Frequently Asked Questions

Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service > Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Common Questions

How long does the Certificate in Funeral Directing (taken in class or online) take to complete?

The online program takes 9 months if you do not transfer in the general education courses. If you have all the general education courses you can complete the online program in only 6 months. Online can be completed 100% online.

How long does the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program (in-session or online) take to complete?

The AAS program takes 15 months if you do not transfer in the general education courses. If you have all the general education courses you can complete the online program in only 12 months. Online students are required to come to campus for labs.

What times during the year can I enroll?

If you have all the general education courses completed and you plan to transfer them into our program, you can begin in January or July. If you are planning to take the general education courses with us then you can begin in April or October.

What are general education courses?

The general education courses are core courses completed at another accredited college that can be transferred into our program. The classes are: Biology, English, Psychology, College Algebra and U.S. History (U.S. History is required only for the AAS online and in-session programs).

What do I need to do in order to get enrolled?

We will need a completed application, submit the $50.00 non-refundable application fee, an official high school transcript or an official GED and official transcripts from any college, jr. college, vocational, technical, and/or university you may have attended if you are transferring any general education courses. If you have been married or divorced we will need a copy of your name change.

Do you offer housing?

Commonwealth does not offer on-campus or off-campus housing.

What hours will I be in class? Do you have evening or weekend classes?

Our class hours are Monday through Thursday from 8am until 1pm. We do not offer evening or weekend classes.

Does Commonwealth Institute charge out of state tuition?

No, we do not charge out of state tuition to our students.

Is the program at Commonwealth Institute recognized by my state?

Commonwealth Institute’s AAS program is currently recognized in all 50 states. The Certificate program is currently recognized in Texas, Louisiana, Missouri, Florida and Colorado. Contact your state agency to see if our program will be recognized in the state in which you plan on seeking licensure.

What if I have a prior conviction on my record? Can I still get licensed?

You will need to contact the state agency where you plan to get licensed prior to enrolling at Commonwealth Institute to see if you can get licensed. For students seeking a license in Texas they must contact the Texas Funeral Service Commission prior to enrolling to see if they are eligible for licensure.

Is financial aid offered for the programs?

We do accept financial aid for the Associate of Applied Science program only. The Certificate in Funeral Directing (taken in-session or online) program is not eligible for financial aid.

Is there a payment plan for paying tuition?

We do have a payment plan. After you have been accepted you will need to contact the office, 281-873-0262, to set up a payment plan.

What is the entrance exam and why do I have to take it?

The entrance exam is a free exam that you take at Commonwealth Institute (If you do not live in the Houston area, the entrance exam may be taken at a proctored site). You might have to take this exam if you do not meet the requirements to waive it. You can waive the entrance exam if you meet one of the following: transfer in all the general education courses, have an ACT minimum score of 21 on the composite, have an SAT combined score of 990 (If taken after April 1, 1995), or graduated in the upper one fourth of your high school graduating class and it is reflected on your high school transcript. We will let you know if you need to take this exam.

Can I schedule a time to meet with someone or to see the school?

We would love to have you meet with us and tour the campus. You can set up an appointment with us by email at information@commonwealth.edu or give call us at 281-873-0262.

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Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service

415 Barren Springs Drive
Houston, Texas 77090

Office Telephone: (281) 873-0262
Toll Free: (800) 628-1580
Fax: (281) 873-5232
Email: information@commonwealth.edu

Campus Hours

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Lecture Classes
Mon-Thu 8:00 AM – 8:50 AM
Mon-Thu 9:00 AM – 9:50 AM
Mon-Thu 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
Mon-Thu 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM
Mon-Thu 12:00 PM – 12:50 PM

Embalming Labs
Mon-Thu 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Fri – 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

The dates and times of laboratory sessions are scheduled at the beginning of each quarter.

2022-2023 CATALOG

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