Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE is issued to students who complete a career education curriculum of college level and character. This Degree is designed to lead students to employment as a funeral director and embalmer and is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education.

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service (AAS) is designed to teach students the skills and abilities essential for employment as an embalmer and funeral director. Graduates of this program will be able to disinfect, preserve, and/ or restore a dead human body through embalming and restorative art for the purposes of burial or other means of final disposition. They will learn how to conduct funeral service ceremonies of various religious, fraternal, military, traditional, humanistic, and nontraditional customs. Additionally, they will be able to conduct funeral arrangement conferences with families, conduct necessary paperwork in Funeral home management, and be aware of proper workplace safety guidelines for funeral service personnel. Graduates of this program may find entry-level employment as an apprentice/intern/provisional licensee with funeral homes, embalming services, cemeteries, preneed sales, and affiliate funeral service merchandise and embalming chemical companies. Individuals seeking these credentials must also meet the requirements of the appropriate licensing agencies.

To earn the AAS degree, the student must fulfill all requirements for the General Education Core of 24 quarter/16 semester hours as outlined below, plus the Specialized and Related Courses.

General Education Courses

All courses carry a specific number of quarter hour credits. A quarter hour shall be considered as the equivalent of one clock hour of lecture, or two hours of laboratory per week for an eleven-week period of institution. A clock hour consists of one fifty -minute period. Students receive grade points according to the following system:

Completed Prior to Enrollment or taken at Commonwealth Institute

Natural Science/Mathematics

BIOL 1408 Biology 1	4 sem. (6 qtr.)

Math 1314 College Algebra	3 sem. (4 qtr.)

Social/Behavioral Science	3 sem. (5qtr.)

PSYC 2301 General Psychology

Humanities/ Fine Arts

ENGL 1301 Composition and Rhetoric 1	3 sem. (5 qtr.)

Elective * (general education course)

HIST 1302 U.S. History II	3 sem. (4 qtr.)

Total Hours (by transfer or in residence)	16 sem. (24 qtr.)

*The 3 semester-hour elective may be selected from any general education courses identified in the college catalog. Elective offered at Commonwealth Institute is U.S. History.

Students may complete the general requirements prior to enrollment at Commonwealth Institute or enroll in the general education courses as part of their studies in residency, to receive the AAS degree. If the general education core and the Specialized and Related courses are taken at Commonwealth Institute the AAS degree may be earned in 15 months. If all the general education core courses are transferred to Commonwealth, the degree requirements may be completed in 12 months.

Effective Jan. 1, 2004 , for AAS students to be recognized as a graduate of an ABFSE accredited program, they must take the National Board Exam, a nationally recognized licensure exam given under the auspices of the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. Effective Sept. 1, 2003 , the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requires that AAS students, if applicable, must be assessed in reading, writing, and math skills to determine college readiness. Students are exempt from taking a test for the TSI if a qualifying score has been made on the TAKS, SAT, or ACT.

CERTIFICATE IN FUNERAL DIRECTING is designed to teach students the skills and abilities essential for employment as a funeral director in the state of Texas only. This program is designed to meet specific state or professional needs and is not accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education because it does not contain all of the required coursework in the Public Health and Technical area. Students graduating from this program are not eligible to take the National Board examination nor any state board examination for which graduation from an ABFSE accredited program is required.

Graduates of this program will be able to prepare, other than by embalming, a dead human body for burial, or other means of final disposition. They will learn how to conduct funeral service ceremonies of various religious, fraternal, military, traditional, humanistic, and nontraditional customs. Additionally, they will be able to conduct funeral arrangement conferences with families, conduct necessary paperwork in home management, and be aware of proper workplace safety guidelines for funeral service personnel. Graduates of this program may find entry-level employment as an apprentice/intern/provisional licensee with funeral homes, cemeteries, pre-need sales, and affiliate funeral service merchandise companies.

In addition to meeting the requirements for admission found elsewhere in this catalog, the Certificate in Funeral Directing also requires the completion of 13 semester /20 quarter hours of general education courses. These general education courses may be completed at any regionally accredited college or university and transferred to Commonwealth Institute; or these courses may be taken in residency at Commonwealth. Refer to Policy Granting Credit.

Students with the general education courses may complete this program in six months (two, eleven- week quarters). Please refer to the college calendar for dates of enrollment.

Students in this program are not eligible to participate in federal student aid programs or participate in Commonwealth Institute’s scholarship program.

