Funeral Service Education

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I complete an application to Jefferson State Community College?

Individuals can go to Jeff State website, www.jeffstateonline.com, click on future students, then forms. Print or complete the application online. Students should contact enrollment services to make sure the application process is complete, (205) 856-7704.


I have completed an application to Jefferson State Community College, what do I do next?

Contact the Funeral Service Education Department to make sure official transcripts were received and to speak with an advisor. Please note: If you sent transcripts directly to enrollment services please contact the transcript evaluators to get the transcript evaluated, (205) 856-7704.

How do I obtain an apprenticeship with a funeral home?

Individuals seeking an apprenticeship with a funeral home should set up an appointment with a funeral home manager or owner to express their interest in the profession. Jeff State does not place students in funeral homes. The apprenticeship is obtained through the funeral home, the individual and the State Board of Funeral Service.
To obtain an application for apprentice funeral director and apprentice embalmer individuals should contact their prospective State Board of Funeral Service.

How long do I have to serve my apprenticeship before I can enter school?

An apprenticeship in the State of Alabama is two years, in order to enroll in school, individuals just need to have the apprenticeship in place. Individuals can be in school and serving the apprenticeship at the same time.

What are the requirements for the Distance Learning Option?

See Distance Learning Requirements. Students are required to come to the Jefferson State Community College campus three times during the semester. First time, is for a mandatory orientation. The mandatory orientation is held in the Harold Martin Building in the basement on the Jefferson Campus in classroom 12 at 8:00 a.m. SHARP during the spring and fall semester. If individuals miss this orientation date they will not be enrolled for that semester. Second time is for midterm exams. Midterm exams are given to students on the designated day. Third time is for final exam. All final exams are given to student on the designated day. ALL YOUR EXAMS ARE GIVEN ON THE SAME DAY! Please understand that there are no exceptions.

How much of the Distance Learning course are offered online?

It takes four semesters to complete the FSE Program. All the courses are offered online except for your last semester. You will be required to complete 10 nine hours days in an embalming lab here in downtown Birmingham. For the first three semesters you come down three times during the semester, the first is a mandatory orientation session (Please contact Venus Smith or visit the website for the dates the semester before you plan to enroll), the second time students will complete a midterm exam and the third time a final exam. ALL YOUR EXAMS ARE GIVEN ON THE SAME DAY! Please understand that there are no exceptions.

What if I have courses at another accredited mortuary school and I want to get credit for them?

Jefferson State Funeral Service Education Program does not accept Funeral Service Education courses over four years old. Also, the course must come from a regionally accredited school. If your courses are under four years old you can send an official transcript to: Venus Smith, 2601 Carson Road, Birmingham, AL 35215 to get evaluated. You should also make application to Jeff State when you request for your transcript.

I don't want to be an embalmer I just want to be a funeral director, what should I do?

Jefferson State Community College Funeral Service Education Program offers a 24 semester hour certificate program from people interested in just funeral directing. The program takes one year to complete. There are two requirements to enter the program: 1) A valid apprenticeship with a funeral home and 2) English Composition I and Math.

What is Jeff State current tuition for out-of-state students?

You can get the tuition & fee listing here.

Jefferson State offers equal opportunity in its employment, admissions, and educational programs and activities in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504, of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990