Online Genealogy Studies Program

Reveal Untold Stories Through Genealogy

Request Brochure

100% Online

Network with Peers and Industry Experts

Courses for Anyone from Beginners to Pros

Learn from Experienced Genealogists

Valuable Credential from a Respected Institution

Bring Generations of History to Life

Explore your past, unlock your potential, and join a community of passionate genealogists at Boston University.

Discover the fascinating world of genealogy and transform your passion for family history into a rewarding skill set. Whether you’re a beginner looking to develop your research abilities or a working genealogist seeking advanced expertise, Boston University’s Genealogy Studies Program offers the flexibility and knowledge you need to succeed.

Taught by leading experts in the field, our 100% online genealogy courses combine a personalized learning experience with one-on-one feedback on graded assignments, ensuring your growth and success at every step.

Quick Facts

Format: 100% online
Duration: 7–15 weeks depending on the course
Cost: $995–$2,695
Start dates: One Final Class
Courses: Genealogical Principles Course, Genealogical Practicum Course, Genealogical Research Certificate

Start Registration

For years, Boston University’s Genealogy Studies Program offerings have helped students become skilled researchers and trace complex family histories. This January, we’re proud to welcome students one last time to our renowned Genealogy Studies Program. After the January 2026 cohort, this program will close permanently.

Request Information

To download a program brochure and learn more about the Online Genealogy Studies Program offered by Boston University, please fill out the form. You can also contact an enrollment specialist directly by calling (857) 971-4728.

Program of Interest*

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Phone*

By checking this box, I authorize Boston University and its representatives to contact me via text messages. Participation is voluntary. Message and data rates may apply. Messages may be sent using an autodialer or other automated system for the selection or dialing of numbers. This consent is not required as a condition of enrollment. Reply STOP to opt out. Terms.

By checking this box, I consent to receiving autodialed informational and marketing calls, including those using prerecorded, artificial, or interactive voice technology, from Boston University and its representatives. This consent is not required as a condition of enrollment. Terms.

Boston University has engaged AllCampus to help support your educational journey. AllCampus will contact you shortly in response to your request for information. About AllCampus. Privacy Policy. You may opt out of receiving communications at any time.

* All Fields are Required. Your Privacy is Protected. Are you enrolling from outside the US? Click here.

For people who are passionate about family history, this program is more than just learning facts—it’s about mastering the tools to uncover untold stories and connect people to their past in meaningful ways.

Melissa Johnson, Program Director

Genealogy professional

Why Choose BU’s Genealogy Studies Program?

Learn from the best: “The BU instructors are among the best genealogists in the business. They gave us practical guidance and used hands-on examples found in real research situations.” — Mary Tedesco, Professional Genealogist and BU Graduate
Build essential skills: Master research strategies, DNA analysis, and professional writing skills that meet industry standards.
Designed for all levels: Whether you’re new to the field or looking to deepen your expertise, we offer online genealogy courses for all skill levels, offering entry points for newcomers and advanced courses for experienced professionals.

“I lacked structure in how I documented my research. After taking BU’s Genealogical Research Program, I immediately applied the standards I learned to my work, leading to more organized and credible results.”

– John Mills, BU Graduate

Program Options for Every Skill Level

Boston University’s Genealogy Studies Program offers a comprehensive learning experience with three distinct online genealogy classes designed to suit your background and goals:

Genealogical Principles Course (seven weeks): Ideal for newcomers and less experienced genealogists, this course covers essential research techniques, introduces the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS), and teaches historical record analysis to help students make connections between generations. The principles course is perfect for those just starting out, but even experienced researchers without formal training will solidify their foundational skills.
Genealogical Practicum Course (seven weeks): For knowledgeable genealogists, this course provides hands-on experience through five real-world research projects. If you’ve mastered the basics, this course will help refine your ability to document and report genealogical findings through practical cases.
Genealogical Research Certificate (fifteen weeks): Designed for genealogists working in the field and nonprofessionals who wish to study at a high level, this program dives deep into complex research methods, DNA testing, and forensic genealogy. It also provides strong foundational knowledge for individuals interested in professional certifications such as the Board for Certification of Genealogists® and the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists. This is recommended for students who have successfully completed the Practicum or have significant prior experience in the field.

If a student struggles at any level, we recommend taking time to gain practical experience before moving to the next course. This allows for a smoother transition and ensures you are prepared for more advanced material.

