About Us

About the International Institute of Genealogical Studies

The International Institute of Genealogical Studies (IIGS) trains professional genealogists and family historians around the world in genealogical sciences, research records, and professional development skills. Our flexible, affordable, and fully online programs are designed for anyone ready to take their passion for family history to the next level.

Our Mission

We believe that every family story deserves to be discovered, preserved, and shared. Our mission is to provide world-class genealogical education that prepares students for meaningful careers and enriches the lives of families everywhere.

Who We Serve

Whether you're pursuing a professional credential or simply want to preserve your family's legacy, IIGS has a program for you:

  • Career-minded genealogists seeking professional credentials in 14 specialized fields of study
  • Family historians wanting to document, preserve, and share genealogy, history, and stories for future generations
  • Librarians, law enforcement professionals, and writers looking to enhance their research skills and career capabilities

What Makes IIGS Different

As a career trade school dedicated exclusively to genealogical sciences, IIGS offers a depth and breadth of curriculum you won't find anywhere else:

  • 14 fields of professional study — from DNA and Genetic Genealogy to foundational Methodology, American, Australian, Canadian, Eastern European, English, German, Scottish, and Irish research to Librarianship, Personal Historian and Professional Development  in building your business—all provide credits toward your credentials in genealogy.
  • Flexible, self-paced learning — study on your schedule, from anywhere in the world. Most programs are 40 credits to graduate. DNA and Genetic Genealogy takes 15 credits and Librarianship takes 12 credits.
  • Affordable tuition — professional-quality education without the cost of a traditional university. Our average credit hour is $125 US, but there are bulk package discounts available to help you with your budgeting. You may take one course at a time or get those package discounts when you bundle course credits starting at 3. Bigger discounts available for 6 or more course credits at a time. These package discounts work for any combination of courses and the system remembers each class you take.
  • Globally recognized credentials — certificates trusted by genealogical societies and professionals worldwide. The PLCGS credential is a Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies. The SPCL-Religious Research is a master-level credential for International Religious Records specialty.
  • Expert instructors — courses taught by working professionals with deep field expertise. Your courses are self-paced with supplemental Zoom sessions you can attend live or watch the recordings. The chat app comes to a real person where you can drop in your questions and get help the same day. (Closed on Sundays, but you can still leave your question to be answered on Monday.)

Our Certificate Programs

IIGS offers professional certificate programs and specializations with an awarded post nominal across 14 genealogical fields of study. 40 credits to graduate in most programs. (Those needing less are noted) Fields of study include:

  • Methodology—Foundation courses for all genealogical research
  • American Records
  • Australian Records
  • Canadian Genealogy
  • DNA & Genetic Genealogy (Hot and growing field.
    15-course credential or add-on for post nominal to any other country records program as electives)
  • Eastern European Records
  • English Records
  • German Records
  • Irish Records
  • Italian Records (Basic and Intermediate levels complete)
  • Scottish Records
  • Librarianship (12-course program for working librarians, museum docents, and genealogy society librarians. Awarded a PLCGS post nominal on completion.)
  • Personal Historian (Hot and growing field)
  • Professional Development for Genealogists who want to build a business or gain administrative, operational, and marketing skills.
  • Master-level Specialties Studies
  • Electives to match your research goals

Each program is designed to build practical, career-ready skills recognized by the genealogical community. You can take one course or a full program. The system will remember each course and apply it toward your graduation goals.

What Our Students Say

"I have been studying genealogy for over 20 years and the courses at IIGS have been some of the most valuable and informative I have ever taken."

— Judith T., IIGS Student

Students from around the world trust IIGS to help them grow as researchers, professionals, and storytellers. Our community spans continents and generations, united by a shared love of family history.

Leadership

Angela Breidenbach, PLCGS, is the Executive Director and she leads the International Institute of Genealogical Studies with a passion for making professional genealogy education accessible to everyone. Under her leadership, IIGS has grown into a globally recognized institution serving students across dozens of countries. We have a dozen staff that live in Canada, US, Australia, UK, and Israel. Each person is a professional genealogist and/or specialist in their field. 

Connect With Us

We'd love to hear from you! Join our growing community of genealogists and family historians: 800.580.0165 x1 (US/Canada) Available by Zoom outside of the US/Canada and the chat app comes to a real person. We try to connect immediately, but if we're in a meeting or helping another student, please drop your message and we will either email or call you back as per your request.

Ready to start your journey? Browse our courses and find the program that's right for you. Drop a note in the chat at https://GenealogicalStudies.com for a student advising appointment or chat right there for answers to all your questions.