Getting an Education in Genealogy

Understanding the methodology behind genealogy research is vital to creating credible genealogical reports. A genealogist, whether professional or a hobbist, cannot simply present dates, events, and names. The genealogist must explain or show how he or she knows the information to be true. How does he or she know that his or her great great great grandfather arrived in the United States of America via Ellis Island? How does he or she know that his or her great great uncle died in World War II? To answer these questions, the genealogist must also know what sources are out there to research and understand the sources of information.

Education in genealogical research is more accessible now than ever before in history thanks to the Internet. Several genealogical organizations and institutions now provide online courses for the novice genealogist to the professional genealogist or have online information about courses and workshops. Whether these courses fit the individual genealogist's needs is up to him or her; however, I have listed several sources below so that you can choose an educational program that is right for you, if you choose that receiving an education in genealogy would benefit you. If you have questions about accreditation, please look at the individual websites for their accreditation information.

1. National Institute for Genealogical Studies. http://www.genealogicalstudies.com
I received my Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. They offer several certificates in different areas or you can take individual courses if you have no interest in receiving a certificate.

2. Akamai University. http://www.akamaiuniversity.us
I received my Associate of Arts in Genealogical Studies from Akamai University. For information on the Associates of Arts in Genealogical Studies program: http://www.akamaiuniversity.us/AssociatesGenealogyStudies.html
For information on the Bachelor of Arts in Genealogical Studies program: http://www.akamaiuniversity.us/BachelorofArtsinGenealogicalStudies.html

3. National Genealogical Society http://www.ngsgenealogy.org
The National Genealogical Society offers several courses from understanding census records to mortality schedules. For more information on these courses: http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/educational_courses

4. Genealogy.com http://www.genealogy.com/university.html
Genealogy.com provides free online courses for those interested in learning more about genealogy.

5. Brigham Young University http://familyhistory.byu.edu/academic/academic.html
Brigham Young University offers degrees in family history.

6. The National Archives http://www.archives.gov/genealogy/events/
The National Archives offers several genealogy workshops.