Funeral Director

Funeral Director’s Certificate. This program is designed to concentrate exclusively on the non-embalming responsibilities of the profession. These include working with families, arranging services, and overseeing funeral logistics. There is also emphasis on funeral home management, applicable state and federal laws, and a survey of the applications of ethics to the profession.

About this certificate. This academic program is designed to meet specific state or professional needs. It is not accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Students graduating from this program will not have the academic credential for licensure in states where graduation from an ABFSE accredited program is required.

Best in class. At the heart of every great school are great instructors. Our best-in-class faculty are knowledgeable and passionate about their disciplines, and equally passionate about engaging students in learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Our approach. Dallas Institute of Funeral Service provides a comprehensive education combining theoretical knowledge and practical training to prepare students for careers in funeral service. The curriculum includes core subjects such as embalming, restorative arts, funeral service management, grief counseling, and legal ethics, along with general studies in psychology, sociology, and business to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Hands-on training, business acumen, and strong communication skills are emphasized to equip graduates with the well-rounded expertise needed to navigate the profession’s diverse demands and compassionately serve families.

A legacy of excellence. The Dallas Institute of Funeral Service has a rich and storied history dating back to the turn of the century. One of the earliest schools of embalming in the United States, particularly in the South and Southwest, was founded in Dallas, Texas, initially known as the Barnes School of Anatomy.

With over 10,000 alumni who have excelled as funeral directors and embalmers, the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service continues to uphold its tradition of excellence and remains a cornerstone in mortuary education.

Our mission. Dallas Institute of Funeral Service is dedicated to providing quality education through transformative experiences and applied training to prepare leaders in the funeral service profession.

From the starting line to the finish line. When you attend Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, you’re never alone. From enrollment through graduation, we are by your side with support, resources and guidance to help you along the way. From the moment you enroll, the entire Pierce community — from academic and career advisors to faculty to our network of successful alumni — will be there to help you achieve your goals, day one to graduation and beyond.

Memberships. Dallas Institute of Funeral Service is a member of:

• The Texas Funeral Directors Association (TFDA)
• The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
• The National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association (NFDMA)
• The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA)
• The Cremation Association of North America (CANA)

Educational licensing requirements. Educational requirements are prescribed by statute as well as rules and regulations of the funeral service licensing board of the state in which a student desires to obtain licensure following graduation from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. It is essential that an applicant be familiar with these requirements before enrollment.

Licensing criteria vary considerably from state to state so it is strongly recommended that the applicant contact the state licensing board or the Admissions Office to ensure compliance in advance of graduation. The minimum requirement for admission in all cases is high school graduation or its equivalent.

Background checks. Many states require fingerprinting and background check upon application for professional licensure. Additionally, many funeral homes require a background check as well as drug testing prior to employment. Individuals who possess a criminal record or history of bad character may be denied licensure in certain states because of the wording of their rules and laws even though a student successfully completes mortuary school.

Application and acceptance. The application for matriculation should be completed online. In addition, the following items are required for admission and acceptance to the College:

• A completed application for the desired program;
• A $50.00 non-refundable application fee;
• The applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the time of program start;
• Completion of all required enrollment documents via DocuSign for the selected program;
• A high school transcript certifying graduation, or a GED certificate with scores, sent directly to the College from the issuing institution, or an approved equivalent;
• Official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions, sent directly to the College from the issuing institutions;
• A recent photograph for identification purposes only (a driver’s license or state-issued identification card is preferred);
• Documentation of bacterial meningitis immunization or an approved exemption, in accordance with state requirements.

The College reserves the right to refuse admission to any applicant when such action is deemed to be in the best interest of the College, its faculty, staff, students, or the funeral service profession. Once the application and all required admissions documentation have been submitted to the Admissions Office, the application will be reviewed and an admissions decision will be made. Applicants may be contacted via email if additional documentation is required prior to a final decision.

International students. At this time, Dallas Institute of Funeral Service is not SEVIS-approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and is unable to enroll international students.

Transfer credit. Due to the specialized nature of the curriculum, transfer credits will not be accepted for any Funeral Service Core (COR) courses or Capstone (CAP) courses. Dallas Institute of Funeral Service evaluates each applicant’s previous education, training, and experience, including military education, training, and experience, and grants credit where warranted.

Military and veteran application fee waiver. The application fee is waived for Active-Duty U.S. Military personnel, members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), and U.S. Military Veterans who have been honorably discharged from Active Duty or IRR.

Academic quarters. The certificate is offered in academic quarters, with each quarter consisting of eleven weeks of study. Dallas Institute of Funeral Service charges tuition on a quarterly basis according to the number of credit hours in which a student is enrolled.

Certificate Plan by Quarter. The catalog's plan runs two quarters, 45 quarter credit hours and 495 lecture hours. The college's programs overview gives its length as 6 months, in person.

• Quarter 1: 22 quarter credit hours (242 contact hours)
• Quarter 2: 23 quarter credit hours (253 contact hours)

Quarter credit hour. Dallas Institute of Funeral Service defines a quarter credit hour as one 50-minute session per week over an eleven-week quarter for lecture, recitation, or classroom instruction. One quarter credit hour is awarded for each two hours of laboratory instruction per week, and one for each three hours of clinical experience per week.

Funeral arrangement simulation. As a component of the COR 207 and COR 213 courses, students are required to participate in a funeral arrangement simulation, a one-day intensive online experience. Non-attendance disqualifies students from taking the final exam.

Boot Camp. As a component of CAP 290 Capstone Review – Arts, students are required to participate in Boot Camp, an intensive online review experience. Non-attendance disqualifies students from taking final and board exams. Dates for Boot Camp are published in the Academic Calendar.

Add/drop. Dallas Institute offers students the opportunity to add or drop a course through the first seven (7) calendar days of the quarter. Students who do not post attendance in all their courses during the add/drop period will be withdrawn from the program.

Hours of operation. Our college is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Upcoming quarters. The college's online application currently offers the Winter (January 4, 2027) and Spring (April 5, 2027) quarters; the catalog's academic calendar sets the 2027 quarter start dates.

Our start dates are as follows:

• January 4, 2027
• April 5, 2027
• July 6, 2027
• October 4, 2027