Family History (Genealogy) Major (51–71 hours*)

To view BYU's Major Academic Plan for the BA in Family History (Genealogy), click here.

1. Complete one course from the following in fulfillment of the university core First-Year Writing requirement:
   • Engl 115, 150
   • Honrs 150
   • Phil 150

   Note: Waivers based on Advanced Placement (AP) or other test scores do not apply to this requirement. Students with AP credit for Engl 115 should take Engl 150, Honrs 150, or Phil 150.

2. Complete one course from the following in fulfillment of the university core Advanced Languages requirement:
   • An approved culminating foreign language course.
   • Honrs 250
   • Phil 305
   • Stat 221

   Note: These courses and their prerequisites impart linguistic or quantitative skills that are advantageous to historical research.

3. Complete one course from the following:
   • Hist 220, 221
   
   
4. Complete the following:
   • Hist 200, 400, 433 or 434, 480, 490
   • Rel C 261

   Note: For majors, Hist 200 is considered a prerequisite for all 300- and 400-level courses. It must be completed no later than during the sophomore year or during the first semester/term after the major is declared. Hist 200 and 490 combined satisfy the university core Advanced Written and Oral Communications requirement.

5. Complete two courses from the following:
   • Hist 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406R, 408R, 409R, 410R, 411R, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416

   Note: It is recommended that students focus on one geographical area. Majors should consult with the family history coordinator soon after declaring.

6. Complete one course from the following:
   • Hist 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425
   
   
7. Complete one course from the following:
   • Rel C 293R
   
   
8. Complete the following:
   • Hist 482
   
   
9. Complete a minimum of 3 hours of the following:
   • Hist 496R
   
   
10. Complete one course from the following:
    • Hist 251, 319, 320, 357, 377, 378, 384, 387
    
    
11. Complete one course from the following:
    • Hist 252, 306, 322, 323, 324, 325, 328, 329, 330, 332, 355, 356
    
    
12. Complete one additional course from item 5 or 6 above.

Recommended:

• Hist 201, 202
• Majors are strongly encouraged to minor in a field that further enhances their preparation for employment or graduate school. Please consult with the faculty.

*Hours include courses that may fulfill university core requirements.

Helpful Tips

• As you begin your major classes, choose an area of emphasis according to the History source classes (401-416). Then select your classes accordingly.
• Avoid taking more than two of the following in any one given semester - 480, 482, 490.
• Should you choose this major later in your academic career, you should still try to take Hist 400 as soon as possible.
• It is best to leave Hist 480, 490 and 482 to your last few semesters.
• Take Hist 200 before Hist 433, and both before 490.
• Take Hist Handwriting & Document course and Hist source electives before taking 480, 482, and 496R.