Graduation requirements include passing each of the prescribed courses, accumulating an overall GPA of 2.0, successful completion of comprehensive examinations related to the funeral service arts, taking the National Board Examination, and fulfillment of financial obligations to Commonwealth Institute 30 days prior to graduation.

ADMISSION / ENROLLMENT POLICIES

The minimum standards for admission to the programs at Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service, require that each

applicant :

Be a graduate of an accredited four-year high school (or hold a GED certificate recognized by the state department)
Meet the licensure requirements of the state in which the individual plans to seek initial licensure.
Students enrolling in the AAS program and the Certificate of Funeral Directing without previous college, must successfully fulfill one of the following requirements:

Have an ACT minimum score of 21 on the composite.
Have an SAT combined score of 990 (If taken after April 1, 1995):
Have graduated in the upper one fourth of their high school class:
Have scored a minimum of 21 on the SLE. ( The SLE is produced by Wonderlic Personnel Test, Inc. and is the entrance exam used by Commonwealth Institute).*

The SLE is a twelve-minute, age–adjusted examination consisting of 50 questions. The student’s score on the SLE reflects the number of questions answered correctly during the testing time.(age adjusted, if necessary). Students are permitted three attempts to successfully complete the SLE. However, a student may only attempt 2 different versions on the same day. In those instances where a third attempt is necessary, a minimum waiting period of five calendar days is required before the third attempt can be administered. There is no charge for the SLE taken at Commonwealth.

The Associate of Applied Science Degree and the Certificate of Funeral Directing Program will require the successful completion of the General Education core. These courses may be taken at Commonwealth Institute or transferred in from a regionally accredited college or university. Refer to Transfer Credit and General Education core for additional information.

Those students showing the greatest promise for success, based on demonstrated academic ability, will receive first consideration for admission. The admissions committee may also consider such factors as student’s background, achievements, honors, and work histories in making its decision.

TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules require all students, unless otherwise exempt, to be assessed of their college readiness prior to enrolling in college –level coursework using a coordination board approved assessment instrument. Institutions and students work together to develop an individualized plan for the student, which may include developmental education, retesting, or other means of insuring student have the skills necessary to pursue college-level course work.

Approved assessment instruments include the THEA (formerly the TASP test), COMPASS, ASSET, or ACCUPLACER exams.

Incoming students must test prior to enrollment or by the end of the first quarter if extenuating circumstances exist. There are exceptions and exemptions for which a student may be eligible as determined by the Dean of Academics or the Registrar.* Although not a testing cnter, Commonwealth Institute recommends the THEA exam as approved Texas High Education Coordinating Board assessment instrument. The least expensive method by which to take the THEA is at one of the 6 Saturday testing dates given statewide throughout Texas . **If a student scores below the deviation standard in any or all of the Reading , Writing, or Mathematics sections of any approved assessment instrument, retesting is required in any or all of those same sections, following advisement and development of an individualized plan.

• Applications and upcoming testing dates are available anytime in the Administrative Offices of the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service.

** Examples of approved exemptions include: a) Completion of an AAS degree or higher prior to enrollment; b) successful completion of at least 12 semester hours from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution, from an out-of-state regionally accredited postsecondary institution; c) completion of at least one, 3 semester hour course from any regionally accredited postsecondary institution prior to the Fall of 1989.

FINANCIAL AID

The Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is committed to providing financial assistance through federal grants, loans, private scholarships, veterans benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and other financing options to help students and their families meet their educational goals. However, a student’s financial aid package may not meet their full calculated need. It is ultimately the responsibility of each student to be prepared for their financial obligation to Commonwealth Institute whether it is from private sources or federal assistance.

-Federal Pell Grant
-Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
-Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
-Direct PLUS Loans

TITLE IV FEDERAL STUDENT ASSISTANCE

ELIGIBILTY

A student is eligible to receive federal assistance if she/he meets the following criteria:

An applicant must be either a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
Be enrolled and accepted in the Associate of Applied Science Degree.
An applicant must show a financial need as determined by federal regulators to receive Pell Grants and some loans.
An applicant cannot owe an over payment for previously awarded Pell Grants or Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG).
An applicant cannot be in default for previously awarded loans.
A student must make SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS as presented in the Academic Policies under GRADING to continue to receive financial assistance. Failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress will result in suspension of financial assistance until the student achieves the academic progress standard.
The Law suspends aid eligibility for students convicted under federal or state law of selling or possessing illegal drugs.
If you are a male aged 18 through 25 you must comply with the Selective Service permission to register by checking a box on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

