Online Associate Degree | Curriculum

Develop writing skills by explaining and identifying the steps involved in the writing process. Seven types of writing are examined: argumentative, compare/contrast, descriptive, narrative, persuasive, summary, and research. The importance of both global and sentence-level revision is highlighted throughout the course, as students will learn to revise content and organization, as well editing for grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Students also learn effective and ethical research techniques, utilizing the American Psychological Association (APA) style. 3 credits

Introduction to the field of psychology. It includes the history, scientific methodology, major theoretical schools of thought, various approaches to interpersonal functioning, and human development. Course outcomes included the psychological application of ethics as well as social and cultural diversity. 3 credits

Survey basic concepts in cell physiology and systemic approach to the study of the human body. Students learn the gross and microscopic anatomy of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive. 3 credits

Fundamental legal concepts, structures and functions of the American legal system, and specifically with Business Law topics – including contracts, sales, crimes, torts, property ownership and leasing, agency & employment law, business entities and organization, litigation and alternate dispute resolution, bailments and commercial paper. Students will examine the role of law, and the “evolving” nature of law as it relates to our society, and especially how it affects their lives. 3 credits

Principles and practices of funeral home financial management, critical issues in funeral service, cremation, cemetery, crematory management and issues involved in initiating and/or purchasing a small business. Students apply general management technique and theory competencies as they relate to the funeral service profession. 3 credits

Introduction to cremation as it relates to funeral service. This is a survey-level course that assumes no prior knowledge of cremation. Topics covered will include the legal environment surrounding cremation, utilization of cremation best practices, crematory equipment, and the history of cremation. 2 credits

Prerequisite ENG 101
Building on the learning outcomes associated with English Composition I, this course focuses on analysis and argument while devoting attention to academic research and writing, critical thinking across the curriculum, citation, and documentation. Students will use a variety of readings to develop several modes of writing including evaluation, literary analysis, classification, media analysis, illustration, and research-based writing. 3 credits

Survey of inorganic and physical chemistry and an introduction to organic chemistry. Topics addressed in course learning activities include atomic structure, covalent and ionic bonding, chemical reactions, chemical calculations, acid, base and solution chemistry and chemistry of hydrocarbons. Students will develop quantitative reasoning skills and apply these skills where appropriate to enhance the understanding of these concepts. Emphasis is also on the chemical principles and precautions involved in the preservation and disinfection of the dead human body as it relates to embalming. 3 credits

Explore funeral service as a human services profession in this course. Competencies directly relate to the art and science of the non-technical aspects of funeral service: notification of death, transfer of remains, the arrangement conference, prefunded/preplanned funerals, shipment of remains, cremation, aftercare and the Federal Trade Commission’s Funeral Rule. Students will be able to articulate the various religious and fraternal customs associated with the funeral. 3 credits

This is an introductory level course covering mathematical ideas needed by students of business management, social science, or biology. The topics include sets and counting, functions, introduction to probability and statistics, interest and annuities, matrix theory, linear systems, and linear programming. 3 credits

Study of the basic fundamentals of the embalming process including the purpose of embalming, history of embalming, modes of death, signs of death, tests for death, post-mortem physical and chemical changes in the dying process and moral and ethical considerations in preparation of human remains. 2 credits

Customs, beliefs, and the people who influenced funeral service from ancient to modern times are presented. This course also includes the sociology of Funeral Service and studies those social phenomena that affect all elements of funeral service. This includes family structures, social structures, and the factors of change that relate to funeral service. 1 credit

Prerequisite FSE 200
Provides intensive study beyond the basic skills involved in the embalming process. Students will demonstrate case analysis, formulating chemical solutions, a complete analysis of the circulatory system, an explanation of the equipment used in the embalming process, and methods of injection and drainage. Students will examine procedures and treatments for handling and embalming difficulties encountered due to disease and pathological changes, autopsied and procurement cases, organ and tissue donation cases. 2 credits

Prerequisite BIOL 107
Course builds upon knowledge of the anatomical structures of the cranial and facial areas of the human skull gained through BIOL 107, Anatomy. Students will demonstrate knowledge of facial proportions, modeling, expressions, and materials and techniques necessary to rebuild the human face. 2 credits

