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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation Not Found
Major: 3765
Effective Term: 2015 Fall   

Award: AAS
Total Credits: 69-70
CIP Code: 12.0301

Instructional Council: Occupational Deans Council (53)
GPA: 2.00
SOC Code:


Description: The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Mortuary Science program includes studies in public health; business management; natural sciences; legal, ethical and regulatory concerns; and clinical requirements associated with the mortuary field. The curriculum combines coursework in mortuary science with a general education component. The AAS in Mortuary Science offered at Mesa Community College is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) 3414 Ashland Avenue, Suite G, St. Joseph, MO 64506, 816-233-3747, www.abfse.org. Completion of the courses in program prepares the student to sit for the National Board examination and begin state internship requirements.

Suggested Course Plan Sequenced by Semester



Required Courses
MSP101 Orientation to Funeral Service 1
MSP201 History and Sociology of Funeral Service 3
MSP202 Embalming 4
MSP203 Microbiology for Funeral Service 3
MSP204 Chemistry for Funeral Service 3
MSP205 Mortuary Administration I 3
MSP206 Mortuary Administration II 3
MSP207 Restorative Art 4
MSP208 Legal, Regulatory, and Ethical Issues in Funeral Service 3
MSP209 Pathology for Funeral Service 3
MSP210 Counseling for Funeral Service 2
MSP211 Compendium for Funeral Service 2
Credits: 34

Program Competencies
1. Describe the development of the funeral service industry, the roles of funeral service professionals, and career opportunities in funeral service. (MSP101)
2. Trace the development of funeral rites among various ancient and modern cultures, and identify the societal needs for funeral rites. (MSP201)
3. Explain and demonstrate methods of embalming the deceased human body. (MSP202)
4. Explain principles of microbiolgy relevant to funeral service. (MSP203)
5. Explain principles of chemistry relevant to funeral service. (MSP204)
6. List and describe basic procedures in funeral directing, and explain the process of establishing a funeral home. (MSP205)
7. Explain the operation of the established funeral home, and describe the process of marketing funeral products. (MSP206)
8. Explain the process of restoring the deceased human body to an acceptable appearance for visitation and/or funeral service. (MSP207)
9. Identify and describe legal, ethical, and regulatory concerns that govern the funeral service industry. (MSP208)
10. Identify and describe pathologic conditions of the deceased human body that require special treatment. (MSP209)
11. Describe the human grief process, and identify sources of professional assistance and counseling for bereaved persons. (MSP210)
12. Summarizes all course work required for the degree to its full relevance in preparing the student to be a successful functioning member of the funeral profession. (MSP211)
+ indicates course has prerequisites and/or corequisites.
++ indicates that any suffixed course may be selected.
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: November 23, 2010

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.