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Mortuary Science Degree in CT | Goodwin University
Mortuary Science Degree in CT | Goodwin University
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Majors
› Funeral Service
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.
Join a Funeral Service virtual information session
Explore our program from the comfort of your own home. These online sessions offer the flexibility to learn more about Goodwin University’s Funeral Service program — no matter where you are.
Learn More!
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).
From the Hartford Courant: Read how Goodwin’s Funeral Service program is changing the face of the funeral service industry in Connecticut and bringing in a new class of leaders in the field.
Read the Article
* Additional time is required to complete prerequisite courses.
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
Admissions
can typically review your
unofficial
transcripts of prior learning in less than one business day.
Contact us today!
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Phone
800-889-3282
Application
Apply Now
Email
bdaley@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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