Family History
Exploring the Major
The Family History–Genealogy major at Brigham Young University prepares students to research, document, and preserve family histories using historical records, genealogical methods, and modern technology. Combining coursework in history, archival research, paleography, and DNA analysis, the program emphasizes ethical research practices and spiritual insights into family connections. Graduates are equipped for careers in genealogical research, archival work, law, library science, and related fields, as well as for advanced study in history and family history.
Family History Department Contacts
- Academic and Professional Development Manager: Heather Lagrosa-Farr
- Section Head: Amy Harris
- Internship Coordinator: Alison Sondrup, Cascey Farnsworth
- Faculty Mentor: Assigned
- History Department: History Department
- Family History program: Family History
All History & Family History Majors and Minors, including American Indian Studies Minors will be assigned a faculty mentor.
Minors
Competencies and Careers
Competencies Developed in the Program
Students in the Family History programs can expect to develop strong Communication, Information Literacy, and Cultural Navigation competencies. Want to know more about these professional competencies? Career Readiness.
Common Career Fields
Family History students can use their degree to pursue careers in many fields. Some of those include: Private Research, Speaking, Volunteering, Teaching, Government Research, Digital History, Consultant, Record Management, Start-Ups, Professional Organizations, Probate/Heir Research, etc.
Meet with Your Advisor
Would you like to know more about the program to see if it’s a good fit for your goals? Would you like to know more about your career options? Do you have a career option in mind but you’d like resources to help you chart a path toward that goal? Come with your Academic and Professional Development Manager, Heather Lagrosa-Farr.
Contact the Liberal Arts Advisement Center to set up an appointment.
Meet with Your Career Director
Your Career Director can help you get connected to alumni, find companies that hare hiring, hone your resume, and strategically look for jobs. Set up an appointment with Amanda Peterson here.
How to Add the Major
This is an open enrollment program, simply submit a major change request on your Progress Report to get started in the major. Additionally, we encourage all students to meet with Professor Amy Harris, she will help you think strategically about courses, minors, internships, and careers.
FAQ's
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Toggle ItemWho will I meet in the Family History Program?
You’ll meet people from a variety of backgrounds and generations. That mixture is one of the program’s great strengths.
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Toggle ItemWill I be able to convince my parents there are job opportunities in family history?
YES! Have your parents read the Family History Guidebook, or attend RootsTech, or talk to Professor Harris
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Toggle ItemWill this major help me trace my family back to Adam and Eve?
Absolutely not. If after taking History 217 you still want to do this, talk to Professor Harris. Be prepared for her response.
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Toggle ItemI have more questions about this major. Who can I talk to?
Please see the Family History Guidebook for all the fun details
Heather Lagrosa-Farr, Academic and Professional Development Manager
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Toggle ItemHow do I declare this major?
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Toggle ItemWhat if I want to double major in Family History and another program?
You can petition to double major. Learn about the process here.
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Toggle ItemI would like some help exploring my career options, who can help?
BYU Exploration Point is a great place to start: https://universityadvisement.byu.edu/exploration-point
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Toggle ItemWhat is a history of BYU’s Family History Major?
Family History has a rich and long history at BYU. The Family History Program at Brigham Young University began in 1962. Various courses dedicated to genealogical research were offered, and students were able to choose either a two-year certificate or a family history minor. In addition, researchers were hired to conduct professional genealogical research for clients (this practice ended in 1991). By 1966 the program had expanded to an associate's degree. The BYU Conference on Family History and Genealogy began in 1969 and has been hosted on campus every year since. In 1979 the B.A. in Family and Local History Studies was offered through the History Department, but with strong ties to the Church History and Doctrine Department as well. For a brief period in the 1980s, they also offered a master's degree in family history. After a brief hiatus, the degree program was renamed in 1992 as Family History-Genealogy and continues to serve hundreds of students each year. Over that time the library (both the family history section and Special Collections) has consistently supported both the academic and public audiences for genealogical research. In 2000 the Center for Family History and Genealogy was founded as a place for students to engage in serious, academically rigorous genealogical/family historical research. The BYU Family History Technology Conference (from which RootsTech grew) and the Family History Technology Workshop began under the Computer Science Department's auspices in 2000. Since then numerous faculty members and campus organizations have participated in or supported family history on campus. The links on the previous page will connect you to the current programs, projects, and support services.