HOW TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/FINANCIAL AID

For a student to be considered for TITLE IV Federal Financial Assistance must do the following:

The applicant must have been accepted to CIFS as outlined in the admission policies.
Complete and mail a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or apply online at the U.S. Department of Education’s web site www.fafsa.ed.gov. Please use CIFS school code 003556 to have application routed to the school. You must complete the FAFSA using your previous year’s income tax return and FAFSA applications are available at CIFS Financial Aid Office and if you need assistance in completing the FAFSA, please contact or come by the CIFS Financial Aid Office.
You must apply for Financial Assistance using the FAFSA four (4) months prior to your scheduled enrollment date.
Allow four to six weeks for the Department of Education to process your FAFSA. Once the Department of Education has processed your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) and CIFS will receive an Institutional Student Information Record.(ISIR).
CIFS Financial Aid Office is responsible for verifying the information submitted on your FAFSA. Verifying the information will require the following documents be submitted to the Financial Aid Office immediately upon completion of your FAFSA. The information required is:
1. A signed and dated copy of current year Income Tax Return and W-2s. If you are married, you will need to submit your spouse’s current year Income Tax Return and W-2’s as well.
2. A signed and dated copy of your parent ‘s current year Income Tax Return and W-2’s if you are dependent student.
If additional verification documentation is needed, then CIFS’s Financial Aid Office will request this documentation. Documentation requested should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office 5 working days from date of request
FAFSA, verification documentation, corrections to FAFSA , a signed and dated CIFS Award Letter must be completed four weeks prior to the first day of class. If you have not received the Award Letter, then you will be required to pay your tuition according to the Business Office’s payment policy.

FEDERAL TITLE IV PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

Federal Pell Grants (PELL)

A need-based federal grant designed to assist the student with her/his degree plan.

Stafford Subsidized Loan

This is a need-based federal loan available to dependent and independent students. The amount of the loan is determined by Estimated Family Contribution and the Cost of Attendance. The interest on this loan is deferred while in school and during your grace period, which is either 6 months after graduation or termination.

Stafford Unsubsidized Loan

This is a need based loan available to independent students. Dependent students can also receive this loan only if their parents have been denied a Parent Plus loan.

Parent Plus Loan

This is a need-based loan available to qualifying parents of dependent students to use for expenses up to Cost of Attendance that are not covered by grants and other student aid. Dependent students whose parents request a Plus loan are eligible to borrow up to the cost of attendance less any other financial assistance received. This loan is a credit based loan.

General information regarding loans

All loans are subject to the government’s origination fee as required by the Department of Education regulations.
All loans are subject to interest applied to the principal and are required to be paid back by the student.
Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans have as six month grace period beginning on your graduation day or upon termination and repayment starts after the six month grace period.
Repayment of Parent Plus loans begins six weeks (60 days) after the last loan disbursement.
Defaulting (failure to repay) on loans permits the federal government to take any legal measures to collect the loan, including denial of issuance or renewal of your professional license.
Entrance and Exit interviews are a requirement for subsidized and unsubsidized student loans.

Return of Unearned Title IV Funds

Federal regulations state students may forfeit a portion of their federal student financial assistance if they fail to complete the program of study in which they were enrolled.
This policy included students either receiving or eligible to receive federal student assistance authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.
Title IV includes Pell Grants; Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans; and Parent Plus Loans awarded under the Direct Loan programs.
This Policy includes students that withdraw or terminate from Commonwealth Institute after October 7, 2000 and during the first 60% of any quarter (disbursement period).
Eligible Title IV students not completing the required 60% of any quarter are considered NOT to have earned all the federal assistance awarded that disbursement period.
The Unearned portion will be determined using the Department of Education’s guidelines and returned to the federal government according to the prescribed guidelines.
In some cases the Return of Unearned Title IV funds to the federal government will result in the student owing Commonwealth Institute for a portion of the tuition and fees.
Return of Unearned Title IV funds also may result in the student owing a refund on Unearned Federal assistance to the U.S. Department of Education.

OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Veteran Benefits

Veterans requesting educational benefits should contact Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service’s Registrar for assistance in obtaining VA benefits.

To ensure that your benefits are available when classes start, the applicant should have all paperwork completed and accepted to the Institute two (2) months prior to enrollment.