Genealogy program options

Genealogy career opportunities

Career Opportunities

A career in genealogy offers exciting and flexible opportunities, particularly for those interested in creating their own path as independent professionals. Graduates of BU’s online genealogy courses may go on to pursue a wide range of roles, including:

Freelance genealogists: Offering services in family history research, heir tracing, and forensic genealogy.
Contract researchers: Collaborating with organizations on specific research projects.
Forensic genealogists: Working with law enforcement, attorneys, or government agencies on probate, title, mineral rights, criminal, and other types of legal cases.
Archivists or researchers: Employed by museums, historical societies, and academic institutions to help preserve and interpret family histories.
Librarians: Helping patrons access genealogical resources and conduct research at libraries or specialized genealogy centers.

BU’s courses provide a strong foundation for individuals seeking genealogy certifications, including BCG and ICAPGen™. These certifications can give you a competitive edge in the growing genealogy industry.

Showcase Your Expertise. Expand Your Credibility.

When you complete each course, you’ll earn a digital credential from Boston University that demonstrates the depth and breadth of your genealogical knowledge.

This shareable badge is a verified symbol of your skills and can be displayed on LinkedIn, in your email signature, or across your digital portfolio to:

Build credibility with peers, clients, and employers
Highlight your connection to Boston University’s prestigious genealogy program
Demonstrate your knowledge of core research practices and ethical standards

Whether you’re advancing your career or deepening your personal pursuits, this credential helps you stand out in a growing field.

Start earning recognition for what you know—one badge at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Genealogists help people discover their family history by digging into historical documents like vital records, census data, wills, deeds, military records, and even DNA test results. They trace family roots, uncover connections between generations, and piece together stories about ancestors. Whether it’s for personal curiosity, legal matters like inheritance, or historical projects, genealogists create detailed reports that show where we come from.

Starting a genealogy career begins with a love for research and family history. Courses like BU’s online Genealogy Studies Program can give you a strong foundation in the field. From there, it is key to build hands-on experience through research projects and create a portfolio—something our courses help you do.

Earning professional certification from groups like the BCG or ICAPGen can also boost your credibility. However, many professionals working as genealogists build thriving careers without them.

No, our Genealogical Principles Course is perfect for individuals looking to get an introduction to professional genealogy skills. For more advanced courses, prior experience or completion of the principles course is recommended.

The time it takes to get a genealogist job depends on your background and goals. For those starting from scratch, you can take the first step on your journey with a course like the Genealogy Principles Course, which takes seven weeks. Gaining hands-on experience and building a portfolio can take additional time, often a year or more, as you hone your skills and develop new expertise. Genealogy is a field of continuous learning, where the more you explore, the deeper your skill set becomes—and the more motivated you’ll feel to keep expanding your knowledge.

If you’re pursuing professional certification through organizations like the BCG or ICAPGen, the rigorous standards may require a few years of study and experience. Overall, the timeline varies based on how much time you dedicate to learning and practicing your skills.

Our Genealogical Research Certificate provides a strong foundation for individuals interested in preparing for certification with the Board for Certification of Genealogists® (BCG) or accreditation with ICAPGen, but there may be other requirements needed to earn these credentials. Visit the BCG and ICAPGen site for complete details on all the requirements.

The BU Genealogical Research Certificate is an academic program designed to equip learners with advanced skills and comprehensive genealogy expertise. While it is a valuable credential, the certificate program does not constitute professional certification.

Certification offered by the Board for Certification of Genealogists® (BCG) and accreditation from ICAPGen are professional credentials that demonstrate an individual’s competency in using genetic evidence and high standards of DNA evidence to solve problems. These professional, independently regulated certification and accreditation options demonstrate that a genealogist meets rigorous standards of expertise.

Depending on the course and your experience level, you can expect to spend between ten to thirty hours per week on our online genealogy courses.

Registration is simple. Add your chosen course to your cart, create a MyCPE student account (or log in if you’re a returning student), and submit payment.

Learn more: visit our full FAQ page or download our brochure.

Online Genealogy Studies Program

Reveal Untold Stories Through Genealogy

Bring Generations of History to Life

Quick Facts

Request Information

Why Choose BU’s Genealogy Studies Program?

Program Options for Every Skill Level

Career Opportunities

Showcase Your Expertise. Expand Your Credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do genealogists do?

How do I become a professional genealogist?

Do I need any prior experience as a professional genealogist to enroll?

How long does it take to become a genealogist?

What certifications can I pursue after completing the program?

What is the difference between the Genealogical Research Certificate, BCG certification, and ICAPGen accreditation?

How many hours per week will I need to dedicate to my studies?

How do I register?