The advanced family history research certificate provides students with an understanding of family history research principles and practices. Students will learn techniques to define a research problem, develop a research plan, gather information from documents, analyze evidence, and write conclusions. Students will use recognized professional standards and a variety of tools to complete research projects. They will be prepared to apply these research skills to various geographic specialty areas.

This certificate is offered by BYU-Idaho, with support and resources from BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

Smiling family doing family history research

Essential Knowledge and Skills

Outcomes

Define a research problem through critical analysis of information.
Develop a plan to effectively and efficiently solve a research problem.
Gather information from documents relevant to the research problem.
Analyze evidence to reach appropriate conclusions.
Record conclusions using recognized professional standards and a variety of tools.
Prepare for professional work in the genealogical field.

Certificate of Advanced Family History Research

Program Requirements

This certificate builds into the Family History Research associate degree and/or the Professional Studies bachelor's degree.

This is an advanced certificate. Prior to working on this certificate, you must complete Family History Research.

Certificate

15 CREDITS

Associate

60 CREDITS

Bachelor's

120 CREDITS

Certificate of Advanced Family History Research

Course Code

Course Name

# of Credits

FHGEN340

Genealogical Writing

FHGEN340 — 3 credits

Genealogical Writing

This course teaches the principles of effective report writing for a variety of genealogical projects, including formatting, documentation, source citations, and presentation of genealogical data and evidence. Through case studies, students will learn how to prepare effective genealogical reports for clients.

FHGEN351

U.S. Geographic Specialization

FHGEN351 — 3 credits

U.S. Geographic Specialization

This course focuses on how to conduct genealogical research in the New England, Gulf-South, and Mid-South U.S. Regions. Through case studies and assignments, students will learn about records, including their geographical-historical background and principles of paleography. They will learn methods for reconstruction of individual families and understand the development of demographic and family history studies. Students will learn key record types for the area and how to use them to find genealogical information. Students will produce a research report on how they solved an area-specific research problem.

FHGEN352

Introduction to Genetic Genealogy

FHGEN352 — 3 credits

Introduction to Genetic Genealogy

Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of using DNA as a tool in genealogical research. They will learn about different companies that offer DNA testing. Additionally, they will learn how to use the Y chromosome, mitochondrial DNA, and autosomal DNA in their research and produce a research report.

FHGEN411

Research Methodology

FHGEN411 — 3 credits

Research Methodology

This course teaches principles of effective genealogical research methodology for solving difficult problems using U.S. and global record collections. Students will plan strategies to solve research problems. They will use a variety of genealogical record types and sources to complete research projects. Through assigned research projects, students will gain experience in describing a research problem, planning and executing a research strategy, compiling and analyzing evidence, assembling documents, citing sources, and producing professional and well-organized reports. This course will give students real-world research experience that they would encounter with professional client research.

FHGEN499R

Directed Geographic Specialty Research

FHGEN499R — 3 credits

Directed Geographic Specialty Research

In this course, students will apply the skills they have gained in the Family History Applied Associates Degree program as they learn about earning professional genealogical credentials. Students will practice evidentiary analysis and writing skills. Students will learn about real-world genealogical environments and adapt to new geographic research areas. Student will gain experience in completing a directed three or four-generation research project.

For questions about this program, contact BYU-Pathway Support

Looking Ahead

Potential Employment

This certificate prepares students for professional work in the genealogical field working for genealogical research firms, as private researchers, or as staff or educators at information institutions with genealogical departments.

Alternatively, we recommend searching for jobs requiring the skills obtained in this certificate, such as organization, data entry, research, analysis, writing, and editing.

Why choose this certificate?

Advanced family history research training will provide you with more extensive historical context, research skills, and hands-on technical learning required for you to become a competent family historian and genealogist. You can be trained in digital humanities, web publishing, human geography, genetic genealogy/DNA, editing and publishing, with ample opportunity for writing, workshops, and archival experience.

BYU-Pathway has found that certain combinations of certificates lead to better job opportunities. Most degrees have a recommended plan of certificates that will help students increase their income and improve their employment possibilities.