The Veteran is responsible to pay all tuition at the beginning of each quarter.

Benefits are paid directly to the Veteran, after the application and certification process is complete.

Veterans missing more than 20 hours class time within a month or exceed the absenteeism policy as described in the Commonwealth Institute catalog will forfeit their benefits according to the VA guidelines.

Veterans taking a Leave of Absence will forfeit their benefits during their leave and will be reinstated upon re-enrollment.

Veterans are required to meet satisfactory progress standards as prescribed in Commonwealth Institute’s catalog to ensure continued benefits. Failure to do so will also forfeit your benefits.

VA Rehabilitation

The applicant must meet the same enrollment requirements as the Veterans benefits.

The applicant must submit their voucher to the Registrar’s Office 30 days prior to enrollment.

Benefits are paid directly to Commonwealth institute.

Benefits may vary according to the VA guidelines.

Texas Rehabilitation Commission (TRC)

The applicant must be accepted to Commonwealth Institute 2 months prior to enrollment.

Applicant must meet the TRC requirements to be eligible for TRC benefits.

Applicant must have TRC voucher approved and presented to the Registrar’s Office 30 days prior to enrollment.

The maximum benefit is $3,000 from TRC.

Any class hours missed by the student will not be covered by TRC. To be eligible for TRC benefits the applicant must apply through the Department of Education using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for Pell Grants.

Tuition not covered be TRC or Pell Grants can be paid out of pocket, or if the student is enrolled in the AAS degree can obtain student loans to cover the additional tuition.

Certificate students are eligible for the $3,000 maximum benefit provided by TRC.

The student is required by TRC to submit a copy of their transcript and attendance to their TRC counselors.

Scholarships

R.L. Waltrip Memorial Scholarship

Dr. George Poston Memorial Scholarship

American Board of Funeral Service Scholarship

38 Florida Ave.

Portland, Maine 04103

Houston Funeral Directors and Morticians Association Scholarship

Houston Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association Scholarship

Southeast Texas Funeral Directors Scholarship

Rita Barber Scholarship

Trigard Vault Scholarship

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COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE OF FUNERAL SERVICE

AAS FUNERAL SERVICE

The curriculum of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is in compliance with the guidelines established by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Courses are classified into the following areas: Public Health and Technical Social Science, Business Management, Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical.

Coursework is also divided into the following areas:

Specialized Courses- those courses approved as the �major� courses in the program which are focused in the areas of funeral directing and embalming. Specialized courses are identified by the prefix MSCI (mortuary science).

Related Courses-those courses in the program that are required for career preparation; but are not in the general education block and not in the area of specialization. These include all courses in the certificate program that carry a prefix other than MSCI.

General Education Courses- Those traditionally offered courses in freshman and sophomore years at institutions of higher learning.

Course Enumaration-Each course is identified according to the course enumeration system developed by the Gulf Coast Consortium of Colleges. The four-letter prefix represents the department. The first digit indicates whether the course is generally taken during the freshman or sophomore year. The second digit refers to the value of each course in semester hours, the third and fourth refer to the sequence within the subject field.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS BY AREA

EMBALMING ARTS AND SCIENCES

This series interrelates the basic and public health sciences with embalming and restorative arts, in order that the prospective embalmer can develop expert competencies in the preparation of human remains, while effectively protecting his/her own and in the broadest sense, the health of the general public whom they represent.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND TECHNICAL

Anatomy 1- MSCI 1201 3 quarter hours.

In this course, the student will learn correct terminology and the basic organ systems of the body. Topics include skeletal, digestive, excretory, respiratory, integumentary, endocrine, reproductive, and nervous, systems. (33/0/0/3)

Anatomy 2- MSCI 1202 3 quarter hours, Prerequisite Anatomy I MSCI 1202 or equivalent

A continuation of the study of the systems of the body, the student will learn the muscular. lymph, and circulatory systems. (33/0/0/3)

Embalming 1 and Lab- MSCI 1203 3 quarter hours Prerequisite: Occ. Safety MSCI 1115

The student will learn the history of embalming, early contributors to the field and their influence to the embalming procedures. The student will learn the instruments, equipment, and chemicals used in the embalming process. The student will learn how to perform case analysis and determine which procedure(s) will be used. The student is required to actively participate in the arterial and cavity embalming of fifteen (15) human remains minimum. Cases must be completed under the direct supervision of Commonwealth Institute�s clinical supervisor. Cases are available at Commonwealth Institute�s preparation room or at off-campus embalming location(s). Students must provide their own transportation to off-campus site(s). (33/0/10/3)

