Program Overview

Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) Online Graduate Certificate

Overview

The fully online Graduate Certificate in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) is the first program of its kind in the world. It provides individuals from the public and private sectors with a depth and breadth of knowledge and training in the core competencies necessary to effectively carry out Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy investigations.

Program Details

• Format: 100% online
• Course delivery: Asynchronous (i.e., no live class times/lectures)
• Time to complete program: 2 full academic semesters (Fall and Spring), split into two mini-terms per full semester
• Term Schedule: One course per mini-term, taken in sequence
• Cohort program: Students begin the program in the Fall semester and complete the program at the end of the Spring semester
• New program cohort begins every Fall
• Four 3-credit courses required (12 credits total)
• Tuition is charged at the graduate per-credit rate
• 30% tuition discount for current members of the Law Enforcement/Forensic Science community

Application Information

• Priority Application Deadline: June 2, 2025
• Priority Application Review: June 2-6, 2025
• Priority Admissions Decisions Letters Released: June 9, 2025
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: July 1, 2025
• Waitlisted Application Review: July-August 2025

Course Schedule

Course Descriptions

Fundamentals of Forensic Biological Evidence (3 Credits)

This course introduces the student to forensic biological evidence and how it relates to forensic investigations from the crime scene to the crime lab. The recognition, preservation, identification, individualization, evaluation, and reconstruction of biological evidence will be covered.

Genetic Genealogy Principles and Methods (3 Credits)

This course introduces the student to the field of Genetic Genealogy and how it is currently applied in a forensic setting. Students will learn the structure and inheritance patterns of autosomal, Y-chromosomal, X-chromosomal, and mitochondrial DNA, and how they are used to identify, verify, and connect genetically related individuals.

Genealogy Principles and Methods (3 Credits)

This course introduces the student to genealogical research, analysis, and writing techniques using documentary evidence. The Genealogy Standards of the Board for Certification of Genealogists will be emphasized.

FIGG Practicum (3 Credits)

This practicum course is not a typical course with lecture content and assignments. Instead, it is a practical experience where the student will put their newly gained knowledge and skills into practice while being mentored and guided throughout.

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor's degree: Applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor's degree to apply.
• Resume: A resume is required for application.
• Transcripts: Transcripts of former degree(s) are required for application.
• Personal Statement: A brief statement of purpose is required for application.
• GRE: The GRE is not required.
• Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation are not required.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition is charged at the graduate per-credit rate. For current members of the law enforcement community and operational casework laboratory personnel (private/state/federal), there is a 30% tuition discount available pending confirmation of current employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is required for the application to the FGG program?
  • A bachelor’s degree (any discipline).
  • Transcripts of all former degrees.
  • A Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
  • Personal Statement (Discussing why you are suited to the program, your prior relevant experience, etc.)
  • Letters of Recommendation are not required.
  • GRE is not required.
• I don’t have a bachelor’s degree. Can an exception be made?
  • Unfortunately, no. No exceptions can be made. As this is a Graduate-level program, we must require a bachelor’s degree for entry.
• My application was waitlisted and the program is now full. Can I have my application transferred to be considered for the next cohort of the program?
  • Yes! If you were waitlisted in a previous review and you were not offered a place due to the program being full, you can request for your application to be transferred to the next round of reviews for the following cohort.
• Is prior genealogy experience required for application?
  • No. Previous/current students have a broad range of experiences and backgrounds. Some students have had no genealogy experience prior to the program, while others have had extensive genealogy experience.
• Is prior science experience required for application?
  • No, however, it is recommended to have some previous knowledge/education in science-related topics such as the basics of cell and molecular biology, genetics, etc.
• Can the required courses be taken in a different sequence?
  • No. The program is designed as a cohort, and therefore each course builds on the previous and must be taken in sequence.
• How are the courses delivered?
  • All courses are fully online and delivered asynchronously (i.e., no live class times). Each course is composed of modules that are published on a weekly/bi-weekly basis.
• What is the expected time commitment for each course?
  • Each of the four courses are 3 graduate credits. Consistent with federal regulations, the University of New Haven defines a “credit hour” as one hour of instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for full-term courses (15 weeks) or the equivalent amount of work/hours for mini-term courses (7 weeks).
• Is the program fully online and self-paced?
  • The program is fully online, however, it is not self-paced. Throughout each course in the program, modules are published weekly. Each module has deadlines for assignments, projects, quizzes, etc.
• What internship opportunities are available?
  • There are no internships offered through the practicum course anymore. It is necessary that students complete the Practicum course by undergoing a full mock case in order to display their competency.
• Are there any scholarships available for this program?
  • Currently there are not any scholarships available from the university for this program. Some prior students have sourced scholarships from their local communities and/or professional bodies for continuing education.
• I am a currently enrolled student in one of the University of New Haven’s master’s programs. Can I add this certificate to my studies?
  • Currently enrolled UNH graduate students may add this certificate to their studies only after consultation with the academic advisor of your primary degree program.
• What is the employment rate of graduates from the program in the FIGG field?
  • This question cannot be answered because this program is a micro-credential. Therefore, many people who enroll in the program are doing so to “up-skill” and they are already working full-time in their chosen career (e.g., law enforcement/forensic/legal professionals, etc.).
• What are the employment prospects in the FIGG field?
  • As this is a growing field, employment prospects are frequently evolving. There are many private sector companies that offer FIGG services to law enforcement agencies. In addition, many public sector agencies/forensic laboratories have developed/developing FIGG units in-house.
• Will I be a Certified Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogist when I graduate?
  • No. There is a difference between being “Certified” in anything and having a Certificate in anything. Obtaining a certificate in a discipline is evidence of education in that field of study. Being certified in a discipline is only obtained by displaying competence in that field and is usually only awarded by a governing body within that industry. There currently does not exist any forensic industry recognized “certification” for the field of forensic investigative genetic genealogy.