Barry PhilipsIf you are interested in becoming a mortician, funeral director, embalmer, or other funeral service professional, choosing the right mortuary school is an important first step.
Mortuary science programs prepare students for careers involving funeral arrangements, embalming, restorative art, grief support, funeral home management, death-care laws, and other aspects of funeral service. In Texas, students have several options for studying funeral service and mortuary science, although the number of dedicated programs is relatively small compared with fields such as nursing, business, or education.
For students searching for mortuary schools in Texas, the major institutions to consider include Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service, Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, Northeast Texas Community College, and San Antonio College.
This guide covers these schools, their programs, admission requirements, study options, and what students need to know about becoming a licensed funeral director or embalmer in Texas.
Top Mortuary Schools in Texas
1. Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
Location: Houston, Texas
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is one of the most specialized options for students looking for a mortuary school in Texas.
Unlike a traditional community college where funeral service may be only one program among hundreds, Commonwealth focuses specifically on funeral service education.
The institution offers an Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service as well as a Certificate in Funeral Directing.
The AAS program is designed for students interested in careers involving both funeral directing and embalming. The school also provides an online study option, which can be useful for students who need greater flexibility.
Students can expect to encounter subjects involving anatomy, embalming, restorative art, funeral directing, funeral service management, law, and other areas of professional preparation.
Commonwealth Institute Admission Requirements
Applicants generally need to meet requirements such as:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Possess a high school diploma or recognized GED equivalent
- Submit required transcripts
- Complete the school’s application
- Meet the institution’s academic admission standard
- Complete any required entrance assessment
Commonwealth provides several ways applicants can demonstrate that they meet its academic admission requirements.
Students should review the school’s current admission policies before applying because requirements can change.
2. Dallas Institute of Funeral Service
Location: Dallas, Texas
Dallas Institute of Funeral Service is another dedicated funeral service institution in Texas and an important option for students searching for mortuary schools in Dallas.
The institution offers an Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service.
Its current AAS program is structured as a 100-credit, 24-month hybrid program, combining online education with required in-person learning.
The program covers the academic, practical, and professional components of funeral service. Coursework can include areas such as embalming, restorative art, funeral service law, grief counseling, anatomy, funeral home management, and other subjects.
The hybrid structure may appeal to students who want the flexibility of online education while still receiving hands-on funeral service training.
Dallas Institute Admission Requirements
Prospective students generally need to:
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete the application process
- Submit required academic records
- Meet the institution’s admission requirements
- Complete the required funeral service curriculum
- Complete applicable practical or laboratory requirements
Students should also understand that successfully completing the academic program is only one part of the professional licensing pathway.
3. Northeast Texas Community College
Location: Mount Pleasant, Texas
Northeast Texas Community College provides another pathway into the funeral service profession.
The college offers an Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service, along with certificate options related to funeral directing and embalming.
Its Funeral Service Education program combines classroom learning with practical and clinical experiences.
The AAS curriculum can cover subjects such as:
- Embalming
- Restorative art
- Funeral directing
- Funeral service law
- Funeral home management
- Technical procedures
- Psychology
- Anatomy
- Microbiology
- Professional communication
- Internship experience
One feature that may attract prospective students is the availability of online coursework. However, students should not assume that the entire program can be completed remotely because funeral service education requires practical training.
Northeast Texas Community College Admission Requirements
Applicants generally need to:
- Apply for admission to Northeast Texas Community College
- Apply to the Funeral Service Education Program
- Provide required transcripts
- Meet applicable academic requirements
- Complete required placement or readiness requirements
- Complete program orientation
- Provide required health documentation
- Satisfy clinical and practical requirements
Students should carefully review the current program application instructions before enrolling.
4. San Antonio College
Location: San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio College is another Texas institution associated with funeral service and mortuary science education.
For students located in or around San Antonio, the college provides an option for pursuing education related to funeral service without relocating to Houston, Dallas, or Mount Pleasant.
The program focuses on the academic and professional knowledge required in funeral service.
Depending on the current program structure, students may encounter subjects related to funeral directing, embalming, anatomy, funeral service management, law, and other aspects of mortuary science.
Because program structures and enrollment arrangements can change, prospective students should confirm the current credential offered and the latest admission requirements directly with the college before applying.
