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To download a brochure and learn more about Boston University’s online Genealogy Studies Program, please fill out the form. You can also contact an enrollment specialist directly by calling (857) 971-4728.
I chose the BU certificate because I was interested in taking my genealogical research to the next level. This program is ideal for anyone who would like to become a professional genealogist or answer highly complex questions of lineage.
Mary Tedesco, Professional Genealogist, Author, and Speaker. Genealogical Research Certificate Participant.
About the Genealogy Studies Program
Grow your genealogy expertise from the roots up with Boston University’s online courses. Designed to support learners at all skill levels, our Genealogy Studies Program offers a three-stage course progression with an appropriate entry point for everyone from hobbyists to working genealogists. Learn genealogy basics with the Genealogical Principles Course, enhance your research skills with a Genealogical Practicum Course, or advance to professional techniques with our Genealogical Research Certificate.
The Best of Online and Live Learning
These nationally recognized courses combine online flexibility with personalized attention. In an engaging virtual environment, you’ll learn from a blend of recorded videos, multimedia content, assigned reading, peer discussions, and live lectures.
Genealogy Education for All Levels
Whether you want to explore your ancestry or become a working genealogist, our genealogy education will allow you to get hands-on practice, connect with peers, and get feedback from certified professionals as you work toward your goals.
Genealogical Principles Course Overview
Build a strong foundation in genealogy research. Ideal for anyone from hobbyists to researchers without on-site experience, the Genealogical Studies Principles Course ensures you have the genealogy education and practical skills to search records, interpret information, and resolve basic identity questions.
Over seven weeks, you’ll develop your ability to:
- Perform effective and accurate research
- Understand key terms and concepts in genealogy
- Apply the Genealogical Proof Standard
- Locate and search public records
- Interpret basics of DNA and ethnicity
With these fundamental skills, you’ll be prepared to pursue independent research projects or advance to the Genealogy Practicum Course or Genealogical Research Certificate.
Principles Course: How to Get Started
With six start dates each year, you can enroll in this genealogy studies course at the time that’s most convenient for you. Genealogical Principles takes place over seven weeks, with an estimated time commitment of ten to sixteen hours* per week.
Fill out the form to download a brochure and discover more about the online Genealogical Principles Course, including details on tuition and curriculum structure.
*This time commitment is based on individual knowledge and experience in the field.
Genealogical Practicum Course Overview
Prerequisite: Participants who have not completed the Principles course must take a placement assessment to ensure they have the skills and background knowledge to succeed in this program.
Elevate your expertise through hands-on research. The Genealogical Practicum Course is designed for experienced genealogists looking to refine their techniques. Using real case studies, this course will help you improve your research skills, write genealogical works, and gain deeper insight into the field.
Over seven weeks, this genealogy studies course will hone your ability to:
- Plan strategic research
- Document your research and write high-quality reports
- Develop genealogical work products
- Compile family histories
- Prepare proof discussions
The Genealogical Practicum Course is a perfect next step after the Genealogical Principles Course. Many learners who have completed the Genealogical Research Certificate also take this course to enrich their practical skills.
Practicum Course: How to Get Started
With three start dates each year, you can enroll in this genealogy studies course at the time that’s most convenient for you. The practicum takes place over seven weeks, with an estimated time commitment of fourteen hours* per week.
Prerequisite: Participants must complete a placement assessment to ensure they have the skills and background knowledge to succeed in this program. For details on this requirement, download our brochure or connect with an enrollment specialist.
Fill out the form to download a brochure and discover more about the online Genealogical Practicum Course, including details on tuition and curriculum structure.
*This time commitment is based on individual knowledge and experience in the field.
Genealogical Research Certificate Overview
Prerequisite: Participants who have not taken the Principles course and/or the Genealogical Practicum must take a placement assessment to ensure they have the skills and background knowledge to succeed in this program.
Master expert techniques and prepare to conduct challenging research. The Genealogical Research Certificate is ideal for serious researchers and professionals looking to advance their careers. This course will equip you to perform high-level analysis and explore the complexities of the field.
As a leader among online genealogy certificate programs, BU offers an advanced curriculum that includes professional genealogist training. This course covers:
- Complex research planning
- Advanced analysis and correlation
- Formal standards and essential professional knowledge
While not an official preparation program, many students have found this genealogy certificate very helpful as they work toward accreditation with the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen) or certification through the Board for Certification of Genealogists® (BCG).
Genealogical Research Certificate: How to Get Started
With three start dates each year, you can enroll in this program at the time that’s most convenient for you. The genealogy certificate is completed in fifteen weeks, with an estimated time commitment of twenty to thirty hours* per week.
Prerequisite: Participants must complete a placement assessment to ensure they have the skills and background knowledge to succeed in the genealogy certificate program. For details on this requirement, download our brochure or connect with an enrollment specialist.
Fill out the form to download the brochure and learn details about registration, the curriculum, tuition, and more.
*This time commitment is based on individual knowledge and experience in the field.
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