Genealogy Studies Program

Click here to learn more about the Online Genealogy Studies program.

Genealogy Studies Program

Whether you're a dedicated hobbyist or ready to take your passion for genealogy to a professional level, Boston University’s Online Genealogy Studies Program offers a dynamic and flexible way to gain the skills you need—from foundational knowledge to advanced research techniques. 

For 15 years, Boston University has been a leader in genealogy education. As the field has evolved—incorporating DNA as a genealogical source, advancing forensic methods, and updating professional research standards—so has our curriculum. Our expert-led courses are designed to give you a comprehensive, practical education that prepares you for real-world genealogical work or a career in professional genealogy.

What You’ll Learn
•    Core genealogical terms and concepts, and an understanding of the Genealogical Proof Standard
•    How to analyze and interpret public records to solve identity questions
•    The role of DNA and ethnicity in genealogical research
•    Best practices for documenting and compiling family histories through quality proof discussions, research reports and genealogical compilations

Flexible, Focused, and Taught by Experts
Courses are 7 weeks long, fully online, and taught in a convenient asynchronous format — perfect for working professionals or busy adults. Each course is taught by experts in the field, bringing deep real-world knowledge to each student. Tuition is $995 per course. 

At Your Own Pace

The program is designed as a progressive sequence of courses, helping you build confidence and expertise with each step. Students take the following three courses in sequence:
•    OLGS150 Genealogical Principles – Begins Summer 1 2025            
•    OLGS201 Genealogical Methods and Evidence – Begins Fall 1 2025
•    OLGS202 Genealogical Analysis – Begins Fall 2 2025
...and take one of the following electives (and are welcome to return for others to enhance learning):
•    OLGS221 Advanced Genealogical Writing – Begins Spring 1 2026
•    OLGS222 Forensic Genealogy – Begins Spring 2 2026
•    OLGS223 Professional Genealogy – Begins Summer 1 2026

The program is structured as a progressive series of courses, each designed to build upon the skills and knowledge acquired in the previous course. As students advance through the curriculum, they will continually enhance and refine their abilities, ultimately developing into proficient researchers. Many students find that the courses at Boston University provide excellent preparation for careers in the field, for certification with the Board for Certification of Genealogists® or for accreditation with the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists.® 

For those interested in focusing on writing their genealogical work products OLGS185 Genealogical Practicum has with five rotating cases to further develop these skills.  This course can be taken at any time.

*Occasionally, based on the calendar, these classes will adjust the start date by one week (e.g., Oct will begin in Nov, and Jul will begin in Jun).  Classes traditionally begin on a Tuesday.  

OLGS150 Genealogical Principles: The Genealogical Principles Course is designed for genealogists who want to deepen their genealogy skills, gain formal research skills, and expand their knowledge of historical records, understand genealogy standards, and begin a structured introduction to the genealogy field.
OLGS185 Genealogical Practicum: The Genealogical Practicum course covers five areas to develop work product writing skills.  The cases are from different geographical areas, time periods, and ethnicities.  The cases rotate to allow for repeat enrollment. Pre-req OLGS150 recommended 
OLGS201 Genealogical Methods and Evidence: The Genealogical Methods and Evidence course focuses on understanding the essential techniques and methodologies required to effectively tackle intricate genealogical challenges. During the course, students will develop logical reasoning and critical thinking skills, learn about the research cycle, and understand how to evaluate evidence and draw sound conclusions. Pre-req OLGS150 required
OLGS202 Genealogical Analysis: The Genealogical Analysis course offers students an advanced look at DNA testing and how DNA test results can be used as evidence to solve genealogical problems. The course also incorporates elements of genealogical writing as a problem-solving tool, introducing practices for compiling research reports and other written genealogical works. Pre-req OLGS201 required
OLGS221 Advanced Writing: The Advanced Writing elective emphasizes the significance of writing for critical thinking, communicating research findings, and meeting the Genealogical Proof Standard. Students will learn best practices for organizing their results into coherent written form, and become familiar with research reports, proof arguments, and narrative compilations. Pre-req OLGS202 required
OLGS22 Forensic Genealogy: The Forensic Genealogy elective affords students the opportunity to work on interesting cases and take part in complex problem-solving within the forensic genealogy discipline, the most lucrative of the genealogical specialties. Students will learn about and work on a variety of cases, including estate, dual citizenship, unknown parentage, and complex autosomal DNA cases. Pre-req OLGS202 required
OLGS223 Professional Genealogy: The Professional Genealogy elective take students on a journey through all elements they will need to establish themselves as a practicing professional genealogist, including a business plan, marketing strategy, hard and soft skills, contracts, client deliverables, and a continuing education plan. Pre-req OLGS202 required

To inquire about Boston University’s Online Genealogy Studies Program, including upcoming course schedules, please contact our education partners at AllCampus by calling 857-366-9338 or visit the online Genealogy Studies program site.