News at 4Cs
Cape Cod Community College Opens New Funeral Service Teaching Center at Bridgewater State University
November 19, 2024The Funeral Service program at Cape Cod Community College (4Cs) already had the unique distinction of being the only community college program in Massachusetts housed entirely on the campus of a 4-year State university at Bridgewater State University (BSU). The growing program now has a new home at BSU, moving to the center of campus with a new suite of labs, classrooms, and spaces for students to pursue their Associate-in-Science in Funeral Service.
4Cs leadership, faculty, and staff, including President John Cox joined BSU leadership and President Fred Clark in cutting the ribbon on a brand-new Funeral Service suite, now housed in the John K. Kelly Gymnasium on the Bridgewater campus. The space features major space and technology upgrades for Funeral Service, which has grown into one of 4Cs’ highest enrolled programs.
“This is a proud milestone for what has quickly become one of our College’s flagship programs and a shining example of innovative collaboration in higher education across New England,” said 4Cs President John Cox. “Reflecting on the program’s beginnings—when we stepped in to support students displaced by Mount Ida College’s closure in 2018—it’s incredible to see the growth and impact we’ve achieved. We owe this success to the dedication of our Funeral Service faculty and the invaluable partnership with President Clark and the entire BSU team.”
The 4Cs Funeral Service program, the only accredited Associate Degree-granting program in southern New England, came to 4Cs following the closing of Mount Ida College. The Community College completed a “teach out” of the program for displaced students, allowing them to complete their degrees. The program now enrolls more than 70-students each semester, drawing interest from students across New England.
“In terms of space, we really are now state-of-the-art in how we can provide robust training in the classroom in our labs,” said Dan Shea, Director of the Funeral Service program. “Our students are learning in several different labs, including a simulated parlor with advanced lighting and décor, an active preparatory room where students learn the science of embalming and anatomy, and a merchandising space where students get an understanding of caskets, urns and more. This move is a real game changer for how we can continue to deliver a world-class educational experience for the Funeral professionals of tomorrow.”
Students in the American Board of Funeral Service Education-Accredited program experience a diverse range of education, including embalming, restorative arts, final disposition, and celebrant practices. Along with an Associate in Funeral Service students can earn specialized certificate programs in Bereavement Support, Embalming, Funeral Administrant, and Funeral Celebrant. Thanks to the partnership between 4Cs and BSU, students also have the option of living on campus.