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Credentials: Compare/Contrast Degree Programs

When I examined the genealogy certificate programs, I felt that they were pretty basic. They definitely serve a purpose for amateurs and professionals just getting started, but I feel like I want something more in depth. A few universities offer online programs to earn an Associates Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Family History.

1)Brigham Young, Utah-- Bachelor's Degree in Family History-- ONLY if it is your first BA. They will not offer it as a second degree because they want you do to do the full BA program, not just the Family History major with core subjects tranferring in.

2) Brigham Young, Idaho-- Associate's Degree in Family History
This starts our the same as the Certificate Program that I looked at yesterday, then it takes it a step further by adding the following classes:
Genealogical Writing
The Family and Society
Research Methodology, Part 2
Introduction to Family History Research, Part 2
Genealogy as a Business
Capstone: Professional Research
Plus: chose a region of the world as an emphasis, 2 classes
Time to Complete: approximately 60 credit hours, at six per semester, equals 2 and a half years.
Cost: $334 per credit hour x 15 credit hours, equals $20,000

3) Other options
Most genealogists that I've found do not have a specialized degree. Most of them have an AA, BA, or MA in areas like History, English, Library and Information Science, Forensics, Anthropology, or a Foreign Language. If you don't already have a degree, you can research schools near your home or check your state university system to see what they offer online.

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