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

The Florida State program has been accredited by ABFSE since 2004, but this new approval means qualified students may now take all courses online, with the exception of two clinical laboratory embalming courses. The latter classes are conducted at FSCJ’s North Campus embalming lab, with special attendance opportunities available for students from outside the service area.

Said Howard Beckham Jr., CFSP, program director and professor: “FSCJ is known for our high-quality instruction, leading to graduates who have gone on to be compassionate funeral services leaders. We know these online learning experiences will open the door for even more students throughout the country, only strengthening the future of the industry for the good of the loved ones and families that 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. As a limited-access program, applicants must meet academic and testing qualifications for admission. Upon completion, graduates earn the associate in science in funeral service degree and may pursue their state’s licensure process. fscj.edu/academics/areas-of-study/hs/funeral-services-as