San Antonio College Admission Requirements
Prospective students should expect requirements such as:
- College admission
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Required academic documentation
- Completion of program-specific requirements
- Required prerequisite or introductory coursework where applicable
- Completion of practical training requirements
Students should verify the current requirements before submitting an application.
How Many Mortuary Schools Are in Texas?
Texas does not have many dedicated mortuary schools. Current funeral-service training information identifies four principal Texas institutions offering relevant funeral service or mortuary science education.
These are:
- Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
- Dallas Institute of Funeral Service
- Northeast Texas Community College
- San Antonio College
There have also been other Texas colleges associated with mortuary science programs historically, but prospective students should verify whether such programs are currently accepting new students before considering them.
Because program availability can change, students should always confirm the current status of a program and its eligibility for Texas licensure before enrolling.
What Is Mortuary Science?
Mortuary science is the study of the professional practices involved in caring for deceased people and supporting their families.
A mortuary science education can cover areas such as:
- Embalming
- Anatomy
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Restorative art
- Funeral directing
- Funeral home management
- Funeral service law
- Ethics
- Grief counseling
- Cremation
- Public health
- Funeral merchandising
- Professional communication
The profession therefore involves considerably more than preparing bodies for burial. Funeral professionals also interact with families, coordinate services, complete legal documentation, manage funeral homes, and help families navigate the practical aspects of death.
Texas Mortuary School Requirements
Although each institution establishes its own admission requirements, there are several requirements that prospective mortuary science students should understand.
High School Diploma or GED
A high school diploma or recognized equivalent is generally the starting point for admission to mortuary science programs.
Texas also requires applicants for funeral director and embalmer licensure to have graduated from an accredited high school or passed a GED examination.
Minimum Age
Students should pay attention to age requirements.
Texas licensing rules require an individual seeking a funeral director or embalmer license to be at least 18 years old.
Individual schools may have additional rules regarding enrollment.
College Application
You will normally need to apply to the institution before beginning your mortuary science program.
Some schools may also require a separate application for the funeral service program after general admission.
Academic Records
Schools can require official transcripts from high school and previously attended colleges.
If you have already completed college courses, those credits may potentially count toward certain requirements depending on the institution.
Entrance Requirements
Some mortuary schools may require applicants to demonstrate academic readiness through standardized test results, previous college coursework, entrance examinations, or other measures.
The exact requirement varies by institution.
Clinical and Practical Training
Mortuary science is a hands-on profession.
Consequently, students should expect practical training as part of their education.
Depending on the program, practical experience may involve embalming laboratories, restorative art exercises, funeral service procedures, internships, or supervised experiences.
Texas Funeral Director and Embalmer Licensing Requirements
Completing a mortuary science program does not automatically make someone a licensed funeral director or embalmer in Texas.
The Texas Funeral Service Commission establishes the state’s licensing requirements.
Generally, the Texas pathway requires applicants to:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Graduate from an accredited school or college of mortuary science.
- Complete the applicable provisional licensing requirements.
- Pass the required National Board Examination examinations.
- Pass the Texas Mortuary Law Examination.
The exact requirements can vary depending on an applicant’s circumstances, including reciprocity and previous licensing.
Therefore, students should check the current Texas licensing rules before selecting a school.
How Long Does Mortuary School Take in Texas?
The length of a mortuary science program depends on the school and credential.
For example, Dallas Institute of Funeral Service’s current Associate of Applied Science program is structured as a 24-month program.
Other institutions offer certificates alongside associate degrees, meaning students may have different options depending on whether they want comprehensive preparation for funeral service or a narrower educational pathway.
Students should consider both the classroom portion and the practical/licensing requirements when calculating the total time needed to enter the profession.
Can You Study Mortuary Science Online in Texas?
Yes, some Texas funeral service programs provide online or hybrid coursework.
However, prospective students should understand the difference between online academic coursework and online completion of the entire professional training process.
Subjects that require laboratory, embalming, clinical, or practical experience may require students to attend in person.
For this reason, an online or hybrid mortuary program can still involve significant campus or clinical requirements.
What Jobs Can You Get With Mortuary Science?
Graduates of funeral service programs can pursue several careers within the death-care industry.
Potential positions include:
Funeral Director
Funeral directors work with families to arrange and coordinate funeral services.
