EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT – American Academy McAllister Institute
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AMERICAN ACADEMY MCALLISTER INSTITUTE
619 West 54th Street
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 800-932-2264
Website: www.funeraleducation.org
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The ONLINE Associate Degree in Funeral Service from AAMI
Who is AAMI?
Founded in 1926, AAMI is the fifth oldest and the largest of the 56 accredited funeral service schools in the U.S AAMI has a rich history as a pioneer and leader in funeral service education. Our greatest strength is in preparing students to take the National Board Exam (NBE). The NBE passage rate by AAMI students is 90+ percent.
What program does AAMI offer?
AAMI offers its funeral service associate degree program in two formats: (1) the campus program for students who want to attend full-time on-campus in the heart of New York City, and (2) the online program for students who choose to attend part-time or full-time from anywhere in the world that Internet access is available.
What is online learning?
Online learning takes place over the Internet and connects students and faculty who are in various locations across the U.S. and the world. Online learning allows students to take courses anytime (24/7) and from anywhere. Students far from a campus can now participate fully in the degree program of their choice.
Online learning is the fastest growing segment of higher education. It is estimated that over 4.6 million students out of a total of 17 million took one or more online courses at colleges and universities in 2008. This is a 17 percent growth rate from the previous year and far exceeds the 1.2 percent growth of the overall higher education population. Adults especially are enrolling in online courses and degree programs in record numbers because it fits their busy lifestyles and saves them the time and expense of commuting to a campus.
Is the online program the same as the campus program?
The online program is identical to our campus program in the courses offered, the course content and the requirements that a student must complete for graduation. Both programs require the completion of 69 credits of prescribed courses.
Is the online program accredited?
Yes, both the online and campus program are fully accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education.
Are the admission requirements the same as the campus program?
Yes, the admission requirements are exactly the same. At a minimum, a student must have a high school diploma or a GED to be considered for admission. In addition, an applicant must comply with the specific legal or educational requirements prescribed by the state in which the student wishes to be licensed.
Who teaches the online courses?
Over 80 percent of the campus and online courses are taught by the same faculty.
How long will it take me to complete the associate degree in funeral service?
The typical online student takes eight credits each semester. Without any college transfer credit, a student taking eight credits a semester can complete the program in 3 years. A student may take a full load of 14 credits and finish the degree in 2 years.
Can I receive transfer credit for college courses I have taken?
Yes. AAMI provides transfer credit for courses that meet AAMI’s general education requirements.
Will I be able to get the courses I need each semester?
Yes. AAMI offers all 31 online courses each semester to ensure that students can move through the program at the pace that meets their graduation and career goals.
Can I take all of my courses online from home or work?
You can take 31 of the 33 courses online. The final two clinical components in Restorative Art and Embalming, and the Comprehensive Review for the NBE, will require you to come to New York City for the two-week Capstone experience. The Capstone is offered three times a year (April, August and December).
When would I take the online courses?
Students taking online courses may work on them anytime during the day or evening. Students do not have to be online at the same time as the instructor or other students.
Could I try a few classes to see if I like them before applying for admission?
Yes. You may enroll as a Special Student and take 1-5 credits before applying for admission to the associate degree. Courses successfully completed as a Special Student will count toward the 69-credit associate degree requirement.
What personal skills would I find helpful for this program?
Basic computer skills, email proficiency, using the web for information gathering, word processing, file management, downloading files and related tasks.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Federal Aid, and in some cases State Aid, is available if you qualify. The application procedure is the same as at any other college.
Contact our Admissions Office toll-free at 1-800-932-2264 to talk to the Director of Admissions or an academic advisor. You may print a copy of the admission application from our website at www.funeraleducation.org.
