NGS American Genealogy: Home Study Course
Have you always wanted to learn how to trace your family tree or solve a difficult brick-wall genealogy problem? Perhaps everyday commitments or the cost of attending an institute or conference get in the way of your dream of knowing your ancestors. Or maybe you prefer to work at your own pace, mostly in the comfort of your own home.
If so, there’s another option—the renowned NGS Home Study Course (HSC) on CD. It provides a solid foundation for someone just starting out and new possibilities for experienced researchers’ more difficult problems.
The NGS Home Study Course includes:
- Instruction about a variety of genealogical resources
- Strategies for conducting family history research on the Internet and in libraries, courthouses, and archives
- Analyzing documents to get the most out of sources
- The principles of evidence analysis
- Explanations of source citation, including examples
- Tips for writing narratives
- Assignments with examples of how they should be completed
- Self-correcting exams
- Bibliographies and reference lists
- An online mail list for advice and research help
To learn more about the Home Study Course, see the course syllabus or watch the video.
Requirements
The HSC is available only on PC- or MAC-compatible CDs, so you will need a computer with a CD drive.
An Internet connection is also recommended so students can participate in the online mail list for research help and advice. Some students choose to submit their lessons by e-mail rather than postal service.
Fees
You may choose either the graded option to receive specific written feedback, suggestions for improvement, and encouragement from expert genealogists, or a self-grading option with no feedback. The Home Study Course consists of three CDs, each containing five or six lessons, which can be purchased individually or in a three-CD bundle at a discount. NGS members and anyone who has completed an NGS online course receive a price break.
Not a member? Members pay $90 less than non-members for the graded bundle. Become an NGS member for $60 and you’ll still be $30 ahead of non-member pricing. Join now.
|
NGS Home Study Course Option |
Members |
Non-members |
Members |
Non-members |
|
CD 1 self-graded |
$85 |
$95 |
$75 |
$85 |
|
CD 2 self-graded |
$85 |
$95 |
$75 |
$85 |
|
CD 3 with Grading Option* |
$165 |
$195 |
$155 |
$185 |
|
Total 3 CDs bought separately: |
$335 |
385 |
$305 |
$355 |
|
Bundle (CD 1, 2, & 3) self-graded* |
$315 |
$365 |
Bundled option not available |
Bundled option not available |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CD 1 with Grading Option |
$165 |
$195 |
$155 |
$185 |
|
CD 2 with Grading Option |
$165 |
$195 |
$155 |
$185 |
|
CD 3 with Grading Option* |
$165 |
$195 |
$155 |
$185 |
|
Total 3 CDs bought separately: |
$495 |
$585 |
$465 |
$555 |
|
Bundle (CD 1,2, & 3) with Grading Option |
$475 |
$565 |
Bundled option not available |
Bundled option not available |
* CD3 is available only with the grading option.
Register online for the NGS Home Study Course now.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
If you are not satisfied with the NGS Home Study Course, return all materials and CDs within 30 days for a full refund excluding a $50 processing fee.
Certificate of Completion
A certificate is awarded to each person who successfully completes the graded version of the NGS Home Study Course. The National Genealogical Society is not a licensing body, so no certification or accreditation is implied. However, many certified genealogists testify that completing the NGS Home Study course helped prepare them to meet the requirements for credentialing from the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
If you’ve completed the Home Study Course and are interested in more advanced study, investigate the Boston University Certificate in Genealogical Research Program. Learn more. NGS members receive a 10% tuition discount.
Questions?
Contact the NGS Course Administrator at courses@ngsgenealogy.org.