Embalming 2 and Lab- MSCI 1204 3 quarter hours Prerequisite: Embalming 1 MSCI 1203

The student will learn linear and anatomical guides and anatomical limits and how they will apply them to the embalming process. They will learn methods of creating injection pressure and how to calculate solution strengths. They will learn the various chemicals and their properties used in the embalming process. The student will learn how to perform cavity embalming and the importance of this procedure. The student is required to actively participate in the arterial and cavity embalming of fifteen (15) human remains minimum. Cases must be completed under the direct supervision of Commonwealth Institute�s clinical embalming instructors or Commonwealth�s clinical supervisor. Cases are available at Commonwealth Institute�s preparation room or at off-campus embalming location(s). Students must provide their own transportation to off-campus site(s). (33/0/10/3)

Thanatochemistry- MSCI 1310 4 quarter hours.

Students will learn the fundamental concepts of chemistry, atomic structure, the periodic table, valence, and chemical equations. They study of solutions, an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry and will learn how chemistry is used in the embalming process. (44/0/0/4)

Embalming 3 and Lab MSCI 1005 2 quarter hours. Prerequisite: Embalming 2 MSCI 1204

The student will learn the embalming treatment and the handling of special cases.

Forensic Pathology- MSCI 1306 4 quarter hours.

Student will learn general disease processes including terminology related to disease: causes of the disease, cellular reaction to injury; structural abnormalities, inflammation and repair; neoplasms and cysts; various diseases of the blood, heart, blood vessels, digestive system, respiratory tract, urinary and reproductive system, nervous system, bones and joints, and endocrine glands. (44/0/0/4)

Microbiology- MCSI 1307 4 quarter hours.

Students will learn aspects of microbiology related to the causative agents of disease, methods of transmission, and techniques for disinfection and sterilization including, but not limited to, beneficial microorganisms, pathogens, host-parasite interactions, natural and acquired immunity, bacterial morphology, and physiology. (44/0/0/4)

Restorative Art 1- MSCI 1208 2 quarter hours.

An orientation and introduction to restorative art. The student will learn terminology, terms of anatomical direction, bones and muscles of the cranium, facial proportions, facial profiles, geometric head shapes and detailed study of the parts of the features. Also included are the classifications and descriptions of facial markings.(22/0/0/2)

Restorative Art 2 and Lab- MSCI 1109 2 quarter hours. Prerequisite Restorative Art 1 MSCI 1208

A continuation of Restorative Art. 1, the student will learn color theory, cosmetic applications, wax treatments, suturing, non wax treatments, hair restoration, hypodermic tissue building, and death masks. The laboratory is designed to supplement the theoretical information provided in the lecture class. Students model facial features from clay and affix to a plastic skull, and practice mixing and applying cosmetics to a facial mask. (22/11/0/2)

MANAGEMENT SCIENCES

This series of courses is designed to develop the prospective funeral director into an effective management person capable of making intelligent and ethical business decisions based upon the application of good business principles.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Computers in Funeral Service- MSCI 1011 1 quarter hour.

The student will learn basic concepts related to computer hardware and software and their application to funeral service. (11/4/0/1)

Funeral Directing- MSCI 1212 3 quarter hours.

A course in directing the various types of funeral services. The student will learn funeral service professional ethics and the role of the funeral director in conducting various religious, fraternal, military, traditional, non traditional, and humanistic funeral ceremonies including cultural, ethnic, and geographic customs. (33/0/0/3)

Funeral Merchandising- MSCI 1313 4 quarter hours.

A course in funeral home management and practice that reviews the aims and objectives of the funeral home practitioner. The student will learn the component parts and the construction of caskets and outer burial containers and how to professionally arrange the selection room and the methodology for pricing funeral service merchandise. Various experts from the funeral service profession provide special presentations and/or field trips that will incorporate the theoretical with practical aspects of funeral service merchandising. (44/0/0/4)

Mortuary Administration- MCSI 1314 4 quarter hours. Prerequisite: Operating a Business BUSI 1302

A course in funeral home management and practice. The student will learn contemporary code of ethics for funeral service, various facets of funeral service practice including: the steps from first call to final disposition, funeral records and forms, Social Security and Veteran benefits, professional relationships, establishing and maintaining funeral home facilities and equipment, and supervision and training personnel. The student will also learn the techniques in conducting the funeral arrangement through role-play exercises. (44/0/0/4)

Occupational Safety- MSCI 1115 2 quarter hours.

