Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service is an Associate Degree program (Hybrid) offered by FINE Mortuary College in Norwood, MA. The program takes 2 years to complete, with a total tuition of $47,100.
Program Overview
The Mortuary Science curriculum at FINE Mortuary College is a single-purpose program focusing on all aspects of funeral service: a rigorous two-year program that includes the science, psychology and business requirements of the funeral service profession.
The program provides academic and real-world experience for tomorrow’s funeral service professionals. Once the academic requirements are completed, the student earns the Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service, authorized by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education in June 2001.
The degree consists of 20 courses of three credit hours each, plus two five-credit hands-on clinical courses, for 70 credit hours. Its Standard Occupational Classification is 39-4031. FINE has educated future funeral professionals since 1996 and was authorized to offer distance education in October 2022.
What sets this Program apart
- A live virtual classroom. Distance students join a live instructor and their peers on Zoom at a scheduled day and time each week, with course information in Canvas — much like a traditional classroom, from home.
- Clinical experience close to home. Clinical Cooperative I and II are completed at an approved licensed funeral establishment in the student’s own area, under a preceptor who is a dually licensed funeral director and embalmer.
- Capstone Week in Norwood. In week 10 of Clinical II every student completes a one-week on-campus Capstone Project, including a Restorative Art intensive and a Certified Embalming arranged by the school.
- Recognized nationwide. The ABFSE-accredited program is recognized in all 50 states, and completing it allows a student to take the National Board Exam in all 50 states.
- A three-year tuition guarantee and additional learning modules outside the classroom, according to the college’s welcome letter.
Admission Requirements and Process
FINE Mortuary College offers rolling admissions throughout the year, and you can apply to FMC's degree program in a few simple steps. FMC reserves the right to make exceptions to its admissions requirements on a case-by-case basis, based upon such factors as an applicant interview or previous academic records.
General Requirements
- Application for EnrollmentA complete, signed FINE Mortuary College Application for Enrollment – Parts I & II.
- High School or GED TranscriptAn Official High School Transcript or Official GED Transcript. We cannot accept transcripts from the student directly; an official transcript must be sent online via a secure…
- Official College TranscriptsAll Official College Transcripts if applicable. Transcripts intended for transfer credit review must be received and reviewed before the student starts classes; a student may…
- Government Issued IdentificationPotential students must submit government issued identification.
- Application FeeApplication Fee of $50 (one-time fee, non-refundable).
- Background ScreeningBackground screens, drug screens, and reference checks may be conducted on every student applicant. An applicant may not be admitted if the criminal history report indicates a…
- Skills AssessmentStudents may be required to take assessment skills testing. Students who fall below recommended proficiency levels may be required to meet with an advisor and successfully…
- Enrollment Agreement and FeeEnrollment Agreement and Enrollment Fee of $100 (non-refundable, due at signing of Enrollment Agreement).
- New Student OrientationNewly admitted students are required to participate in mandatory program orientation. Students who do not participate may lose their spot in the term in which they wish to start…
Application Process
- 1Book a Personal Information SessionBooking a personal information session allows you to meet with a member of our staff that can answer any questions you may have and provide additional insight into our programs.
- 2Submit Your ApplicationContact admissions to submit the FINE Mortuary College Application for Enrollment – Parts I & II with the non-refundable application fee and government issued identification.
- 3Send Official TranscriptsHave your official high school or GED transcript and all official college transcripts (if applicable) sent directly to FMC from your school. FMC cannot accept transcripts or scanned copies from the student directly.
- 4Complete the FAFSASign up for an FSA ID, then complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit required documents to the Admissions Office.FAFSA Code for Norwood: 033164Fill Out the FAFSA
- 5Accept Your Financial AidAccept your Estimated Financing Plan; if applying for a Federal Loan, complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling, an Annual Loan Acknowledgement and Master Promissory Notes if necessary; then accept your Financial Aid Award Letter.
- 6Receive Your Acceptance LetterApplicants will receive a letter from the Dean or designee, which confirms your acceptance and matriculation into the program.
- 7Sign the Enrollment AgreementSign your Enrollment Agreement and pay the non-refundable Enrollment Fee.
