Online Class: Genealogy 101

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
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13Lessons
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28Exams &
Assignments -
3,921Students
have taken this course -
9Hours
average time -
0.9CEUs
Course Description
Genealogy is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the United States. According to some experts, nearly 75% of Americans are interested in discovering their family history. There are many reasons for this: some people are interested in learning more about their heritage, others want to preserve their family's history for future generations, while still others become involved as a means of spending time with older relatives. Whatever the reason, based on the number of books, web sites, and software programs devoted to this topic, there is widespread interest that continues to grow.
While taking on the task of researching your family tree can appear – and in many cases actually be – a daunting task, it is far from impossible. Thanks to the increasing availability of information online, many people can easily conduct a great deal of their research from the comforts of their own home. In this course, we will present tips and strategies for beginning the process of constructing your family tree. In addition to describing the various records and sources available for finding information, we will help you to understand some basic genealogy terms and tools. We will also discuss the steps that you can take to permanently preserve your family's records and history.
Simply put, genealogy is the study of family history. Make no mistake however, genealogy is anything but simple.
When one undertakes the task of researching their family history, they will delve into the personal histories of their ancestors, and learn about the way in which these people lived. They will look at the connections that exist between individuals in an effort to understand the relationships that were formed over the course of time. As various documents and records are analyzed for clues, there will be lessons in economics, geography, law, politics, and religion.
When we think of genealogy, it is usually in the context of researching our family trees. It may surprise you to learn that for many, genealogy is a scholarly pursuit, with genealogists specializing in areas of research such as military, immigration, and legal records. There are others whose expertise is in the area of DNA and its application to genealogical research.
Why Are People Interested in Genealogy?
By some accounts, genealogy is the second most popular hobby in the United States with approximately 70 percent of Americans expressing some interest in constructing their family tree. Their reasons are varied; some people simply want to know more about the people who came before them, others may be trying to decipher some obscure clues left behind in a box of old letters or photographs, while others may be hoping to find a connection to a famous historical figure. Some people begin their research with the hope of providing their children and future generations with a written family history. Whatever the reason, it seems as though once people delve into genealogical research, they find it difficult to stop.
What Are We Looking For?
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Parents' names
- Date and location of marriage
- Names and birthdates of children
- Date and place of death
Where Do We Find It?
Before the miracle we call the Internet was available, most genealogical research was painstakingly conducted in libraries, city halls, cemeteries, and other places that may have contained records that held the clues to one's past. And while the resources that are available on the Internet will make your research infinitely easier, it will not completely replace the need to visit some - or all - of the locations mentioned above. This is because, while great progress has been made with respect to making this information available online, there are still countless records that exist only in their original, paper form. As we progress through this course, we will provide tips and information for locating the information you are seeking.
If you are fortunate to have some elderly relatives still living, you may be able to tap into them for information. We will cover interview techniques in a later lesson.
A Word of Caution
Before we go any further, you should know that researching your family's history will probably not be an easy task. Depending on a number of factors, including how far back you wish to go, how much information you have to start with and the countries from which your ancestors originate, you may find yourself often frustrated and wanting to give up. The key thing to remember is that this type of research cannot be conducted overnight. In fact, it may take you years to fully complete your research. Don't despair; if you are like the majority of people who take on this type of project, you will quickly find yourself engrossed in the task at hand and will work through the many roadblocks you are sure to encounter.
Ready? Let's get started.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Introduction to Genealogy
Lesson 1 Video A
Lesson 1 Video B : Lesson Discussion
Review Video: Starting your family History
Take Poll: Why Genealogy?
Take Survey: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment: Why Genealogy
Complete Exam: Lesson 1: Introduction
Lesson 2: Getting Started
Lesson 2 Video A
Lesson 2 Video B : Lesson Discussion
Review 2 Articles: National Archives; IRB Certification
Take Poll: New or Seasoned?