Their responsibilities may include organizing ceremonies, completing documentation, coordinating transportation, communicating with cemeteries, and helping families make funeral arrangements.
Embalmer
Embalmers prepare deceased individuals for viewing, burial, or other funeral arrangements using professional embalming procedures.
Mortician
The term mortician is commonly used for professionals working in funeral service, although specific job titles and licensing requirements can vary.
Funeral Home Manager
Experienced funeral professionals can move into management positions involving staffing, operations, finances, scheduling, customer service, and regulatory compliance.
Funeral Service Administrator
Some professionals work in administrative and operational roles within funeral homes and related organizations.
Crematory Professional
The growth of cremation has also created career opportunities involving crematory operations and related death-care services.
How to Choose a Mortuary School in Texas
Choosing a mortuary school involves more than looking at the school’s name.
Check Accreditation
Accreditation is one of the most important factors to investigate.
If your ultimate goal is Texas licensure, make sure the education you are receiving satisfies the relevant licensing requirements.
Compare Tuition
Look beyond advertised tuition.
Calculate the potential cost of:
- Tuition
- Laboratory fees
- Books
- Equipment
- Uniforms
- Transportation
- Examination fees
- Other program charges
Check Online Options
If you work or have family responsibilities, an online or hybrid program may provide greater flexibility.
However, determine exactly which portions of the program must be completed in person.
Consider Location
Texas is a large state.
A student in Houston may find Commonwealth Institute convenient, while someone in Dallas may prefer Dallas Institute. Students in East Texas can investigate Northeast Texas Community College, while students in the San Antonio area can investigate San Antonio College.
Confirm Licensing Eligibility
This should be one of your most important checks.
Before paying tuition, confirm that the program you are considering meets the educational requirements for the license you intend to pursue.
Mortuary Schools in Texas Comparison Table
| School | Location | Main Program | Study Format | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service | Houston | AAS Funeral Service; Funeral Directing Certificate | Campus/Online | Specialized funeral service institution |
| Dallas Institute of Funeral Service | Dallas | AAS Funeral Service | Hybrid | 24-month, 100-credit AAS |
| Northeast Texas Community College | Mount Pleasant | AAS Funeral Service; Certificates | Online/Practical | Offers funeral directing and embalming certificate pathways |
| San Antonio College | San Antonio | Funeral Service/Mortuary Science | Verify current format | Public community college option |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many mortuary schools are in Texas?
There are four principal institutions currently identified with funeral service or mortuary science training in Texas: Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service, Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, Northeast Texas Community College, and San Antonio College.
What is the best mortuary school in Texas?
There is no single school that is best for every student. Your choice should depend on factors such as location, tuition, accreditation, program format, practical training, and your intended career path.
Do you need a degree to become a mortician in Texas?
For the standard Texas licensing pathway, applicants need to graduate from an accredited school or college of mortuary science and satisfy the other licensing requirements established by the Texas Funeral Service Commission.
Can I become an embalmer through online school?
Some funeral service programs offer online coursework, but embalming is a practical skill and students should expect hands-on training requirements.
How long does it take to become a funeral director in Texas?
The educational component can take approximately two years for an associate degree at some institutions, but the complete pathway to professional licensure can take longer because of provisional licensing, examinations, and other requirements.
Is mortuary science a good career?
Mortuary science can provide a specialized career path for people interested in funeral service, working with families, and the professional care of deceased individuals. Prospective students should research the emotional, practical, educational, licensing, and employment aspects of the profession before making a career decision.
Related
Conclusion
Texas has a relatively small number of dedicated mortuary science and funeral service programs compared with many other academic fields. Rather than searching for a list of 20 or more schools, prospective students should concentrate on the four principal Texas institutions offering relevant training: Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service, Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, Northeast Texas Community College, and San Antonio College.
Each option has different characteristics in terms of location, program structure, study format, certificates, associate degrees, and admission requirements.
Most importantly, students interested in becoming licensed funeral directors or embalmers should look beyond simply getting admitted to a school. They should make sure their chosen educational pathway aligns with the current Texas Funeral Service Commission licensing requirements.
For anyone searching for mortuary schools in Texas and their requirements, these programs provide the main places to begin researching a career in funeral service.