Genealogy Studies: Online

When genealogical research is used to authenticate an identity, solve a medical mystery, trace property ownership, find lost friends and family, or write accurate historical discourses, the results must be irrefutable.

The Genealogical Programs offered by Boston University’s Center for Professional Education introduce current genealogical technologies and research methods that reflect the exacting standards and investigative best practices used by professionals. Developed in collaboration with—and taught by—some of the premier genealogists in the country, the courses employ lectures, demonstrations, hands-on learning, workbook exercises, practice activities, and open discussions to help students identify and evaluate evidence, design research strategies, and write quality reports.

Genealogical Research Certificate

The Genealogical Research Certificate program leads to a certificate from Boston University, and is excellent preparation for those who seek certification through the Board for Certification of Genealogists^®.

Available online, the Genealogical Research Program covers the following topics:

• Problem-Solving Techniques and Technology
• Evidence Evaluation and Documentation
• Forensic Genealogical Research
• Professional Genealogy

The Genealogical Principles Course is ideal for serious beginners and hobbyists and enthusiasts who are seeking to hone their research skills. This course also serves as excellent preparation for the Genealogical Research Certificate Program. In this course students:

• Improve genealogical research skills
• Gain a solid understanding of genealogical concepts and terms
• Master the Genealogical Proof Standard
• Locate and search public records to resolve identity problems
• Introduction to DNA and ethnicity

Genealogical Research Certificate Program Details

View the online curriculum.

Requirements

The program requires prior genealogical experience. It will be assumed that students have spent significant amounts of time searching for multiple generations of a family through record repositories and online sources, then documenting their results. Throughout their course of study, students will be expected to research many genealogical problems and write reports. In addition, candidates should have attended national genealogical conferences or local meetings and queried various genealogical databases and critiqued their content.

Students must be able to complete the following tasks and communicate their findings in clear English: access many websites, work within multiple windows, effectively use web browsers, edit documents, read tracked changes in a document, and upload and download forms, photographs, deeds, PDFs, and census data.

While a bachelor’s degree is not required, we recommend either a bachelor’s degree, or significant related work experience.

Please refer to the FAQ section for more information on requirements.

Genealogical Principles Course Details

The newly developed seven-week Boston University Genealogical Principles Course includes detailed instruction and hands-on practice to:

• Improve genealogical research skills
• Gain a solid understanding of genealogical concepts and terms
• Master the Genealogical Proof Standard
• Locate and search public records to resolve identity problems
• Introduction to DNA and ethnicity

The program requires no prior genealogical experience. Students must be able to complete the following tasks and communicate their findings in clear English: access many websites, work within multiple windows, effectively use web browsers, edit documents, read tracked changes in a document, and upload and download forms, photographs, deeds, PDFs, and census data.

Please refer to the FAQ section for more information on requirements for both courses.

To Learn More or Register

To inquire about Boston University’s Genealogical Programs online, including upcoming course schedules and registration, please contact our educational partners at MindMax, Inc. by calling 617-502-8822 or by visiting their website at genealogyonline.bu.edu.

National Genealogical Society Quarterly at BU

Reflecting its ongoing involvement in advanced genealogical education, BU’s Center for Professional Education proudly houses the renowned National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ). The journal is co-edited by the director of CPE’s Genealogical Research program, Melinde Lutz Byrne, FASG, and program faculty member Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, FNGS. For more information about the journal, please visit the NGSQ website