General Education Courses

Course descriptions are designed to depict each course content in understandable items to aid the student in a complete comprehension of requisite studies to attain the objectives of the program.

 

FSM 103 - Small Business Management I - DL (3 QH)

This course discusses the principles of management applicable to small business. The major areas of study include planning for a new or existing business, organization, location, and marketing strategies.

 

FSM 104 - Basic Accounting - DL (4 QH)

This course is an introduction to the basic theories of accounting and the application of theories in preparation of accounting records and financial statements. Additional emphasis is placed on accounting for the single proprietorship type of business organization.

 

FSM 113 - Funeral Service Administration - DL (3 QH)

This course focuses on best practices during initial notification, removal of remains, arrangement conference and funeral service. It includes the use of all funeral service documentation, Social Security and Veteran’s Administration forms and in-depth discussion of The Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule and OSHA standards.

 

FSM 123 - Professional Communications - DL (3 QH)

This course combines the necessary guidelines for written and oral communications when dealing with consumers, colleges, allied services and the media. It focuses on best practices in interpersonal relationships and the development of soft skills.

 

FSM 203 - Funeral Service Management - DL (3 QH)

This course includes a study of management and employee motivation theories, funeral home management requirements, hiring and termination requirements and understanding trends in funeral service. It includes a concise study of crematory policies and operation principles.

 

FSM 213 - Small Business Management II - DL (3 QH)

This course is a continuation of small business management, with emphasis upon financial planning, capital asset management, personnel management, and elements of sound business management. The computer as a business tool, financial tool, marketing device, and sales analysis tool is also included. May be taken concurrently with: FSM 103

 

FSM 303 - Funeral Service Merchandising - DL (3 QH)

This course is a study of the principles of buying and selling merchandise, caskets and vault construction, cremation merchandise and containers, cemetery merchandise and property and inventory and pricing methods.

 

FSM 402 - Funeral Directing - DL (2 QH)

This course includes a study of the funeral arrangement, funeral procedure, and types of services, including religious, fraternal organizations, and military services.

 

FSM 411 - Capstone Review - Arts - DL (1 QH)

This is a comprehensive review of all the arts (non-science) courses. Each subject area will have review material, lectures on critical thinking, and test taking skills, followed by examinations to prepare the student for their final exams and appropriate licensing exam. Pre/Co - requisites: FSM 103, 123, 104, 113, 203, 213, 303, 402; FS 101, 102, 104, 132, 142, 152, 203

 

FS 101 - Funeral Service Ethics - DL (1 QH)

Both personal and professional ethics will be discussed in this course. Focus will be placed on the ethical beliefs of the individual as well as the ethical behavior that a funeral service practitioner should exhibit.

 

FS 102 - History of Funeral Service - DL (2 QH)

Both funeral service and embalming are included in this history course from the beginnings to modern funeral practices. It covers the history of such cultures as the Egyptians, Hebrews, Greeks, Romans, and early Christians. Historical contributions by influential individuals to both funeral service and the art of embalming are also covered.

 

FS 104 - Business Law - DL (4 QH)

This course is an introduction to business law, courts and court procedure, contracts, property sales, and bailments. It also includes the study of commercial paper, agency and employment, risk bearing devices and the nature of property.

 

FS 132 - Counseling - DL (2 QH)

This course will promote greater understanding for what takes place during an "at need" arrangement conference. Basic skills and techniques utilized in counseling will be discussed, along with what qualities and characteristics a counselor needs.

 

FS 142 - Funeral Service Law - DL (2 QH)

This course is structured to acquaint the student with the legal instruments that apply to funeral service. It also includes an introduction to wills and estates, death and disposition rights, torts, state board rules, licensure of persons and establishments. Prerequisite: FS 104

 

FS 152 - Funeral Service Sociology - DL (2 QH)

This course is a general survey of sociology, including orientation, definitions, application and purpose, culture, customs, family, funeral customs, ethnic and minority groups.

 

FS 203 - Psychology of Grief - DL (3 QH)

This course includes the study of dying and death, along with the grief of the adult and child.

 

BM 432 - Stress Management I - DL (2 QH)

This course will look at the scientific foundations of stress and physical illness and disease.  Life situation and perception interventions will be discussed for stress and college students with intrapersonal and interpersonal techniques for handling stress.

 

BM 442 - Stress Management II - DL (2 QH)

This course is a continuation of Stress Management I, and will explore the concepts of spirituality and stress. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, autogentic training, imagery and progressive relaxation will be discussed along with psychological arousal interventions and strategies for decreasing stressful behavior. Stress will be considered from cultural, occupational and family perspectives. Prerequisite: BM 432

 

FSM 000 - Funeral Directing Practicum - DL (0 QH)

The Funeral Directing Practicum is completed in three separate phases: the first in the Funeral Service Administration course (FSM 113), the second in the Funeral Service Management course (FSM 203), and the third in the lab requirement of offsite observations. The Practicum includes: participation in simulated first calls, arrangement conferences, transfer of remains and funeral observations. Funeral service observations take place off-campus at sites such as places of worship or other public funerals. Students must provide their own transportation to off-campus sites.