Online Class: Genealogy

In this course, we will present tips and strategies for beginning the process of constructing your family tree, study basic genealogy terms and tools, as well as describe the various records and sources available for finding information.

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  • 13
    Lessons
  • 28
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 5,172
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 4
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.4
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Do you ever find yourself wondering about the stories of those who came before you? Do you want to uncover the journey that shaped your family, your heritage, and ultimately, your identity? Discovering your ancestry is more than just filling in names on a family tree; it’s about revealing stories of courage, love, perseverance, and triumph. It’s a journey into history, culture, and the rich tapestry of life that connects us all. And it’s waiting for you to take that first step.

In Unraveling Roots, you’re not just learning about genealogy—you’re stepping into a narrative that is profoundly yours. From understanding your family’s migration routes to discovering connections with significant moments in history, this course is designed to make history feel intensely personal. You’ll find yourself piecing together the puzzle of your ancestry, guided by expert insights and strategies that make every discovery more meaningful, and every breakthrough more exhilarating.

What Sets This Course Apart

Imagine connecting with the past in a way that feels vivid and tangible, not just through facts and figures, but through stories and legacies. This course isn’t just about accessing records; it’s about cultivating a sense of identity, legacy, and belonging. Through captivating lectures and hands-on exploration, you’ll gain the skills to explore not only the traditional paths of ancestry research but also innovative new avenues—like using genetic testing, oral histories, and cultural archives.

This isn’t just another course; it’s an invitation to rediscover your heritage in a transformative, eye-opening way. You’ll learn to navigate complex historical records and personal stories, whether your family narrative includes immigrating from far-off lands, enduring hardship as early pioneers, or shaping communities as unsung heroes of local history. You’ll develop the tools to breathe life into old photographs, interpret letters, and discover new relatives you never knew existed.

Why This Course is Essential

The magic of genealogy lies in the connections. By the end of this course, you won’t just know who your ancestors were—you’ll understand their choices, their sacrifices, and the extraordinary resilience that led to your life today. You’ll not only create a detailed family tree but weave together stories that make those branches bloom with vibrant detail. And as you gain confidence and mastery, you’ll realize that this isn’t just a research project—it’s a journey of self-discovery.

Whether you’re the family historian, the curious truth-seeker, or the person entrusted with preserving your family’s stories, Unraveling Roots is designed with you in mind. Here, you’ll find the practical skills, in-depth knowledge, and personalized insights that no other course offers.

Transforming Curiosity into Legacy

Picture yourself sitting with a relative, listening to stories you’ve never heard before, and asking the questions you never thought to ask. Imagine the sense of wonder when you find the birth certificate of a great-great-grandmother who crossed oceans and countries to build a new life. Envision the joy of reconnecting with long-lost relatives and preserving these precious narratives for future generations.

This is more than a course; it’s a living, breathing journey into the fabric of who you are. It’s a way to honor your ancestors and gift future generations with a piece of their own history. This isn’t just research; it’s a way to connect with those who came before and understand the legacy you carry forward.

Why Wait to Begin?

Join us in this immersive journey, and turn your curiosity into a lasting legacy. It’s time to unlock your family’s past, celebrate its resilience, and uncover the stories that are uniquely yours. Don’t let those stories fade. Start today and discover that history isn’t something to be studied—it’s something to be lived.

  • 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
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.43 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(4,056 votes)

Lesson 1: Introduction to Genealogy

28 Points
The journey of discovering one's genealogy goes far beyond mere names and dates. At its heart, genealogy is an exploration of personal and shared histories, unveiling the lives, relationships, challenges, and triumphs of those who came before us. Additional lesson topics: Starting your family History
  • Lesson 1 Video A
  • Lesson 1 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Lesson discussions: Why Genealogy?; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment: Why Genealogy
  • Assessment: Lesson 1: Introduction

Lesson 2: Getting Started

30 Points
The moment you decide to delve into genealogy, you're embarking on a quest not just for names and dates, but for understanding the lives that shaped your family's history. This journey is a path of discovery that bridges the past with the present, revealing connections to places, times, and people whose experiences still echo in your life today. Additional lesson topics: IRB Certification
  • Lesson 2 Video A
  • Lesson 2 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Lesson discussions: New or Seasoned?
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment: Planning it Out
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 : Getting Started

Lesson 3: Sorting It All Out

29 Points
As you progress in your genealogical journey, the initial excitement of uncovering family secrets and piecing together the past can quickly turn into an overwhelming accumulation of information. Dates, names, stories, documents—these pieces of the puzzle can easily become jumbled without a systematic approach to organization. Additional lesson topics: Pedigree Chart Video
  • Lesson 3 Video A
  • Lesson 3 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment: Charting it Out
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 : Sorting it all Out

Lesson 4: Looking for Clues

28 Points
One of the first steps in genealogical research is learning how to recognize valuable clues hidden right in your own home. Many people start by exploring attics, basements, or old family storage spaces. Additional lesson topics: Overlooked Clues in Genealogical Research
  • Lesson 4 Video A
  • Lesson 4 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment: Photographs galore
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 :Looking for Clues

Lesson 5: Official Records (Part 1)

