Family History
With whom do I speak with about declaring a Family History major?
FHSS Advisement will help you monitor completing graduation requirements and will handle official declaration of the major/minor. The Family History Coordinator will help you think strategically about courses, minors, internships, and careers.
| Professor Harris | Dr. David McMillan |
| Family History Program Coordinator | FHSS Advisement Center |
| 2150 JFSB | 1041 JFSB |
| (801) 422-6408 | (801) 422-3541 |
What is the difference between the Family History Program and the Center for Family History and Genealogy?
The Family History Program offers the only bachelor degree in Family History in North America. It offers intensive training and prepares students for a variety of professions in historical, genealogical, archival, library, and research professions.
The Center for Family History and Genealogy's mission is to enhance student learning, simplify genealogical methods, and conduct top-tier research. In this role, it supports the Family History Program and provides practical research opportunities for students. Visit the Center's website at cfhg.byu.edu.
How do I learn about family history events , jobs, and funding opportunities at BYU?
Join the major/minor email list. Write cfhgoff@byu.edu and ask to be added to the list.
"The [BYU family history students] I've hired in the past were the very best at professionalism, work ethic, and knowledge about genealogy research."
Writing Support
The FHSS Writing Lab offers free writing help for students within the BYU College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences. They are open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-5:00 pm MST and are located at 1175 JFSB. You can reach them at (801) 422-4454 or their website: fhsswriting.byu.edu. They are currently only meeting virtually.
Genealogical Writing Samples
There is a binder available for students to review at the CFHG (1031 JFSB). It contains examples of professional client reports, credential application materials, and examples of student writing. It is also available electronically upon request. Email cfhgoff@byu.edu for more information. (Available to current students only.)
HIST 205 & 206R
History 205: Introduction to Family History Doctrine and Practice and History 206R: Regional and Thematic Studies in Family History are introductory classes for the Family History Program. They are offered year round. Visit https://history.byu.edu/hist205 for more information.
Family History Workshops
These workshops support and supplement on-campus family history courses at BYU. In multiple sections per week, student TAs teach the week's topic and answer questions. They are currently only meeting virtually. Visit https://history.byu.edu/famhistworkshops for more information.
Writing Classes
ENGL 312: Persuasive Writing
ENGL 315: Writing in the Social Sciences
ENGL 316: Technical Communication
ENGL 317R: Writing Creative Nonfiction
Other Classes of Interest
DIGHT 215: Introduction to the Digital Humanities
DIGHT 250: Web Publishing for Humanities
GEOG 130: Intro to Human Geography
GEOG 211: Mapping Your World
GEOG 212: Intro to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
PWS 168: Personal Genomics
How to Learn More
BYU’s Family History/Genealogy program is unique; it offers the only bachelor’s in family history in North America and its international scope is unrivaled. It offers intensive training and prepares students for a variety of professions and community service. The combination of evidence analysis, technology, and paleography skills makes family history/genealogy a gateway discipline for multiple historical, genealogical, archival, library, and research professions.
Click here to learn more about classes, internships, and career paths.