Our students are enthusiastic about our online genealogical courses. However, many new students are unsure of where to begin. Which courses should they take first? Just as in planning to build a house, your genealogy education plan must begin with a strong foundation. Whether you are just beginning to research your family history, or you are an experienced researcher, it is recommended for all students to begin with understanding the methodology guidelines and standards used in all genealogy research. This is accomplished through our Methodology Certificate.

To receive your Methodology Certificate in Genealogical Studies, you must successfully complete the required 14 courses, which include 5 compulsory courses at the Basic Level, 4 compulsory courses at the Intermediate Level, and 5 compulsory courses at the Advanced Level. You can take these courses individually, or along with your specific country-themed certificate courses at the Basic, Intermediate and Advanced levels. If you are considering any certificate, these are the first courses to work on as they are COMPULSORY for all of our Certificate Programs.

Basic Level
Methodology – Part 1: Getting Started 
This course includes basic charts & definitions, Home resources; types of sources; records & where to find them; and useful forms. 
Methodology – Part 2: Organizing and Skill-Building 
This course includes file storage; definitions for Transcribe/Abstract/Extract; using forms; citing your sources; Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS); Proof Arguments; and creating Research Plans. 
Electronic Resources: Using the Internet 
This course includes computers/Internet basics; databases online; searching surnames; archives and libraries; Internet search tools; maps; and using social media. 
Skills: Transcribing, Abstracting & Extracting 
This course includes definitions, word processing features; and exercises. 
Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program-Part 1 
The AS courses provide an overview of all of the material covered at each level. They include exercises and the study of a peer-reviewed article with analysis discussions online in our virtual meetings. There will be two compulsory Consultation appointments with an instructor. These are the most interactive courses and must be completed for the Basic, Intermediate and Advanced certificates. This course should be completed before proceeding to the Intermediate level courses.

Intermediate Level
Methodology – Part 3: More Strategies 
This course includes goals and objectives; organizing research; repositories; using Original Sources; and Strategies. 
Methodology – Part 4: Effective Searching and Recording 
This course includes recording research; calendars and dates; charts; preserving your work; and Ethics.
Methodology – Part 5: How to Prove It 
This course includes Proof and the GPS; linkages; Sources/Information/Evidence; pedigree analysis; and problem solving and pitfalls. 
Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program-Part 2 
This AS course provides an overview of all of the material covered at the Intermediate level. It includes exercises, and the study of another peer-reviewed article with analysis discussions online in our virtual meetings. There will be two compulsory Consultation appointments with an instructor. This course should be completed before proceeding to the Advanced level courses.

Advanced Level
Methodology – Part 6: Professional Preparation and Practice 
This course includes Professional requirements; business considerations; clients; Research Reports; and career options. 
Palaeography: Reading & Understanding Historical Documents 
This course includes scripts; handwriting; grammar; currency; calendars; weights and measures; Church/Manor/social life; surnames; occupations; Latin terminology. This course also includes a comprehensive workbook with many practical exercises.
Genealogy and Copyright Guidelines 
This course includes copyright basics; fair use, Public Domain and seeking permission; work for hire; and contracts. The required textbook is Carmack’s Guide to Copyright & Contracts: A Primer for Genealogists, Writers & Researchers by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack.
Genetics & Medical Family History 
This course includes DNA and Genetics; Inheritance; Ethical pedigree; medical considerations; consent; and record clues. 
Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program-Part 3  
This AS course provides an overview of all of the material covered at the Advanced level. It includes exercises, and the study of an additional peer-reviewed article with analysis discussions online in our virtual meetings. There will be two final compulsory Consultation appointments with an instructor. This should be the final course to complete after the Advanced level courses.

The International Institute of Genealogical Studies offers quality online education with over 240 courses. Our wide range of courses cover specific countries, enhance methodology research, build skills to maximize your research time, and all count toward the certification you choose. 

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Contact information:
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Email: admin@GenealogicalStudies.com 
Website: www.GenealogicalStudies.com
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LEADERS IN ONLINE GENEALOGY EDUCATION since 1997