Personalized Pathways for Every Genealogist
Boston University’s online Genealogy Studies Program offers immersive, online curricula designed to suit learners at all levels—from genealogy enthusiasts without formal training to professionals seeking advanced expertise.
BU’s Genealogy Studies Program is designed to meet students where they are.
- Build your skills progressively with a complete program: The Genealogical Research Program guides you from basics to advanced techniques. Begin with Genealogical Principles to establish a strong foundation, then continue through two specialized core courses: Genealogical Methods and Evidence followed by Genealogical Analysis. Complete your education with an elective course that aligns with your interests.
- Enhance your abilities with a focused standalone course: The Genealogical Practicum Course refines your research skills through challenging real-world cases that put theory into practice.
Each course is carefully structured to help you succeed, and students are encouraged to choose the right entry point based on their background.
“This isn’t a program where you learn something and move on. You build on every skill, every week, and the feedback helps you understand how to apply that knowledge in real-world genealogy work.”
– Melissa Johnson, Program Director
Earn Digital Credentials
Each completed course earns you a verified digital credential through Boston University that:
- Validates your specific genealogical competencies
- Integrates with LinkedIn and professional platforms
- Enhances your visibility with clients and employers
These stackable credentials document your growing expertise as you progress through our program, creating tangible evidence of your specialized knowledge.
Program Structure
Genealogical Research Program Structure
Our comprehensive program consists of four sequenced courses designed to build your genealogical expertise from foundation to specialization:
Three Required Core Courses
- Genealogical Principles
- Genealogical Methods and Evidence
- Genealogical Analysis
One Elective (Choose One)
- Professional Genealogy
- Forensic Genealogy
- Advanced Writing
To complete the program, students must take all three core courses in sequence, beginning with Genealogical Principles. Then they can choose an elective from our course list. Each course runs for seven weeks and is delivered entirely online.
Already Started?
- If you’ve completed Genealogical Principles, you can register directly for the next core course, Genealogical Methods and Evidence.
- If you’ve finished the previous certificate format, you can take individual electives to specialize further. You can also enroll in our Genealogical Practicum Course.
Genealogical Practicum Course
This standalone course is designed for researchers who want to refine their practical skills through hands-on experience. This course regularly rotates topics, making it useful for students at different stages of their genealogical education.
Genealogical Research Program Course Description
Students take four courses: three required core courses taken in sequence (starting with Genealogical Principles) and then one elective of their choice. Each course spans seven weeks.
Core Courses
The Genealogical Principles course provides your foundation in the field of genealogy. You'll learn formal skills such as researching effectively, interpreting documents, and applying the Genealogical Proof Standard. This essential starter course expands your knowledge beyond online tools to include public records and professional genealogy standards.
Key topics include:
- Essential concepts and terminology in genealogy
- Planning and organizing research
- Researching public records, including census and land records
- Understanding the basics of lineage and identity resolution
Whether you're new to the field or a more experienced genealogist, this course lays the groundwork for you to advance in the Genealogical Research Program.
Prerequisite: Genealogical Principles Course
This course teaches essential techniques for solving complex genealogical problems. You'll strengthen your critical thinking and logical reasoning skills through hands-on assignments and detailed instructor feedback.
Key topics include:
- Understanding the research cycle
- Uncovering family identities and connecting generations
- Applying genealogical theories and problem-solving strategies
- Using technology and internet resources effectively
- Evaluating and analyzing evidence
This course is designed to help you become a more effective researcher, emphasizing practical skills in analysis, correlation, and interpreting genealogical information.
Prerequisite: Genealogical Methods and Evidence
This course combines DNA-based genealogy techniques with professional genealogical writing skills. You'll learn to effectively use genetic evidence and communicate your findings according to industry standards.
Key topics include:
- Understanding different DNA types (Y-chromosome, mitochondrial, and autosomal)
- Solving genealogical problems using DNA evidence
- Applying ethical considerations to genetic genealogy
- Developing critical thinking through genealogical writing
- Creating professional genealogical work products
By the end of this course, you'll be able to analyze DNA evidence and organize your research into three essential formats: research reports, proof arguments, and narrative compilations.
Elective Options
After completing the three core courses, select one elective to fulfill your personal goals and program requirements. While only one elective is needed to complete the program, you’re welcome to enroll in additional electives to further expand your expertise in specialized areas of genealogical research.
This elective course prepares you to establish or enhance your career as a self-employed genealogist. The curriculum focuses on practical business and interpersonal skills, guiding you through a series of personalized assignments to help you build a framework for your specific goals.
Key topics include:
- Identifying your specialization and expertise within genealogy
- Creating effective client deliverables
- Managing client relationships
- Marketing your services
- Pursuing professional certification and ongoing development
By the end of the course, you'll have created an actionable business plan to launch or revitalize your genealogy practice.
This specialized course explores the forensic applications of genealogical research, including work conducted for attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Defense. You'll study intriguing real-world cases, complete hands-on assignments, and explore advanced concepts in genetic genealogy.
Key topics include:
- Applying ethical principles in forensic work
- Tracing heirs for probate cases
- Locating living individuals
- Identifying unknown parentage through autosomal DNA analysis
You will also complete a capstone project where you'll resolve a complex case of unknown parentage, preparing you for the challenging, fulfilling work that characterizes this lucrative specialty area.
Building on skills taught in Genealogical Analysis, this course enhances your professional writing. You'll learn how to polish your work, perform sophisticated evidence analysis, and create written products that meet industry standards.
Key topics include:
- Creating professional genealogical compilations
- Developing clear, convincing proof discussions
- Writing advanced research reports
- Polishing written work to meet professional standards
- Structuring complex genealogical narratives
Students can use their own research projects for course assignments or work with instructor-provided materials.
By the end of this course, you'll be able to write genealogical work products and client deliverables that meet a high professional standard.
Genealogical Practicum Course Description
The Genealogical Practicum Course is for those who have foundational knowledge in genealogy, either through completion of the principles course or through prior experience. It’s an excellent fit for genealogists ready to apply their skills to real-world scenarios, especially those preparing for advanced research roles or professional certification or accreditation.
This course focuses on real-world case studies, offering practical experience in research planning, documentation, and analysis. Ideal for those transitioning from the Genealogical Principles Course or for professionals seeking to strengthen their genealogical work products, the practicum emphasizes in-depth research and professional reporting.
Key topics include:
- Strategic research planning and methodology
- Documenting research with precision and clarity
- Preparing professional family histories
- Creating proof discussions for complex problems
- Writing genealogical reports that meet industry standards
- Organizing research findings effectively
You'll progress through five research cases, each focused on different regions and time periods. Each module starts with a live session where the instructor introduces the case, and feedback is provided on your written work throughout the course.
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.