Introduction to funeral service merchandising, definitional terms and pricing techniques. The student will learn the fundamentals of merchandising, product mix and pricing of funeral service merchandise (i.e., caskets, burial vaults, urns, etc.). 3 credits

Prerequisite PSY 102
Describe and identify aspects of the process of loss and death. The focus of learning includes attitudes toward death, both historical and current, incorporated into theory and practice, as well as integrated into the human experience. Learners will explore multicultural beliefs and rituals surrounding dying, death, and bereavement. 3 credits

Prerequisite LAW 120
Focus on the law relating to the disposition of the deceased, rights and duties of the funeral director, and a study of wills and inheritance, regulatory compliance, pre-need and probate law. Funeral service torts, discussion problems on best practices, and ethical responsibilities and considerations of funeral practitioners will be covered. 2 credits

Prerequisites ENG 101 & ENG 102
This course includes a variety of technical and business writing theories and practices designed to be applicable to the production of business communication in the funeral service industry. Students will be able to demonstrate fundamentals of good business writing, including protocols for business letters, memoranda, electronic mail, resumes, persuasive messages and formal reports and proposals. In addition, students will also gain experience in oral presentation and in-depth practice on both an individual and a collaborative basis. Students will be able to enhance their business communication using contemporary technology tools and strategies. 3 credits

Comprehensive review and learning assessment to prepare students to successfully complete the National Board Examination. This course is a survey of the professional expectations in each major area of Funeral Service Education. Emphasis is placed on specific problem areas and the requirements for licensure by national boards. Students will demonstrate competency in theoretical knowledge by completing a battery of tests. It is to be taken during the semester prior to graduation. 2 credits

Study of the general concepts in microbiology and pathology, and covering disease processes to include pathogenesis, etiology, lesions, and pathological changes for diseases of specific organ systems and pathogenic agents. Students examine microbial and pathological conditions and how they relate to death, with emphasis on physical and chemical changes, disease transmission and control, sterilization and disinfection, and the effects of disease states relative to the embalming process. 3 credits

Prerequisite FSE 205
The student will demonstrate advanced procedures and techniques for restoration and cosmetology. Special emphasis will be placed upon pigments, visual aspects of color and color schemes, lighting, complexion types and materials, corrective shaping, rouging, waxing and powdering. The student will supplement the theoretical information provided in the lecture class. Students model facial features from wax and practice mixing and applying cosmetics to a facial mask. 2 credits

Prerequisite PSY 102
This course is an introduction to the physiological and psychological dimensions of human emotions, especially related to grief. The grief process and the funeral director’s role in facilitating grief are examined. Students learn theories and characteristics of grief, including unique features of grief related to special human losses. Students will be able to apply counseling theories and principles to funeral arrangements. 3 credits

Course provides students with a theoretical approach to information technology and management information systems within a business environment. Practical business computer applications will emphasize word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and electronic commerce of the Internet. Students will also utilize technology to find and assess information and its veracity. 2 credits

This course introduces basic accounting principles for a business. Topics include the complete accounting cycle with end-of-period statements, bank reconciliation, payrolls, and petty cash. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of accounting principles and apply those skills to a business organization. 2 credits

Prerequisite FSE 210
Students are provided opportunities to supplement coursework learning outcomes with practical work experience directly aligned with their educational program. Students work under the immediate supervision of experienced personnel at the business location and with the direct guidance of the Instructor. Students actively participate in the planning and directing of ten or more funerals services or events. Practicum I is one of two capstone courses for the major. 1 credit

Prerequisite FSE 200, FSE 250, FSE 205, FSE 210
Students will have practical experience in embalming in a mortuary or funeral home environment under the supervision of a licensed embalmer as the primary outcome of this course. Outcomes include active participation in at least fifteen cases of embalming of human remains at a clinical site pre-approved by the program. As part of the requirements for this course, students are required to come to campus to complete and demonstrate their clinical competencies. Competencies include embalming two cases at the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. Students will also complete their Restorative Art Laboratory on campus. This course is second of two capstone courses for the major. 1 credit