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 a Genealogical Research Program and a stand-alone Genealogical Practicum Course.

• Our Genealogical Research Program offers a pathway for learners at all levels, from newcomers to genealogists working in the field. We help students expand and refine their expertise over time, starting with Genealogical Principles, progressing through two additional core courses, and culminating with an elective of your choice.
  
  For all courses that are completed successfully, you will receive a digital completion badge to recognize your accomplishment and showcase your specialized genealogical knowledge.
• The Genealogical Practicum is a stand-alone course that is based in case studies. Students expand their practical research experience by applying their knowledge to real-world cases, working through fascinating research problems, and producing professional-level reports under the guidance of expert instructors.

The Genealogical Research Program is open to anyone committed to developing their genealogy expertise. Whether you’re looking for an introduction to genealogy or a specialized training in a specific area, this program offers a blend of structure and flexibility.

The Genealogical Practicum is a standalone, case study–based course for learners with some prior experience or students who have already taken the Genealogical Principles course. It may be especially helpful for genealogists preparing for advanced research or for Genealogical Research students looking to strengthen their skills before moving on to their next course.

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.

The Genealogical Research Program is a four-course sequence for everyone from beginners to working genealogists. It provides a strong foundation in the field before expanding into complex research, DNA analysis, and specialty areas like forensic genealogy.

The Genealogical Practicum Course is a seven-week intermediate course focused on practical research. Students apply their knowledge to real-world cases, perform document analysis, and create professional reports.

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 Practicum requires approximately ten to sixteen hours per week, while the courses within the Genealogical Research Program typically require 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.

Experience is not officially required to enroll in our programs or courses, but it will help you succeed in the more advanced courses.

The Genealogical Research Program begins with Genealogical Principles, which is perfect for individuals looking to get an introduction to professional genealogy skills. For the Genealogical Practicum Course, prior experience or completion of the principles course is recommended.

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 first course in our program, Genealogical Principles, has six starts annually, while all other courses 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.