Forensic Genetic Genealogy Certificate Program

Become A Forensic Genetic Genealogist

Pursue your passion for helping others without needing a science background, big degree, or industry connections.
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Do you love genealogy?

Make A Difference In Someone's Life Story!

You have been doing Genealogy and now you want to harness the power of DNA.

Maybe you've been a Search Angel or helped family and know you can do more to craft and preserve family history and help the police too!

And, you'd love to do this full-time!

  • Enhance your skill set

  • Get access to the training without per-requisites or prior degrees

  • Build your resume and your experience while training
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the forensic genetic genealogy certificate

The Forensic Genetic Genealogy Program:

Upon successful completion, students receive a Certificate of Completion documenting your competency and meet the Application standards for the FGG®* designation.

The program culminates in a forensic genetic genealogy practicum, providing hands-on, practical experience where students apply their learning to solve real cases involving unidentified individuals or suspects.

Program Curriculum

  • Genealogy Foundations

  • Genetics Foundations

  • Biological Family Casework

  • Law Enforcement Casework

  • Privacy, Ethics, & Psychology

  • Expert Report Writing

  • Resume Preparation, Client Skills, & Interviewing

  • Training Assignments Working On REAL Cases

  • Certificate of Completion


Program Features

  • Self-Paced, Online Learning

  • Practical & Up-to-date Curriculum

  • One-on-One Guidance from a Leading Expert

  • Live (Optional) Group Q & A Calls

  • Private Online Community For Resource Sharing & Continuing Education

  • Access to Your Instructor via Chat

  • Internship Opportunities Available

  • Support in Launching Your Career
Your instructor

Christine Burke, FGG®

Forensic Genetic Genealogist, Law Enforcement Expert, LE Trainer, & Private Investigator

I aim to advocate for victims and protect clients as we tell the human story through forensic genetic genealogy.

I believe that, in the quest for justice, every human being counts and deserves to be identified, remembered, and valued. 

  • Trustworthy, Real-World Investigative Experience

    With over 25 years in investigations and 7 years active, ongoing work as a FGG for law enforcement and biological clients, including forensic investigations.

  • Biologically, I've Been There

    As a two-generation NPE/MPE (mis-attributed parentage), I've solved not only my own family puzzles, but countless others too.

  • Sought After Expert

    I'm grateful to be an award-winning private investigator and decorated police officer and bring those strategies to you.
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Suzanne A., New York
"Christine’s program is unique in so many ways. Since it is online and completely self-paced, I am able to complete lessons and assignments at my own speed, as time permits. This has allowed me to continue working, raising my family, and taking time off to help my elderly mother when needed, without the risk of “falling behind” in my studies. Christine provides unparalleled one-on-one attention, taking time with every assignment I turn in to provide constructive feedback almost immediately. When she says it is self-paced, it truly is SELF-paced…she is never the one slowing the process down! This reinforces the culture of accountability and self-reliance that she encourages and demands from her students. At the same time, as much as completing the certificate is a solo exercise, Christine has created a virtual “campus” for her students: biweekly zoom meetings and a community posting site allow us to ask questions, share information, and hear about the ways in which FGG is evolving in real time."
Perhaps the most important distinction Christine’s program offers is real-world case studies for her students to work, the kind of hands-on experience that allows her students to KNOW they have the necessary research skills to reach correct conclusions as expeditiously as possible. With her law enforcement background, Christine has a unique perspective in the field, recognizing the issues that chain-of-custody can present and infusing her curriculum with the methodical processes necessary to stand up in court. Christine’s curriculum tackles every facet of FGG, not just the genetic genealogy itself: she covers everything from the ethical, legal, and privacy concerns involved to the how-to’s of writing reports, building skillsets, and setting up a successful business. I feel absolutely confident that the program is preparing me for the career I’ve always wanted but until recently couldn’t have envisioned."
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to finish the program?

The program is self-paced, so you can go at your own speed. We typically see students complete the learning in two to four months. We have students that have attended full-time and also those that are working a regular job or caring for family at home. It's totally up to you! Go as fast as you want and start today!

"Christine’s program is unique in so many ways. Since it is online and completely self-paced, I am able to complete lessons and assignments at my own speed, as time permits. This has allowed me to continue working, raising my family, and taking time off to help my elderly mother when needed, without the risk of “falling behind” in my studies." K.A.
What are the requirements to take the program?