29 Points
Official records serve as the backbone of genealogical research. They are among the most reliable and comprehensive sources, providing essential details about the lives of individuals and families. When delving into these records, you aren't just finding dates and names—you are unearthing stories and gaining a deeper understanding of your ancestors' lives within their historical contexts.
  • Lesson 5 Video A
  • Lesson 5 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment: Record Sources
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 : Official Records: Part 1

Lesson 6: Official Records (Part 2)

27 Points
Immigration records are a treasure trove of information, capturing the journeys of individuals who left behind their homeland in search of a new life. These records document not just names and dates, but entire stories of departure, transition, and new beginnings. Additional lesson topics: Immigration Records
  • Lesson 6 Video A
  • Lesson 6 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment: Search Practice
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 : Official Records, Part 2

Lesson 7: Official Records (Part 3)

30 Points
As you may have guessed based on the amount of time we have devoted to this topic, there is a wealth of information available in official records. Additional lesson topics: Land Records Video
  • Lesson 7 Video A
  • Lesson 7 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment: Land Records Search
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 : Official Records, Part 3

Lesson 8: Learning from Others

30 Points
Genealogical research is not a solitary endeavor; it thrives on collaboration, shared knowledge, and the exchange of ideas. In the digital age, numerous online communities and tools enable researchers to connect, communicate, and contribute to the collective pursuit of uncovering family histories.
  • Lesson 8 Video A
  • Lesson 8 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment: Joining Lists
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 : Learning from Others

Lesson 9: Avoiding Common Genealogy Mistakes

30 Points
Genealogy can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you're just getting started. With an abundance of resources, records, and information, it's easy to stumble into common pitfalls.
  • Lesson 9 Video A
  • Lesson 9 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment: Making Mistakes
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 : Avoiding Common Mistakes

Lesson 10: Dealing With Dead Ends

28 Points
In genealogy, hitting a dead end can be frustrating. You're diligently researching your family history, making steady progress, and suddenly you reach a point where the trail goes cold. It happens to every genealogist at some point, whether you're new to the field or have years of experience. Additional lesson topics: Overcoming Brick Walls
  • Lesson 10 Video A
  • Lesson 10 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Lesson discussions: Road Blocks
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment: Problems Encountered
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 : Dealing with Dead-ends

Lesson 11: Handling Special Situations

29 Points
Up to this point, we've been proceeding with the "one size fits all" approach -- meaning that there is nothing atypical about your family tree. But, we all know that the world - and its inhabitants - are far from "one size fits all."
  • Lesson 11 Video A
  • Lesson 11 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment: Handling Special Situations
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 : Handling Special Situations

Lesson 12: Keeping It All Organized

30 Points
In this lesson, we'll discuss strategies for managing your research efficiently, from creating an organized space to preserving your findings for future generations.
  • Lesson 12 Video A
  • Lesson 12 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment: Organization
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 : Keeping it All Organized

Lesson 13: Family Histories

108 Points
For many genealogists, the ultimate goal is writing a family history. As daunting as that task may sound, there are ways to turn that goal into a reality. In this lesson, we will discuss how to write and publish your family history.
  • Lesson 13 Video A
  • Lesson 13 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Lesson discussions: Let us know what you think of this course; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment: Making a Plan
  • Complete Assignment: Discovery at Family Gatherings
  • Assessment: Lesson 13: Family Histories
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
456
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • 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.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • 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
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Genealogy
Course Number: 7550451
Lessons Rating: 4.43 / 5 Stars (4,056 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is accessible online throughout all states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It's also available in top English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: January 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.4 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "I greatly enjoyed taking this course. It has helped me to refocus my family research and to remind me not to overlook certain areas of interest. I plan on keeping my notes with my genealogy files so I can return to them and make sure I'm staying on track. Thank you for this course!" -- Erin D.
  • "This class was fantastic. I couldn't believe how quickly I was learning and finding things about my family. I am SO glad I took this class. Incredibly helpful class, really enjoyed it." -- Carina Z.
  • "Professor McKenna's enjoyment of teaching encouraged me to enjoy learning. The lesson assignments helped me apply what I learned. A no-nonsense, well-structured course!" -- Mary R.
  • "I would definitely take another course taught by this instructor. His lessons were very informative and his presentations were well thought out." -- Ginger H.
  • "The instructional videos by C. Michael McKenna were superb : they tied in brilliantly to the lesson topic, were hugely informative and beneficial to me. His personal anecdotes about his experiences added a whole lot of extra value to the course. Mr. McKenna shares his knowledge with enthusiasm, passion and vigour. You could read dozens of books and not benefit to the same extent as taking this course. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to others. Mr. McKenna covered a vast range of topics - and gave expert tips - in 13 lessons. He is both an awesome and inspiring instructor. I cannot praise enough for taking the time to share his comments on my assignment submissions. An encouraging word makes all the difference. His sincerity and personal integrity shine through. An exceptional man. I would like to sign up for additional courses by Mr. McKenna." -- Martina B.
  • "The instructor was great. Grades were very quickly completed. The class covered a lot of very important topics." -- Linda W.
  • "It was very helpful and pointed out ways to correct my research mistakes. It seemed to cover everything related to the topic I would like to know." -- Rey B.
  • "I enjoyed hearing back from Mac. He was very punctual with getting your papers and tests graded." -- Bobbi jo G.
  • "I appreciated the instructor's comments after each assignment. Very helpful." -- Peter C.
  • "The instructor was very good. I would take other classes from this instructor." -- Mary L.
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