FAQ

Genealogists help people discover their family history by digging into historical records 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 and work project—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.

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 knowledg

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.

The Genealogy Studies Program at Boston University consists of three online courses designed to meet learners at their experience levels, from hobbyists to professionals. The program includes the Genealogical Principles Course, Genealogical Practicum Course, and the Genealogical Research Certificate, providing a structured learning path for building and advancing your formal genealogical research skills.

We have course options for anyone interested in genealogy, whether you’re just beginning your research journey or looking to advance your professional skills. The Genealogical Principles Course is perfect for individuals seeking an introduction to formal genealogy skills, while the Genealogical Practicum Course and Genealogical Research Certificate are better suited for intermediate or advanced students aiming to deepen their expertise.

To determine which course matches your skill level, interested students should take our placement assessment.

BU is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

In terms of professional credentialing, there are no official prep courses for certification through the Board for Certification of Genealogists® (BCG) or accreditation from the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen™). However, BU’s Genealogical Research Certificate aligns with professional standards and hones the skills that working genealogists need to succeed.

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

• Genealogical Principles Course: A seven-week foundational course ideal for those without formal training, focusing on research skills, public records, and the Genealogical Proof Standard.
• Genealogical Practicum Course: A seven-week course designed for intermediate learners to apply their research skills through real-world cases.
• Genealogical Research Certificate: A fifteen-week intermediate-advanced course for working genealogists, offering deep dives into complex research, DNA analysis, and forensic genealogy.

The program is delivered entirely online, providing flexibility for students to study from anywhere that they have reliable internet access. You’ll engage with pre-recorded lectures, reading materials, hands-on assignments, and optional live webinars. Assignments are based on real-world genealogical research scenarios to ensure practical application of what you learn.

Depending on the course and your level of experience, you can expect to spend anywhere from ten to thirty hours per week on coursework. The Genealogical Principles Course and Genealogical Practicum require approximately ten to sixteen hours per week, while the rigorous Genealogical Research Certificate typically requires twenty to thirty hours per week.

Yes, instructors provide personalized feedback on all assignments, helping you refine your research methods and genealogical skills. The program also includes peer collaboration opportunities through discussion boards and webinars.

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.

Registration is simple. Add the course to your cart, create a MyCPE account, and submit payment. As part of this process, you’ll be asked about any prior affiliation with Boston University to ensure accurate records and avoid duplicates. Once fully registered, you’ll receive an email with information about course access and orientation.

Yes, each course has several start dates throughout the year. The Genealogical Principles Course has six starts annually, while the Genealogical Practicum Course and Genealogical Research Certificate have three start dates (fall, spring, and summer). Check the website for the most up-to-date schedule.

While it’s possible to enroll in multiple courses, we recommend completing one course before moving on to the next, especially given the time commitment required for each course.

Once registered, you’ll receive a welcome email with login credentials for Boston University’s online learning platform. You’ll also receive details about course access, orientation, and any required course materials.

To view our tuition and fees, visit our registration and tuition page.

Required textbooks for each course are not included in the tuition fee and must be purchased separately. Costs vary depending on the course and required materials.

While federal financial aid is not available for the Genealogy Studies Program, Boston University offers membership discounts for members of specific genealogy organizations. Be sure to check for eligibility before enrolling.

Learners may also seek private student loans for this program.

We offer a two-installment, interest-free payment plan for students in our Genealogy Studies program.

Refunds are available if you withdraw from a course within eight to fifteen days. To determine the refund deadline for your course of interest, review the Withdrawal Policy, Transfers, and Fees section our policies page, as deadlines for refunds vary.