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: Multiple start dates throughout the year
- Courses: Genealogical Principles Course, Genealogical Practicum Course, Genealogical Research Certificate
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.
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
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 hobbyists and advanced courses for experienced professionals.
I lacked structure in how I documented my research. After taking BU’s Genealogical Research Certificate, 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 path 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 course 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 BCG and ICAPGen. 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.
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.
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. Students are encouraged to select the course that aligns with their level of experience for the best results: our genealogy placement assessment can tell you what course is right for you.
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) and the ICAPGen, but there may be other requirements needed to earn these credentials. Vist the BCG and ICAPGen site for complete details on all the requirements.
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.