Phillip EdwinTexas is home to a well-regarded network of mortuary science schools, primarily offering associate degrees accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). Graduation from an ABFSE-accredited program is a key requirement for sitting for the National Board Examination (NBE), which is essential for state licensure as a funeral director and embalmer.
The state’s programs are concentrated in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio areas, with options ranging from comprehensive, hands-on associate degrees to specialized funeral directing certificates for students pursuing specific career paths.
Top 15 Mortuary Schools In Texas
1. Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service (Houston)
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is a major private institution in Houston offering an ABFSE-accredited Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service . The program had 562 students enrolled in recently, making it one of the largest providers of funeral service education in the state . Recent graduates have demonstrated a strong employment rate, with 93% of graduates employed, 67% of those in funeral service, and the institute maintains a competitive National Board Exam pass rate . The school offers distance education options, making it accessible to students across Texas.
2. Dallas Institute of Funeral Service (Dallas)
The Dallas Institute of Funeral Service is a long-established institution that has been serving students since its initial accreditation in 1946, offering an ABFSE-accredited Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service. The institute has transitioned to a Hybrid degree program that combines online coursework with in-person training, and also offers a Funeral Director’s Program for students seeking a more focused credential in funeral directing only. The program is 24 months long and is developed with input from industry professionals to ensure career relevance and practical skills development.
3. San Antonio College (San Antonio)
San Antonio College is home to the first college-based funeral service education program in Texas, offering an ABFSE-accredited Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science. The program is also a member of the University Mortuary Science Education Association and provides students with the necessary education to be eligible for examination by the Texas Funeral Service Commission and the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. The college has a 500-word essay requirement and requires specific immunizations for admission.
4. Amarillo College (Amarillo)
Amarillo College offers a 4-semester Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science that covers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for success in the funeral service industry. The program is designed to educate students about the responsibilities of the funeral service profession to the community and emphasizes high standards of ethical conduct . The college also offers a Certificate of Completion for funeral directing, which is aimed at students seeking licensure only as a funeral director in Texas.
5. Northeast Texas Community College (Mt. Pleasant)
Northeast Texas Community College is listed in the ABFSE directory as offering an accredited Funeral Service program, making it a valuable option for students in the Northeast Texas region. The program is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, ensuring it meets national standards for funeral service education . Students can pursue an associate degree that prepares them for the NBE and state licensure.
6. Dallas Institute – Hybrid Associate Degree
The Hybrid AAS degree at Dallas Institute is designed to meet the prerequisites for licensure and employment in funeral service and is currently the only Associate degree open for new enrollment at the institute. The curriculum balances theoretical and practical fundamentals of funeral service and is delivered in academic quarters lasting eleven weeks each. The program prepares students to sit for the National Board Examination and state licensure requirements, with the option to complete general education requirements at the institute.
7. Dallas Institute – Funeral Director’s Program (On-Campus)
This certificate program is a focused, 6-month, 45-credit course of study designed specifically for students who only wish to become funeral directors and is not ABFSE-accredited. Students in this program are not eligible to take the National Board Examination and should only pursue this option if they plan to practice in states like Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, or Oklahoma where this credential is accepted for licensure. This is a non-degree certificate program that does not qualify for federal financial aid.
8. Dallas Institute – Funeral Director’s Program (Online)
Dallas Institute also offers a Funeral Director’s Program in a fully online format, providing flexibility for students who cannot attend on-campus classes. Like the on-campus version, this program is not ABFSE-accredited and is designed for licensure in specific states only. This option is best for students seeking the most flexible path to becoming a funeral director in states that accept this credential.
9. San Antonio College – Funeral Directing Certificate
San Antonio College also offers a Funeral Directing Certificate, which is a non-accredited program designed to meet specific state or professional needs. This certificate does not include instruction in embalming, restorative art, or the sciences, and students graduating from it are not eligible to take the NBE. The certificate is recognized by the Texas Funeral Service Commission and allows graduates to take the Texas State Board of Funeral Directing exam for provisional licensure.
10. Amarillo College – Funeral Directing Certificate
Amarillo College offers a Certificate of Completion for funeral directing, which is a non-accredited program designed for students seeking licensure only as a funeral director in the State of Texas. This program does not include instruction in embalming, restorative art, or the sciences, making it a shorter, more focused credential for students not seeking to become embalmers. Students completing this program are only eligible to sit for the Texas State Board Examination.
