What is a Genealogy Trade School?
When most people think of trade schools, they picture electricians, plumbers, or HVAC technicians—professionals learning hands-on skills for specific careers. Since the 1990s, trade/vocational education expanded into professional and technology skills, too. But did you know that genealogy has its own trade school pathway? If you’re passionate about family history and considering turning that passion into a profession, understanding what a genealogy trade school offers could be your first step toward an exciting career.
Understanding Trade and Vocational Education
First, let’s clarify what makes something a “trade school.” A trade or vocational school is an educational institution, operating post high school or college, that provides specialized instruction to prepare students for a specific job or profession. Unlike traditional universities that offer broad liberal arts education, trade schools focus exclusively on the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to excel in a particular field. Age is not a factor. You can start a trade/vocational education at any age!
Think of it this way:
- Electricians attend trade school to master the complexities of electrical systems in homes and businesses
- HVAC technicians graduate as heating and air conditioning experts ready to enter the workforce
- Genealogists can now pursue professional training in genealogical sciences, research methodologies, and industry best practices
Genealogy as a Professional Trade
The International Institute of Genealogical Studies (IIGS) operates as a registered trade school because we focus exclusively on training professional genealogists around the world. Our curriculum centers on these core pillars:
- Genealogical Sciences – The theoretical foundation and methodological approaches that underpin professional research in genealogy, DNA and genetic genealogy, and historical preservation whether documents, artefacts, and/or personal history. From Methodology to various country record groups to DNA & Genetic Genealogy to Personal Historian, we teach in a logical step-by-step pattern that helps build from the foundation up in an easy-to-follow course plan.
- Research Records – Mastering the vast array of historical documents, databases, and archives used in genealogical investigation along with proper citation
- Professional Development Skills – Business practices, client relations, ethics, professional reporting and writing, and continuing education that define successful genealogy professionals
- Real Human Support – We are intentional about helping you succeed through chat, email, phone, Zoom, and regularly scheduled virtual meetings to answer your questions. You have access to real people, mentoring professors, and even the executive director. We want to answer our students’ questions.
- Flexibility for Busy Adults – Our courses are all online, taken at your convenience. Our school motto expresses a uniquely supportive culture: Grace and Mercy for Adults Who Are Adulting!
What Makes IIGS Different?
As a career-focused trade school, IIGS offers professional credentials in 14 distinct genealogical fields of study. When you graduate, you don’t just have general knowledge—you have recognized credentials in specialized areas such as:
- Traditional genealogical research methodologies
- DNA analysis and genetic genealogy
- Personal historian services
- Genealogical librarianship
- And many other specialized concentrations
This breadth of specialization means you can tailor your education to match your interests and career goals, whether you want to work with adoptees searching for birth families, help clients break through brick walls in their research, write the stories, run a genealogy tourism company, work for major industry companies, repatriate fallen soldiers, act as an expert legal witness, or preserve family histories for future generations. We’ve only scratched the surface of possible careers in the very wide field of genealogy.
Who Benefits from Genealogy Trade School?
Career-Minded Genealogists
If you’re looking to launch a professional genealogy practice, our comprehensive credential programs provide the foundation, methodology, and professional recognition you need to build a successful business.
Family Historians
Not everyone wants to make genealogy a career—and that’s perfectly fine! We also offer classes for family historians who want to preserve genealogy, history, and knowledge for their own families and friends. These courses help you apply professional techniques to your personal research so you know the work you’ve done is done right.
Professionals Seeking Enhancement
Our continuing education programs serve librarians, legal professionals, law enforcement professionals, writers, and others who want to incorporate genealogical skills into their existing careers. Whether you’re a librarian helping patrons with research, a journalist investigating historical stories, or a legal professional working on heir searches, genealogical training enhances your professional capabilities.
The IIGS Advantage: Flexible, Affordable, Professional
Learning at a genealogy trade school should fit your life, not the other way around. That’s why IIGS offers:
- Online education that lets you study from anywhere in the world
- Flexible scheduling so you can balance education with work and family on your schedule
- Affordable programs that make professional training accessible
- Professional environment with instructors who are active practitioners in the field
- Generous Grace with the most flexible grace period anywhere because we want you to succeed
Ready to Turn Your Passion into Expertise?
Whether you’re dreaming of a new career as a professional genealogist, want to take your family history skills to the next level, or need to add genealogical expertise to your professional toolkit, a genealogy trade school offers the focused, practical education you need.
At the International Institute of Genealogical Studies, we’re dedicated to training the next generation of genealogical professionals. Our trade school approach means every course, every credential, and every lesson is designed with one goal in mind: preparing you for success in the genealogical field. We have a passion for preserving family history for generations to come!
Ready to start your journey? Visit genealogicalstudies.com to explore our programs and discover which path is right for you. For a student advising appointment, drop a note in the chat to Angie to book a time and talk about your personal goals. We’ll find just the right path for you.
International Institute of Genealogical Studies
Research With Confidence ~ Study at Your Own Pace
International Institute of Genealogical Studies trains professional genealogists around the world in genealogical sciences, research records, and professional development skills. As a career trade school, we offer Professional Credentials in 14 genealogical fields of study for career-minded genealogists and classes for family historians wanting to preserve genealogy, history, and knowledge for families and friends. Continuing education for librarians, law enforcement, professionals, and writers to enhance your career and capabilities. Come learn with us in a flexible, affordable, professional online education environment. https://GenealogicalStudies.com
For Registration Information contact Angie at 800-580-0165 ext. 1 in the US and Canada or drop a note in the chat app on our website https://GenealogicalStudies.com
Contact information:
1 (800) 580-0165
Email: admin@GenealogicalStudies.com
Website: www.GenealogicalStudies.com
Blog: blog.GenealogicalStudies.com
