Curriculum for Associate of Applied Science Degree

Also see Curriculum Flow Chart.

Each student who enrolls in the Mortuary Science Program has individual needs. Attainment of either the associate degree or the certificate in funeral directing is influenced by these individual needs. For this reason, students are individually advised, and a personal education plan is developed. Education plans will include the courses listed below. Pre-requisite competencies may apply. (also see Flow Chart.)

GENERAL EDUCATION CORE 18 Credit Hours
BIOL 2370 Fundamentals of Pathology OR
MDCA 1302 Human Disease/Pathophysiology
ENGL 1301 Freshman Composition I
ENGL 1302 Freshman Composition II
PSYC 2301 Introduction to Psychology
PSYT 1325 Death and Dying OR
SOCI 1370 Sociology of Death and Dying

HUMANITIES
(Choice of one of the following selected upon discussion with program coordinator:)
ARCH 1301 History of Architecture I
ARCH 1302 History of Architecture II
ARTS 1301 Art Appreciation
ARTS 1303 Art History Survey I
ARTS 1304 Art History Survey II
DRAM 1301 Introduction of the Theater
Foreign Language
HUMA 1301 Introduction to the Humanities
MUSI 1306 Music Appreciation
PHIL 1301 Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 2306 Ethics

OTHER GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES 7 Credit Hours
SPCH 1311 Fundamentals of Speech
BIOL 2404 Human Anatomy & Physiology

TECHNICAL EDUCATION COURSES 41 Credit Hours
BIOL 2420 Microbiology and Pathology
MRTS 1225 Thanatochemistry
MRTS 1211 History of Mortuary Science
MRTS 1301 Contemporary Funeral Service Practices
MRTS 1330 Funeral Service Internship Orientation
MRTS 1342 Mortuary Management I
MRTS 2335 Mortuary Jurisprudence
MRTS 2342 Mortuary Management II
MRTS 1386 Internship - Funeral Services & Mortuary Science I
MRTS 2386 Internship - Funeral Services & Mortuary Science II
MRTS 2432 Human Anatomy
MRTS 2445 Technical Procedures I
MRTS 2447 Technical Procedures II

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED FOR THE DEGREE 66

Additional graduation requirements:
Competency requirements:

1. Written Communication Competency: ENGL1301 Freshman Composition I
2. Oral Communication Competency: SPCH 1321 Business & Professional Speech
3. Mathematical Skill Competency: TASP Mathematics Score of 230 or higher, or
Accuplacer Elementary Algebra score of 76 or higher or any college-level mathematics course,
Math 1314, Math 1332 or equivalent
4. Computer Competency: A student may choose between the following options:
a. Successfully complete, with a grade of "C: or better, either ITSC 1301, Introduction to Computers, or COSC 1301, Computer Literacy, or equivalent.
b. Successfully complete with a grade of C: or better, any course identified as a Computer-Dedicated course.
c. Successfully complete the Computer Competency Challenge Exam: offered by the
Assessment Center.
d. Successfully complete, with a grade of C: or better, six (6) semester hours of
Computer Intensive (CI) course.

Beginning in January 2004, each student will be required to take the National Board Exam as a requirement of graduation from the Mortuary Science Department.

The Associate of Applied Science Degree Program at San Antonio College is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) 3432 Ashland Avenue, Suite U, St. Joseph, Missouri 64506 (816) 233-3747. Web: www.abfse.org

Education Plan for Degree Students (Word) (PDF)