**Winter 2021 Academic Quarter**
All CIFS courses will remain online for the Winter 2021 term. Classes will start on Monday, January 4th as scheduled. Labs for 3rd quarter campus students will occur as scheduled.
Fall 2020 Commencement Ceremony
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Commencement will again be held virtually. The ceremony will be streamed live on Commonwealth Institute’s YouTube channel on Friday, December 18th at 10:00 AM (CST).
On-Campus Degree
Associate of Applied Science Degree
The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service (AAS) is specially designed to teach students the skills and abilities essential for employment as an embalmer and funeral director. Learn more.
View Program DetailsOn-Campus Certificate
Certificate of Funeral Directing
The Certificate in Funeral Directing is designed to teach students the skills essential for employment as a funeral director in the state of Texas. This academic program is designed to meet specific professional needs. Learn more.
View Program DetailsOnline Certificate
Online Certificate in Funeral Directing
The Certificate in Funeral Directing is designed to teach students the skills essential for employment as a funeral director in the state of Texas. This academic program is designed to meet specific professional needs in the Online learning environment. Learn more.
View Program DetailsOnline Degree
Online Associate of Applied Science Degree
The Online Associate of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service (AAS) is specially designed to teach students the skills and abilities essential for employment as an embalmer and funeral director in the Online learning environment. Learn more.
View Program DetailsEarn Your Associate of Applied Science Degree or a Certificate in Funeral Directing
The Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service is a vocational, post secondary teaching institution with its primary purpose being to educate individuals interested in the subjects comprising the curriculum for licensure and a career in funeral service. We are devoted to raising the standards of the funeral service profession by preparing students as funeral directors and embalmers. Begin your career path at Commonwealth Institute today!
Learn with those from Baylor College of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, and Harris County Social Services while Working Toward Your Education
Commonwealth Institute located at 415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston, Texas 77090, offers students a unique experience in practical embalming and restoration educational experience. Primary to this educational experience is the relationships that Commonwealth has with the prestigious Baylor College of Medicine, and the University of Texas Medical Branch whereby our students embalm the cases deemed for anatomical dissection.
With Harris County Social Services our students embalm, dress, cosmetize, and casket the decedents who will be interred in the county cemetery. Commonwealth students are able to assist on these burial services. Commonwealth now prepares approximately 400 cases annually.
“Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service offers our students two programs – an Associate of Applied Science Degree and a Certificate in Funeral Directing. We’ve done this while providing stellar education for funeral service professionals as funeral directors, embalmers or both since 1936. The funeral services profession is our sole mission.”
Accreditation and Memberships of Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service. See Accreditation for more information.