BU’s genealogy programs are both offered as online classes, with faculty recognized in the genealogical community and curricula designed to improve research skills. The 15-week class costs $2695, and the four-week class is priced at $775. Members of the National Genealogical Society (NGS), Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), and New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) are all offered a 10% discount.
Online Certificate in Genealogical Research
This 15-week certificate program is designed for those with experience in librarianship, archives management, education, historical research, law, medicine, biology, or related fields who want to develop genealogical skills. The course consists of six modules:
- Foundations of Genealogical Research – overview of general principles, problem-solving, research design, and report writing.
- Problem Solving Techniques and Technology – focuses on research skills leading to supportable conclusions. Covers use of the Internet and other technological tools and the creation and execution of a research plan.
- Evidence Evaluation and Documentation – teaches students to evaluate evidence and create complete citations.
- Forensic Genealogical Research – includes practical examples and problem-solving exercises in ethical forensic work, which is done for legal purposes. Includes tracing heirs, identifying people in photographs, and techniques for working with attorneys and informants.
- Genealogical Research Ethnic and Geographic Specialties – covers research strategies for tracing various ethnic groups in the New World, though the principles are applicable to many other geographic regions.
- The Professional Genealogist – explores business opportunities, specialties, and trends for those planning to make genealogy a profession. This includes ethics, client relations, contracts, certification, and further education.
Genealogical Essentials
This four-week class is designed for all those wishing to improve their research skills and learn the best practices in genealogy. This class is also billed as a good foundation for successful completion of the BU Certificate in Genealogical Research program. The class consists of three modules:
- Laying the Foundation – using family information as clues for research, understanding ethical best practices, establishing good genealogical habits, and understanding the Genealogical Proof Standard
- Tools and Efficiency – how to use tools for efficiency and communication, basic Internet search techniques, and finding vital records.
- Genealogical Records -- understanding basic genealogical records and examining census documents.
Faculty for the Certificate Program and the Genealogical Essentials Course
Faculty members for these programs are all well-known in the genealogical field as researchers, writers, and speakers. Program director (and instructor of Forensic Research) is Melinde Lutz Byrne, FASG. Thomas W. Jones (Evidence Evaluation and Documentation), Elissa Scalise Powell (Foundations of Genealogical Research), and Allison Ryall (Problem Solving Techniques and Technology) complete the faculty.
Melinde Lutz Byrne is a fellow of the American Society of Genealogists and winner of the Donald Lines Jacobus award. She is vice president of the Massachusetts Genealogical Council, CEO of the Graceful Companies, and a lecturer and author of numerous books, including volumes I and II of The Great Migration: Immigrants to New England, 1634-1635. She is also editor of The New Hampshire Genealogical Record and co-editor of The National Genealogical Society Quarterly.
Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., is also a fellow of the American Society of Genealogists. A Certified Genealogist®, and Certified Genealogical lecturer®, he is also a director of the Association of Professional Genealogists and co-editor of The National Genealogical Society Quarterly. He has also been awarded the Grahame T. Smallwood Jr. Award of Merit.
Elissa Scalise Powell is a Certified Genealogist®, lecturer, author, and editor. She is on the faculty of the Community College of Allegheny County, the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and the Institute for Genealogy and Historical Research. She is a Trustee, Board for Certification of Genealogists® and former director of the Association of Professional Genealogists.
Allison Ryall, specialist in technology and online research, is a grader for the National Genealogical Society's Home Study Course and a BU Computer Lab Teaching Assistant. She is Program Director, NERGC 2011 and FGS Ancestors Road Show co-Chair. She holds degrees in History, Russian Studies, and American and New England Studies.
Other Genealogical Courses
Those interested in other genealogical courses may want to enroll in the National Genealogical Society's Home Study Course, or attend summer classes at Samford University's Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research.
Sources:
Boston University Genealogical Programs Website
Katharine Garstka - Katharine Garstka specializes in genealogical research and in historical and genealogical writing.
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