The student will learn workplace safety guidelines as related to funeral service personnel. This will include: Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines for Hazard Communication Standard, Formaldehyde Monitoring, Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Infection Control and Preparation Room Requirements. (22/0/0/2)

Office Accounting- OFAD 1307 4 quarter hours.

This course is designed to develop an understanding of an accounting system. The student will learn how to analyze business transactions and how they relate to the accounting cycle, primarily a small service and merchandising business. The student will learn journalizing, posting, preparing a trial balance, completing financial reports and computing payroll and payroll taxes. (44/0/0/4)

Operating a Business- BUSI 1302 4 quarter hours.

The student will learn the practical considerations involved in starting and operating a business. Topics include analyzing potential market, acquiring financial backing, establishing record-keeping systems, making marketing and pricing decisions, managing financial and human resources, purchasing, controlling inventory, sales forecasting, meeting legal requirements, and using professional resources. (44/0/0/4)

SOCIAL SCIENCES

This series of courses is designed to: (1) develop an appreciation of funeral practices in terms of their origin and development as well as their present and future place in society; (2) develop an understanding and sensitivity of the needs of the bereaved at the time of death; and (3) to develop the proficiency to meet those needs in a professional and meaningful manner.

SOCIAL SCIENCE

Business Communications- BUSI 2304 4 quarter hours.

The student will learn the principles of effective written and oral business communications. Activities include writing business messages for a variety of business situations, writing both formal and informal business reports and presenting business data orally. (44/0/0/4)

Counseling/Dynamics of Grief- MSCI 1316 4 quarter hours.

The student will learn how grief affects the deceased family and the role of the funeral in grief resolution. Grief reactions, grief cycles, and the various stages of grief will be explored. The student will learn an understanding of the basic methods and procedures of grief counseling and the many elements that a funeral director brings into the counseling session. The student learns to recognize and understands his/her own personal resources for coping with loss situations. (44/0/0/4)

History of Funeral Service- MSCI 1317 4 quarter hours.

This course traces the development of funeral service from the ancient Egyptians to modern times. The students will learn the historical roots of modern practices. (44/0/0/4)

Sociology of Funeral Service- MSCI 1118 2 quarter hours.

A general survey of sociology, the orientation, definition, application and purpose of culture, mores, folkways, and the study of the family unit. The students will learn how each of these impact death rituals. (22/0/0/2)

LEGAL REGULATORY AND ETHICAL

Business Law – BUSI 2301 4 quarter hours.

A course in the principles of law which form the legal framework for business activities. The student will learn the legal framework for business activities that includes applicable statutes, torts, contracts, personal and real property, wills and trusts, and consumer law. (44/0/0/4)

Mortuary Law- MSCI 1219 3 quarter hours Prerequisite Business Law 2301

This course will provide the legal fundamentals that apply to funeral service. The students will learn the corporative state laws, rules, and regulations that pertain to funeral service; laws regarding the rights and duties and responsibilities of funeral service professional; and licensure requirements for funeral directors, embalmers and funeral establishments. (33/0/0/3)

GENERAL EDUCATION CORE

Biology 1-BIOL 1408 6 quarter hours. Prerequisite: none

A contemporary course in which the student will learn the applications of the scientific method, cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, classical and human genetics, and virology. (66/0/0/6)

Composition and Rhetoric 1-ENGL 1301 5 quarter hours. Prerequisite: none

This course provides students with the rhetorical foundations that prepares them for the demands of professional writing. The student will learn how to recognize and deploy the strategies and processes that translate into effective written products in a variety of contexts for a variety of purposes. (55/0/0/5)

General Psychology –PSYC 2301 5 quarter hours. Prerequisite: none

The student will learn the elementary principles of human behavior. (55/0/0/5)

College Algebra -MATH 1314 4 quarter hours Prerequisite: none

Topics include quadratics, polynomial and exponential functions, graphing, linear equations & inequalities, factoring techniques and algebraic fractions. (44/0/0/4)

United States History II –HIST 1302 4 quarter hours Prerequisite: none

A survey of U.S. history from the end of Reconstruction to the present. The student will learn how the United States emerged as a world power and the subsequent assumption of international responsibilities. (44/0/0/4)