Program Overview
The Funeral Services Associate in Applied Science program prepares students for careers as licensed funeral directors and embalmers, combining scientific knowledge, technical skills, and compassionate service training. As one of only a few accredited funeral service programs in New England, NSCC offers a unique, hands-on education that meets both academic and professional requirements, including licensure eligibility in Massachusetts and many other states. Students gain a thorough understanding of funeral service operations, restorative art, grief psychology, embalming techniques, and business practices, all while learning how to support families during times of loss with sensitivity and professionalism.
Program Highlights
- Accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), ensuring high standards and licensure eligibility.
- Prepares students to sit for the National Board Examination (NBE) and meet the educational requirements for funeral director/embalmer licensure.
- Includes supervised clinical experience in embalming and restorative art, along with courses in funeral home operations and management.
- Students develop interpersonal and counseling skills to support grieving families and communities.
- Designed for both traditional and nontraditional students, with courses offered at NSCC’s Danvers campus in a one-day-a-week format, hybrid format.
Program Details
Expand AllCollapse AllView and print the required courses for the Funeral Service program.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
The curriculum blends scientific coursework, business education, and interpersonal development. Sample courses include:
- Introduction to Funeral Service
- Funeral Directing I & II
- Embalming I & II
- Restorative Art
- Funeral Service Law
For a full list of courses visit our Academic Catalog.
Graduates of the Funeral Services program are prepared for careers in the funeral industry and may pursue a variety of professional roles, including:
- Licensed Funeral Director
- Licensed Embalmer
- Crematory Operator
- Funeral Home Manager
While this program is designed for direct entry into the workforce, students may also pursue further education in related fields such as business administration, psychology, or grief counseling. For those pursuing a bachelor’s degree, NSCC’s transfer agreements help ensure that credits transfer easily to many four-year public institutions in Massachusetts. Students are encouraged to consult with academic advisors to explore transfer agreements and plan their academic pathways accordingly.
Download the Funeral Service Student Handbook >
Graduation from this program satisfies the academic requirements to apply for the National Board Examination and, where applicable, state licensure exams. Requirements vary by state and additional requirements, such as a formal apprenticeship, may be required for licensure; students are encouraged to consult with their state licensing boards and NSCC faculty early in their academic planning.
Sarah A. Stopyra, M.Ed., CFSP
Faculty/Program Coordinator
NSCC Funeral Service Program
John J. Arena, III
President & Funeral Director
Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Concord, MA
Paul S. Buonfiglio
Funeral Director
Paul Buonfiglio & Sons - Bruno Funeral Home
Revere, MA
Ann Ciccarelli
Corporate Vice President
Porcella Funeral Service, Inc.
Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home
Saugus, MA
Stephen Gemelli
General Manager/Type 3 Funeral Director
Mercadante Funeral Home
Worcester, MA
Chelsea Graves
Funeral Director and Location Manager
Cheshire Family Funeral Home
Keene, NH
Barbara A Kazmierczak, RN, MBA, CFSP
President
Worcester Funeral Inc.
Worcester, MA
C.R. Lyons
President
C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors
Danvers, MA
Margaret M. Nolan
Executive Director
Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association
James F. O'Donnell, Jr
President/Owner
James F. O'Donnell & Sons Funeral Home and Pelham Funeral Home
Lowell, MA and Pelham, NH
Kim L. Perry
Managing Director
Warring Sullivan Funeral Home
New Bedford, MA
David Solimine Jr.
Funeral Director
Solimine Funeral Homes
Lynn, MA
Joel Solimine
Owner/Funeral Director
Solimine Funeral Homes
Lynn, MA
Gary F. Toye
Type 3 FD / Embalmer
Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home
Lynn, MA
Sarah A. Stopyra
Funeral Service Program Chair
Full-Time Faculty
Office: DS-114
978-762-4000 ext. 4251
sstopyra@northshore.edu
Cheryl Gebhardt
Administrative Assistant
Office: LS-319
781-477- 2215
cgebhard@northshore.edu
Mary Meng-Lee
Dean
Human Services/Emergency Response Pathway
Office: LS-321
781-477-2283
mmenglee@northshore.edu
Please note the data above reflects a degree in the listed program
As an instructor, I can see NSCC is filled with highly engaged students, as well as excellent staff who support and guide students to achieve their career goals.
Sarah Stopyra
Funeral Service Program Director
Program Questions
funeralservices@northshore.edu
781-477-2215
Contact Admissions
General Assistance
Visit CentroHub, NSCC’s virtual concierge.
Accreditation
North Shore Community College is an accredited public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. NSCC is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education.
American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE)
The Funeral Service associate degree program at North Shore Community College 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
National Board Examination pass rates, graduation rates, and employment rates for this and other ABFSE-accredited programs are available at https://www.abfse.org/html/dir-ma.html.
NOTE: Students applying for admission to NSCC Funeral Service associate degree program should contact their respective state licensing agency regarding that state agency’s approval of this particular program of instruction.