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment: Planning it Out
Complete Exam: Lesson 2 : Getting Started
Lesson 3: Sorting It All Out
Lesson 3 Video A
Lesson 3 Video B : Lesson Discussion
Review Video: Pedigree Chart Video
Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment: Charting it Out
Complete Exam: Lesson 3 : Sorting it all Out
Lesson 4: Looking for Clues
Lesson 4 Video A
Lesson 4 Video B : Lesson Discussion
Review Video: Overlooked Clues in Genealogical Research
Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment: Photographs galore
Complete Exam: Lesson 4 :Looking for Clues
Lesson 5: Official Records (Part 1)
Lesson 5 Video A
Lesson 5 Video B : Lesson Discussion
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment: Record Sources
Complete Exam: Lesson 5 : Official Records: Part 1
Lesson 6: Official Records (Part 2)
Lesson 6 Video A
Lesson 6 Video B : Lesson Discussion
Review Video: Immigration Records
Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment: Search Practice
Complete Exam: Lesson 6 : Official Records, Part 2
Lesson 7: Official Records (Part 3)
Lesson 7 Video A
Lesson 7 Video B : Lesson Discussion
Review Video: Land Records Video
Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment: Land Records Search
Complete Exam: Lesson 7 : Official Records, Part 3
Lesson 8: Learning from Others
Lesson 8 Video A
Lesson 8 Video B : Lesson Discussion
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment: Joining Lists
Complete Exam: Lesson 8 : Learning from Others
Lesson 9: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Lesson 9 Video A
Lesson 9 Video B : Lesson Discussion
Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment: Making Mistakes
Complete Exam: Lesson 9 : Avoiding Common Mistakes
Lesson 10: Dealing With Dead Ends
Lesson 10 Video A
Lesson 10 Video B : Lesson Discussion
Review Video: Overcoming Brick Walls
Take Poll: Road Blocks
Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment: Problems Encountered
Complete Exam: Lesson 10 : Dealing with Dead-ends
Lesson 11: Handling Special Situations
Lesson 11 Video A
Lesson 11 Video B : Lesson Discussion
Review Video: Adoption
Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment: Handling Special Situations
Complete Exam: Lesson 11 : Handling Special Situations
Lesson 12: Keeping It All Organized
Lesson 12 Video A
Lesson 12 Video B : Lesson Discussion
Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment: Organization
Complete Exam: Lesson 12 : Keeping it All Organized
Lesson 13: Family Histories
Lesson 13 Video A
Lesson 13 Video B : Lesson Discussion
Take Poll: Let us know what you think of this course
Take Survey: Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
Complete Assignment: Discovery at Family Gatherings
Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment: Making a Plan
Complete Exam: Lesson 13: Family Histories
Complete: The Final Exam
Learning Outcomes
- Describe how to begin the process of researching your genealogy.
- Describe where to look for clues.
- Describe where and how to find official records kept by local municipalities, churches, and other entities.
- Describe using technology to connect with other people that have information you need.
- Describe how to avoid common mistakes.
- Summarize how to write and publish your family history, and
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

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Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 500+ |
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Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 500+ |
Student Testimonials
- "The instructor was outstanding. The speed with which he graded the lessons and quizzes was far better than I had expected. With each lesson submitted he inserted comments and remarks which were presonalized to my lesson and were greatly appreciated." -- Frank B.
- "Net links will prove very helpful in my family history search. Instructor's feedback was very useful and encouraging." -- Michelle B.
- "This course Genealogy I recommend to anybody. It gives so much information...The instructor is one of the Best, he is very helpful, he has lot of knowledge." -- Sophie S.
- "I found the instructor very prompt with his feedback and very accessible. I thought the material presented in each topic was well oganized and it gave me a good appreciation how things went together. I also enjoyed a number of the links to other web page topics. They were interesting and in one case I actually found out new information about an ancestor." -- Robert B.
- "I found all the material to be helpful...the links, etc., and also the comments from the professor were motivational :)I thought the professor was very helpful and his comments made me more determined and motivated." -- Christi N.
- "It was all very useful. I have been genealogy for some time, but this course presented things in a way I hadn't thought about before. As a result, I was able to overcome some roadblocks and add a few more generations to my family tree." -- Sue B.
- "I found the course was very organized." -- Sheryl B.
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