Distance Learning classes are delivered to the student through the Internet, allowing the student to forego the time he or she would normally spend in the classroom setting by acquiring academic credit from the comfort of home or office.  

Applicants for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service may take Distance Learning Courses through Dallas Institute of Funeral Service.  Only one course may be taken concurrently with in-residence courses.   Resident students may not take a distance learning course if the same class is offered in residence in the same quarter.  In order to eliminate the first quarter of the Associate of Applied Science degree program, the student must take ENG 105, HIS 105, HIS 205, and MAT 105.  Satisfactory completion of the other Distance Learning Courses will give the student credit for courses normally taught during other quarters.

How Do Distance Learning Courses Compare to Courses on Campus?

Each course is the equivalent of the on-campus section of the same course in the terms of objectives, content, and transferability between each Pierce Mortuary College.  Students must meet stated prerequisites where applicable.

Tuition is $200.00 per quarter hour or $ 800.00 per class, whichever is less, and includes the required textbook for the particular class.

Except at another Pierce Mortuary College, the course curriculum may or may not transfer to another college or university. Determination of transfer credit for Distance Learning classes taken at a Pierce Mortuary College and transferred to other colleges or universities is solely at the discretion of that college's administrators.

 What Is Included In A Distance Learning Class?

A Distance Learning Class includes:

	Lectures, notes, and assignments available through their home or office computer.
	Interaction with the instructor or other students through the use of phone calls, facsimile machines, and electronic mail.
	Textbook, study guides, and supplemental reading where applicable.
	Students taking these courses must have a computer, an Internet connection, an e-mail account, and Netscape Navigator 3.1 or Internet Explorer 3.02 or higher.
	Examinations at the student's local area testing center.
	Participation in special activities related to the course, if applicable.

Who May Be Admitted To Our Distance Learning Courses?

Only those applicants for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service may take Distance Learning Courses through Dallas Institute of Funeral Service.  The rules and regulations pertaining to the educational standards which must be met by the applicant prior to his or her enrollment in the college are prescribed by the state approval agencies and examining boards in various states.  It is essential that the applicant consult the secretary of his or her state board or the registrar of the college well in advance of the desired date of enrollment.  The minimum requirement for admission in all cases is high school graduation or its equivalent.  Contact the Registrar at Dallas Institute for an Application for Matriculation.

How Much Does Distance Learning Cost?

Tuition is $200.00 per quarter hour attempted or $800.00 per course, whichever is less, and includes all required textbooks and supplies.  A one-time $50.00 non-refundable Application Fee must accompany the Application for Matriculation.  Title IV federal financial aid is not available for Distance Learning courses.

How Do I Register?

You may register by contacting the Office of the Registrar at Dallas Institute of Funeral Service and requesting an Application for Matriculation or by accessing the online application page of this website.

Applications should be submitted no later than thirty (30) days prior to the start of the quarter, and should be accompanied by the following:

	$50 non-refundable Application Fee.
	High school transcript certifying graduation, GED, or other equivalent, as well as transcripts of any college work completed.
	A recent photograph

When Do I Register?
There are four (4) registration dates each year for Distance Learning Classes.  These correspond with the start dates of the college's quarters.  Refer to the Supplement to the Catalog or the college website for these dates.  A student may elect to take a Distance Learning Course at the start of any quarter he or she chooses regardless of whether that class is being offered in that same quarter at the college.  The length of time a student has to complete each course will be the same as the student who attends on-campus classes.

What Are The Grading and Testing Procedures?
The grade of a student in any course represents all the work of the student in the course, including assignments and examinations, combined in such proportion as the instructor in charge of the course may decide.  Exams will be given and proctored at student area testing centers decided upon by the instructor.  Make-up or completion of incomplete course work will be solely at the discretion of the instructor.

The College maintains complete records of the academic progress of all students.  The students will be mailed copies of their grades at the end of each academic quarter.

Withdrawal From A Distance Learning Class
A student withdrawing from the College must make a formal declaration of intention to withdraw and must clear oneself in every respect with the College.  Merely discontinuing assignments and examinations does not constitute formal withdrawal.  A student who does not notify the College in writing or e-mail will receive a failing grade for the work taken while enrolled in the Distance Learning Program.  Any consideration for tuition refund will be based on the date of formal notification.

What If I Have Questions?
Each instructor maintains designated times throughout the quarter to take phone calls and answer questions.  These individual hours are noted on the course syllabus, as well as pertinent e-mail addresses, physical addresses, facsimile and phone numbers.  

How do I know distance learning is right for me?

Consider the following: Scheduling and time management
Distance learning students can sometimes end up neglecting their studies because of personal or professional circumstances, unless they have compelling reasons for taking the course.

Online courses often require at least as much time and commitment as traditional courses.

Learning styles and organization
Distance learning courses give students greater freedom of scheduling, but they can require more self-discipline than on-campus classes. In traditional courses, students meet face-to-face with the instructor and each other at least once a week. However, in online courses most activities and communication are asynchronous, meaning that students complete their assignments at different times throughout the day and week, depending on their schedule. Distance learning allows students flexibility and convenience, but requires responsibility. Without the structure of regular class meetings, it will be up to the students to pace themselves and keep up with assignments.

Being part of a class
Some students prefer the independence of distance learning courses; others find it uncomfortable.

Reading skills
Print materials are the primary source of directions and information in distance learning courses.

New technologies
If you are generally intimidated by technology and avoid it at all costs, an online course may not be right for you.

Computers and the Internet
The personal computer is the primary learning and communication tool in most online courses. Students need to have basic technology skills (such as using word processing software and Web browsing) as well as regular access to a computer with an Internet connection.

Communication and classroom discussion
People learn in different ways. Some students learn best by interacting with others, some prefer to read and review on their own. Distance learning courses vary with the amount of opportunity for group interaction. Even high levels of group interaction in an online course will differ from interaction within a traditional face-to-face course. Students who feel that they will miss seeing and listening to their classmates and instructors, or want to experience campus life, may not be happy taking online courses.

Assignment directions and guidance
Distance learning courses require you to work from written directions without face-to-face instructions.

Confidence in discussing problems with instructors
Students who do well in distance learning courses are usually comfortable contacting the instructor as soon as they need help with the course. Instructors need to know right away if students are having problems with technology or course content.

For further information, please contact us at:
Dallas Institute of Funeral Service
3909 South Buckner Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75227
Toll Free:  1-800-235-5444      
Local:  214-388-5466      
Fax:  214-388-0316

In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352) we accept students without regard to race, color, sex, creed, disability, or national origin.

Dallas Institute of Funeral Service
3909 South Buckner Blvd.,  Dallas, Texas 75227
(214) 388-5466 or 800-235-5444  Fax (214) 388-0316
E-Mail difs@dallasinstitute.edu

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