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Certificate
Family History Research
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> ... Certificates & Degrees Overview > Degree List > Family History Research

The certificate in family history research helps students gain the fundamental research skills and knowledge needed to become a successful family history researcher.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

Outcomes

  • Define a genealogical research problem.
  • Develop a plan to effectively and efficiently solve a basic US research problem.
  • Gather information from documents relevant to a basic US research problem.
  • Analyze evidence on a basic level to reach appropriate conclusions.
  • Record conclusions in standard genealogical formats such as family group sheets, pedigree charts, oral histories, family histories, and personal histories.
  • Teach family history skills to others and assist in promoting family history work.
Certificate of Family History Research
Program Requirements
Certificates lead to associate and bachelor's degrees. For more information about which programs this certificate stacks into, visit the Programs List page.
This is an Introductory certificate.
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Certificate
15 CREDITS
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Associate
60 CREDITS
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Bachelor's
120 CREDITS
Certificate of Family History Research
Course Code
Course Name
# of Credits
REL261
Introduction to Family History
2
REL261 — 2 credits
x
Introduction to Family History
In this course students will learn the doctrines surrounding family history and temple work.  Skills associated with gathering, preserving, researching, and sharing family records, as well as doing temple work for ancestors will be introduced.
FHGEN110
Family History Research Student Success
1
FHGEN110 — 1 credits
x
Family History Research Student Success
This course will help students understand what is required to be better family history researchers on their own, as ward consultants, as students in the Family History Research program, and as workers in the genealogical field. Students will be better prepared for success in incorporating and sharing high standards of family history work.
FHGEN120
Internet and Computer Skills
3
FHGEN120 — 3 credits
x
Internet and Computer Skills
This course is an introduction to genealogical software, key genealogical resources on the Internet, and the computer search skills essential for genealogical research. This course does not provide instruction in how to use a computer.
FHGEN130
Paleography
3
FHGEN130 — 3 credits
x
Paleography
This online course is an introduction to paleography as it relates to genealogical research. Paleography is the study of ancient writing systems and the deciphering and dating of historical manuscripts. The course focuses on United States records, and introduces you to Old English, German, and Scandinavian scripts found in US and European records. 
FHGEN241
Introduction to Family History Research, Part one: Record Groups and Methodology
3
FHGEN241 — 3 credits
x
Introduction to Family History Research, Part one: Record Groups and Methodology
This online course is an introduction to professional genealogical research principles and basic record groups. The course focuses on solving basic United States research problems using the Research Process. You will learn how to find original sources to answer genealogical questions, record genealogical information using professional standards, analyze information and evidence from key genealogical sources, and organize family history information. The course focuses on United States research. The principles and approaches can apply to worldwide family history research.
FHGEN242
Introduction to Family History Research, Part Two: Analysis of Research Evidence
3
FHGEN242 — 3 credits
x
Introduction to Family History Research, Part Two: Analysis of Research Evidence
This online course is an extension of FHGEN 241. It is a continued introduction to professional genealogical research methodology, evidence analysis, and beginning report writing. Students will learn how to use the Research Process to do the following: use facts, proofs, evidence, and sources to build a case for accurate genealogical conclusions, analyze and weigh evidence to meet genealogical proof standards, cite courses using professional standards, write sound conclusions, and place their ancestors in historical context. The course focuses on United States research. The principles and approaches can apply to worldwide family history research.
For questions about this program, contact BYU-Pathway Support
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Looking Ahead
Potential Employment
  • Self-Employment
  • With associate degree, possibility for Professional Researcher or Educational Institution

Customize your degree

BYU-Pathway degree programs (offered in partnership with and granted from BYU-Idaho) are made up of a series of certificates, general and religious education courses, and electives.

Use the following tool to view options for building a degree.
View descriptions for individual certificates and degrees .

Select a Degree

  • Applied Business Management
  • Applied Health
  • Applied Technology
  • Family History Research
  • Marriage & Family Studies
  • Professional Studies
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Bachelor's of Professional Studies

Students who complete an associate degree in family history research may continue on and earn a bachelor's degree in Professional Studies.