After a thorough review from the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE), Florida State College at Jacksonville’s (FSCJ) Funeral Services program was named an ABFSE-approved distance learning (online) program during the October 2022 ABFSE Committee on Accreditation meeting in Chicago. Out of the 58 ABFSE-accredited programs, less than 25 are currently approved for distance learning.

The program has been accredited by the ABFSE since 2004, but the new approval means that qualified students may now take all courses online, except for the two clinical laboratory embalming courses. These laboratory classes are offered at the embalming lab located at FSCJ’s North Campus, with special attendance opportunities available for students from outside the service area. 

“FSCJ is known for our high-quality instruction leading to graduates who have gone on to be compassionate funeral services leaders,” said Program Director and Professor Howard Beckham Jr., CFSP. “We know that these online learning experiences will open to the door to even more students throughout the country, only strengthening the future of the industry for the good of the loved ones and families we aim to serve.”

From its inception in 2002, FSCJ’s Funeral Services program has helped develop funeral directors that are licensed not only in Florida, but also in many other states across the United States. As a limited access program, applicants must meet academic and testing qualifications for admission. Upon completion, graduates earn the Associate in Science in Funeral Services and may pursue their state’s licensure process. For more information, visit fscj.edu/academics/areas-of-study/hs/funeral-services-as or email howard.beckham@fscj.edu.

About FSCJ
Known as “the community’s college,” Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) exists to provide equitable, high quality, success-driven learning experiences for our diverse community of students. Serving more than 40,000 students and awarding close to 6,400 degrees and certificates on an annual basis, the College plays a significant role in supplying the region’s employers with a highly skilled, educated workforce.