There are no requirements, just your paid tuition. We've had completely inexperienced students who just want to help and experienced genealogists and genetic genealogists who have worked as Search Angels. All you need is a desire to learn!

"I'm learning something entirely new in my life at the age of 64! I plan to continue this path and see it through so I can be productive, even as I leave the workplace where I have been. Retirement does not mean I am not going to be helpful to others." J.H.
How does this compare to college courses?

Our Certificate program is similar to a trade school, introducing you to genealogical research, analysis, and writing techniques using documentary evidence. You'll gain experience and technical skills in genetic genealogy and there are no prerequisites like some colleges or universities. Our class also includes real world cases and offers an internship, giving you demonstrable experience and support as you transition to the real world so you are comfortable with your skills and your direction.

"Perhaps the most important distinction Christine’s program offers is real-world case studies for her students to work, the kind of hands-on experience that allows her students to KNOW they have the necessary research skills to reach correct conclusions as expeditiously as possible." Suzanne A.
How do I get support if I need help?

You are NOT in this alone!We have monthly, optional, live, group video calls with your instructor. We also have a private community where you can get support from other current students, the instructor, and our graduates. We also have email support and an in-school messaging system.

"When I initially messaged her to show interest in the program, she answered me within two hours on a Sunday morning. Her communication and attention to detail is second to none, and the value that I have gotten from the course is unparalleled."K.R.
Is there an advantage with this program in being hired?

"For some organizations, proving you can do the work is enough to get you the job without a degree. Recently many leading companies have changed their mindset about requiring degrees, including Google, Netflix, Tesla, IBM, Penguin Random House, Bank of America, Hilton, and Apple. In fact, nearly half of Apple’s U.S. workforce includes people without four-year degrees."**

One of our students, Annie, was immediately accepted into the Department of Defense DPPA program to identify unknown remains of soldiers after earning her certificate.

**https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/education-vs-experience/
What is the return on my investment?

Genetic genealogy is an emerging technology for law enforcement and others. There are numerous commercial companies that currently supply FGG services to police. and many departments are starting to hire civilian personnel to help them do this work in house. There are an estimated 18,000+ LE agencies across the U.S. and some of these are starting to contract directly with vendors.

I have had numerous civilian law enforcement investigators take my training. "...this was a very helpful training especially for those of us just getting our feet wet." Civilian Investigator, D.A.'s Office
What about financial aid?

We do not have specifics about any particular aid program. We do offer a variety of options, such as paid in full discount, a payment plan, and other lenders with extended financing options. See our financing link for more information or contact us.
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"I loved that I could afford the course, and I could finish at my own pace since I work full time."
"Christine is personally invested in us and making the course work for each of us, in spite of each person's different styles of learning."
"I have found the class work challenging and very worthwhile, learning new processes along the way. I feel it is teaching me exactly what I need to know in order to be helpful in others' searches."
"When you are doing something that is close to your heart, like finding a family member, you want to work with someone that is a good human...that cares very much...she cares!"

Available Financial Assistance:

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Kara R., Illinois
"As I was looking into genetic genealogy programs, Christine’s program stood out because of her rich background in law enforcement. Her knowledge of court proceedings and investigation techniques, as well as her experience working in the field, sealed the deal for me. Christine has a no-nonsense approach to her coursework and her instruction. She boils information down to its essence and gets to the point. Her twice monthly live calls keep us up to date on current events and give us the assistance that we need on our assignments. In addition, Christine’s platform for her instruction has one area for the class modules and one area for class members (as well as Christine) to post current articles, share ideas, and ask questions. Christine is also readily available via the chat function on her platform. When I initially messaged her to show interest in the program, she answered me within two hours on a Sunday morning. Her communication and attention to detail is second to none, and the value that I have gotten from the course is unparalleled."

Join Us In Making A Difference

As a graduate of this program, you will have the skills to make a meaningful impact by solving crimes, reuniting families, and bringing to light the human stories of the missing, unidentified, and forgotten.

The impact of our program extends beyond traditional forensic genealogy, exploring the specialized field of investigative genetic genealogy. This approach not only aids in solving crimes by helping law enforcement identify human remains or track potential suspects based on familial DNA evidence, but also plays a crucial role in reuniting families.
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*Subject to approval from the USPTO.