Online Graduate Certificate in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG)

Program Overview

The Online Graduate Certificate in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) is a unique program designed to equip individuals with the skills to conduct FIGG investigations. The program culminates in a practical experience applying these skills to a mock FIGG case.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Online Graduate Certificate in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) is:

• The first program of its kind in the world.
• Designed to equip individuals from both public and private sectors with the core competencies to conduct FIGG investigations.
• Teach students to utilize various tools for connecting genetic matches in public databases.
• Develop strong genealogical research skills using documentary evidence and building family trees.
• Teach critical evaluation and correlation of records to reach credible conclusions about identities and relationships.
• Culminate in a practical experience applying the learned knowledge and skills to a mock FIGG case.

Outline:

Format:

100% online

Delivery:

Asynchronous (no live class times/lectures)

Duration:

2 full academic semesters (Fall and Spring), split into two mini-terms per semester

Term Schedule:

One course per mini-term, taken in sequence

Cohort program:

Students begin in the Fall semester and complete in the Spring semester | Course Title | Term | Delivery | Credits | |---|---|---|---| | FORS 6600 Fundamentals of Forensic Biological Evidence | Fall I mini-term | 7 weeks | 3 | | FORS 6601 Genetic Genealogy Principles and Methods | Fall II mini-term | 7 weeks | 3 | | FORS 6602 Genealogical Principles and Methods | Spring I mini-term | 7 weeks | 3 | | FORS 6603 FIGG Practicum | Spring II mini-term | 7 weeks | 3 |

Assessment:

• Module assignments: Written assignments, projects, practical tasks, quizzes
• Comprehensive report: Detailing methods, results, conclusions, and supporting records for the FIGG Practicum

Teaching:

• Recorded lectures: Available for each module
• Weekly modules: Released on a schedule
• Required readings: Supplementing lectures
• Faculty: Experts and leaders in the field

Careers:

• Growing field with increasing employment opportunities
• Private sector companies offering FIGG services to law enforcement
• Public sector agencies developing internal FIGG units
• Alumni working in law enforcement, forensics, legal professions, and non-profit organizations
• Opportunities for career change

Other:

• Tuition: Charged at the graduate per-credit rate.
• 30% tuition discount: Available for current members of the Law Enforcement/Forensic Science community
• Enrollment deadline: July 15, 2024
• Waitlisted applications: Transferred to the next cohort review
• Non-science background: Recommended to have some knowledge in science-related topics
• Fully online, not self-paced: Modules published weekly with deadlines
• Internship opportunities: No longer offered through the practicum course
• Program micro-credential: Many students already employed in relevant fields
• FIGG certification: Does not exist, "certification" differs from having a certificate