The certificate in family history research introduces students to employment options in the genealogical profession and helps them gain the fundamental research skills and knowledge needed to become successful family history researchers, teach family history skills to others, and assist in promoting family history work.

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

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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

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

This is an introductory certificate.

Certificate

15 CREDITS

Associate

60 CREDITS

Bachelor's

120 CREDITS

Certificate of Family History Research

Course Code

Course Name

# of Credits

REL261

Introduction to Family History

REL261 — 2 credits

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

FHGEN110 — 1 credits

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

FHGEN120 — 3 credits

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

FHGEN130 — 3 credits

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

FHGEN241 — 3 credits

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

FHGEN242 — 3 credits

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, including researcher for basic research problems, document lookup specialist, or transcriber
Entry level staff at information institution

With associate degree, possibility for employment as a professional researcher (private or firm), educator, or middle leadership at information institutions.

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

Build your degree

Degree programs are made up of a series of certificates, general and religious education courses, and electives.

Use the following tool to explore recommended degree plans and view descriptions for individual certificates and degrees.

Certificate

Associate

Bachelor's

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General Education and Elective Courses

Third Certificate

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General Education and Elective Courses

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.