• The Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) Certificate Program
• Program Costs
• Program Participation Requirements
• Class Schedule
• Application Form
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) Certificate Program

Thank you for your interest in the Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) program at Ramapo College of New Jersey. This program is an entry-level course in the practical application of IGG on investigative cases. Due to the sensitive nature of the work in this program, students will be required to sign a nondisclosure agreement and maintain privacy and security practices as determined by Ramapo College of New Jersey.

The IGG Certificate Program is designed to teach students how to work an IGG case from beginning to end. In addition to the skills required for practical IGG work, students will learn how to effectively communicate with investigating agencies and forensic DNA labs to ensure a successful workflow. Students will then apply their skills by working on a real, unsolved IGG case involving unidentified human remains.

Students in our education programs, including the IGG Certificate Program, have helped to resolve nearly a dozen cold cases since its inception in 2023.

Applications for the Spring 2025 IGG Certificate Program will be accepted through December 1, 2024 and successful applicants will be notified by December 13, 2024. 

Program Dates for the Spring 2025 Certificate Program are listed below.

Program Costs

• Tuition: $6,000
  Note: pricing will increase in Fall 2025

Program Participation Requirements

• Students must have a computer (Mac or PC) to attend class and complete coursework
• Completion of a writing sample (see details below)
• Ancestry.com account with all-access subscription
• GEDmatch tier 1 subscription
• DNA Painter subscription

Recommendations (optional):

• Completion of a direct-to-consumer DNA test (23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA)

Class Schedule

To earn the IGG Certificate, you must attend at least 90% of all scheduled virtual classes with webcam on, complete all assigned work with at least an 80% average grade, and adhere to the non-disclosure agreement and privacy and cybersecurity practices designated by Ramapo College IGG Center.

Application Form

Program is capped at 25 students per section. 5 additional students will be placed on a waiting list and notified if space becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Financial Aid available for the IGG certificate program?

The Ramapo College IGG Certificate Program is non credit-bearing, and thus does not qualify for traditional financial aid. However, other types of award funding such as Americorps funds can be utilized for the program. Additionally, alternative loans available through Elm Select may be used to pay for the course. Click here and select “Alternative Loans” to learn more.

Am I guaranteed a job in investigative genetic genealogy after I finish the IGG certificate program?

IGG is a growing – but still small – field, with a few hundred practitioners worldwide. We do not make guarantees in regards to your employment upon finishing the course. All students have access to the resources in Ramapo’s career development tools to polish their interview skills and search job postings, as well as exclusive access to our IGG center alumni mailing list.

What is the time commitment required for students in the IGG certificate program?

In addition to 3 hours of live class time per week, most students spend 6-8 hours per week on readings and assignments outside of class. Students with limited experience in genealogy or who are challenged by technology may require more hours of work to complete assignments. Additionally, during casework (the last 4-5 weeks of class), students often become engrossed in the case and spend larger amounts of time researching the case they are assigned.