and internships. Topics include embalming, arranger training, grief studies, business management, religious funeral practices, regulatory compliance, and more.
Training takes place in classrooms, state-of-the-art embalming and restorative art labs, an arrangement conference room, a merchandise selection room, and a funeral chapel.
Upon completion of the program, you will earn an associate degree and be eligible to take the National Board Exam for funeral directors (required for licensure).
This program is offered in partnership with Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). You will complete one year at Western, then transfer to MATC to complete the degree.
For more information, visit MATC's Funeral Service program page [1].
Career Opportunities
Program Outcomes
- 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
Admission Requirements:
College Requirements
Application:
Application Fee:
Program Specific Requirements
To enroll in the Funeral Service program, first apply for admission to the College, then read the program’s Technical Standards. You can find a link to this document below.
MATC uses a petition process for admittance to the last two terms of this program.
In addition:
- A minimum of 24 college credits in areas specified by the state examining board are required for admission into the Funeral Service program at MATC [1]. The courses taken at Western meet those requirements. See a MATC Community & Human Services Pathway advisor for more information.
- B- (or higher) is required in Business and Natural Sciences courses.
- C (or higher) is required in General Education courses.
- One year of high school-level biology and chemistry is required.
Software and Technology
Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.
If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [3].
Computer/Laptop Hardware
- Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
- Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
- Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.
Software Needs
- Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [4].
- Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
- Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [5] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
- Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [6]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [7].
- The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [8] or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons [9]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
Accreditation
The Funeral Service degree program at Milwaukee Area Technical College - West Allis Campus is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), 992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097; 816-233-3747; www.abfse.org/html/committee.html. [10]
Courses
Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [11] for more information.
This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required for the first two terms of this program but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [12] self-service portal for academic planning. View MATC's Funeral Service page [1] for course information on the remaining terms.