Associate Degree in Funeral Service

Achieve a stable career honoring human life

Since the earliest days of humankind, funeral rites have played an important role in the grieving process. Funeral Service professionals provide invaluable support to their communities — helping loved ones navigate difficult times by laying the deceased to rest with respect and dignity. When you earn your associate degree in Funeral Service, you develop the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to become a sought-after professional in this stable field.

A comprehensive program geared toward professional success

Goodwin University’s Funeral Service program will train you to become a well-rounded industry professional. Our comprehensive program of studies prepares you to address a range of funeral service processes, from the initial pronouncement of death to the final disposition of the deceased.

Fast-track your career with a flexible program of studies

At Goodwin University, we understand that every student has different needs and responsibilities — that’s why we offer two flexible pathways to earn your associate degree in Funeral Service:

• On-ground program: Ideal for those who prefer in-person instruction and a campus-based experience
• Fully online program: Designed for students seeking maximum flexibility with minimal on-campus requirements

Both formats feature a comprehensive 65-credit curriculum that can be completed in as few as 16 months full time. Regardless of your path, you’ll gain the specialized knowledge and practical experience necessary to succeed in this meaningful field.

On-ground program option

Students enrolled in the on-ground program will attend weekly, in-person classes on campus, just one day per week — blending lecture-based learning with laboratory experiences and faculty mentorship.

• Courses are taught by actively practicing funeral directors
• You’ll engage in on-campus lab training throughout the program
• All required skill verification, including restorative arts and cadaver lab activities, is integrated throughout your scheduled coursework
• Students benefit from an ongoing, face-to-face connection with peers and faculty
• When preparing to enter the field, hands-on training is just as important as your time in the classroom. As a Funeral Service student, you will have internship opportunities at funeral homes across the state. Through your internship experience, you will build career-ready skills such as embalming, restorative art, and business management. During your internship, you’ll be required to participate in 10 embalming operations and complete 30 hours of classwork related to business management.

This option is perfect for learners who thrive in a traditional academic environment and value consistent, in-person instruction.

Online program option

The fully online format allows you to complete your coursework remotely, at a pace that supports your lifestyle and commitments. This program is taught by practicing funeral directors, so you’ll benefit from real-world insights and high-quality instruction from experienced professionals. You’ll still receive the same expert faculty support, with just one required on-campus immersion weekend experience during your final semester.

This 2-3 day in-person immersion weekend provides critical hands-on training and includes:

• Restorative art competencies: Hands-on verification of restoration techniques
• Comprehensive review: Preparation and review of the Arts and Sciences curriculum, and preparation for the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards
• Embalming competency: Participate in a competency verification of practical embalming at an embalming and cadaver laboratory
• A shadowing experience at the State of Connecticut’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner: Gain insight into death investigation, autopsy procedures, death care documentation, and the relationship between the funeral service profession and the medical examiner.

Travel, lodging, meals, and other related immersion weekend costs are the responsibility of the student.

Learning from experienced funeral service professionals

Our Funeral Service faculty is comprised of experts with decades’ worth of funeral service experience. As professionals who are actively working in the field, our faculty hold memberships with the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA) and the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA).

We’re ready when you are

• Enrollment is hassle-free, and it’s easy to get started.
• Financial aid is available, and we’re still accepting applications.
• You will find comprehensive support services that will get you through college and into a great career.
• We are veteran-friendly, and we understand and respect the needs of veteran students.
• If you want to transfer in credits, we can typically review your transcripts of prior learning in less than one business day.

Contact us today!

Request More Information

• Phone800-889-3282
• ApplicationApply Now
• Emailbdaley@goodwin.edu

Find more information in the academic catalog.

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: www.abfse.org.

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