- 8New Student OrientationParticipate in the mandatory program orientation before your first term.
Program Schedule
The program runs in four 10-week terms a year, beginning in February, May, August and November. Each class meets once a week for 4 hours and 10 minutes, and classes are offered mornings, afternoons and evenings, so many students work while they study. Taking 9 credit hours in a term is full time.
Upcoming terms: Fall 2026 runs August 17 to October 22, 2026; Winter 2026 runs November 9, 2026 to February 4, 2027; Spring 2027 starts February 22, 2027; Summer 2027 starts May 17, 2027.
Clinical Cooperative I and II are completed in the student’s final two terms, each lasting a full 10-week term. At least 54 earned credits, Embalming 2 and Restorative Art must be complete before Clinical I.
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you attend a school that has been independently evaluated for educational quality.
This program: FINE Mortuary College and its Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service are both accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). The degree is authorized by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Norwood Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic courses: 60 credits at $700 per credit | $42,000 |
| Clinical experience: 10 credits at $510 per credit | $5,100 |
| Total tuition ($23,550 per year, for two years) | $47,100 |
| Application Fee (one-time, non-refundable) | $50 |
| Enrollment Fee (non-refundable, due at signing of the Enrollment Agreement) | $100 |
| Technology Fee (one-time, at the start of the program) | $600 |
| Total tuition and fees | $47,850 |
Other charges a student may incur. Audit course fee $800 per course; late payment fee $50 every 7 days a payment is late, up to $400; late registration fee $100; CANA crematory exam fee $150; challenge exam $200 per course; returned check $35; transcript request $15; graduation fee $150, charged at graduation. Travel and lodging for the one-week on-campus Capstone during Clinical II are not included in tuition.
Paying for school. Aid available to those who qualify includes Federal Pell Grants, Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans, Federal Parent PLUS Loans, veterans and military benefits, the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Program, Sallie Mae loans and in-school cash payment plans (not available to California residents). Start with the FAFSA at studentaid.gov, using FMC’s school code 033164. The Financial Aid Office can prepare a personalized College Financing Plan.
Veterans. Apply for VA education benefits at va.gov, then give FMC’s Veterans Services contact a valid Certificate of Eligibility or VR&E authorization; FMC certifies enrollment to the VA.
Curriculum
Twenty 3-credit courses and two 5-credit Clinical Cooperative courses in three levels, 70 credit hours in all. The catalog publishes credits and prerequisites, not clock hours, so the table below carries credits.
The required courses below are from FINE Mortuary College's published catalog.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
The degree prepares graduates for funeral service practice as funeral directors and embalmers (SOC 39-4031). Completing the ABFSE-accredited program allows a graduate to take the National Board Exam in all 50 states; each state sets its own licensure requirements, including whether and when an apprenticeship is served, so students should check the state where they intend to work.
On completing the program, graduates can explain the role of funeral service professionals in their communities; identify ethical standards; apply federal, state and local law; apply public health and safety principles to the care of human remains; demonstrate embalming and restorative art skills; conduct arrangement conferences, visitations, services and ceremonies; describe burial, cremation and other forms of final disposition; address the needs of the bereaved; explain funeral establishment management; and communicate effectively in writing and speech.
National Board Exam pass rates, graduation and retention rates and placement rates for ABFSE-accredited programs are published in the ABFSE Directory of Accredited Programs at abfse.org; FMC will send a printed copy on request. FMC does not guarantee employment.
What to expect as a FINE Mortuary College student
Most instruction is delivered online. Students need a laptop, PC or MacBook with internet access and a working camera — phones and tablets cannot be used for class, quizzes or exams — and course guides are digital, in the college’s learning management system.
Newly admitted students attend a mandatory program orientation. Student services include academic advising, help applying for financial aid, career assistance, referrals for housing and transportation, free tutoring through the Academic Support Program, and free round-the-clock access to licensed clinicians through BetterMynd.
For Capstone Week students arrange their own travel and hotel; FMC students receive a discounted rate at the Courtyard by Marriott in Norwood, the college provides transportation between the hotel, campus and the clinical embalming site, and lunch is provided on campus Monday to Friday. Students are on campus by 9 AM each day.