11. Commonwealth Institute – Distance Education
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service offers distance education options for its ABFSE-accredited Associate degree program, allowing students to complete coursework remotely while still gaining the necessary qualifications for licensure. This option is ideal for students who need flexibility and cannot commit to a full-time on-campus schedule. The institute’s strong employment rates and National Board Exam pass rates apply to all students.
12. Commonwealth Institute – On-Campus Program
The on-campus program at Commonwealth Institute provides a traditional, hands-on learning environment with clinical and laboratory training opportunities. Students benefit from direct interaction with faculty and peers, as well as the chance to practice technical skills in a supervised setting. The institute had 254 students enrolled recently, with a diverse student body and a focus on practical skills for funeral service.
13. San Antonio College – AAS Degree
The Associate of Applied Science degree at San Antonio College is a full, 4-semester program that covers all aspects of mortuary science, including embalming, restorative art, grief counseling, and funeral home management. It is the only accredited mortuary science program in the San Antonio area, and students must pass the NBE within 30-45 days of graduation for their degree to be posted.
14. Commonwealth Institute – Career-Focused Program
The curriculum at Commonwealth Institute is designed to be career-focused, emphasizing high standards of ethical conduct and providing a strong foundation for the funeral service industry. The program balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce as funeral directors and embalmers. The institute’s 93% employment rate for graduates demonstrates its commitment to career readiness.
15. San Antonio College – Flexible Admission Requirements
San Antonio College offers flexible admission requirements for its Mortuary Science program, allowing students to apply after completing prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 2.50. The program also considers applicants through a holistic review process, including a 500-word essay and proof of immunization. This makes the program accessible to a wide range of students with diverse backgrounds.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | City | ABFSE Accredited | Key Program Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service | Houston | Yes | Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service |
| 2 | Dallas Institute of Funeral Service | Dallas | Yes | Associate of Applied Science – Hybrid |
| 3 | San Antonio College | San Antonio | Yes | Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science |
| 4 | Amarillo College | Amarillo | Yes | Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science |
| 5 | Northeast Texas Community College | Mt. Pleasant | Yes | Funeral Service Program |
| 6 | Dallas Institute – Hybrid | Dallas | Yes | AAS in Funeral Service (Hybrid) |
| 7 | Dallas Institute – Funeral Director Program | Dallas | No | Funeral Director Certificate |
| 8 | Dallas Institute – Online Funeral Director | Dallas | No | Online Funeral Director Certificate |
| 9 | San Antonio College – Funeral Directing | San Antonio | No | Funeral Directing Certificate |
| 10 | Amarillo College – Funeral Directing | Amarillo | No | Certificate of Completion |
| 11 | Commonwealth Institute – DE | Houston | Yes | Associate of Applied Science (Distance Ed.) |
| 12 | Commonwealth Institute – On-Campus | Houston | Yes | Associate of Applied Science (Traditional) |
| 13 | San Antonio College – AAS | San Antonio | Yes | 4-Semester AAS Degree |
| 14 | Commonwealth Institute – Career Focus | Houston | Yes | AAS with Strong Career Outcomes |
| 15 | San Antonio College – Flexible Admissions | San Antonio | Yes | AAS with Flexible Admission |
Success Tips for Choosing a Mortuary School
Start by identifying your career goals; if you want to become both a funeral director and an embalmer, you must choose an ABFSE-accredited associate degree program, which is required to sit for the NBE.
If you only wish to become a funeral director, consider the non-accredited funeral directing certificates offered by schools like San Antonio College, Amarillo College, and Dallas Institute, but be aware that these are generally only recognized for licensure in states like Texas.
Evaluate the program format; Dallas Institute and Commonwealth Institute offer hybrid or distance education options for students who need flexibility.
Consider the cost and financial aid; while some private institutions may have higher tuition, they often offer strong employment outcomes, and non-accredited certificate programs at Dallas Institute are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Finally, check each program’s National Board Exam pass rates and employment statistics, as these are key indicators of program quality and career readiness.
Closing
Texas offers a focused and high-quality network of mortuary science education, with ABFSE-accredited associate degree programs at institutions like Commonwealth Institute, Dallas Institute, San Antonio College, and Amarillo College providing the primary pathway to licensure as a funeral director and embalmer. For students with more specific career goals, non-accredited funeral directing certificates offer a faster route to becoming a funeral director.
When choosing a school, students should carefully consider their career goals, the program format, and the specific state requirements for licensure. Note that all information, including program details and accreditation, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school and through the American Board of Funeral Service Education and the Texas Funeral Service Commission.