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

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 laboratories 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 over one dozen cold cases since its inception in 2023.

Applications received December 1, 2025 through June 5, 2026 will be considered for the Fall 2026 IGG Certificate Program. Successful applicants for the Fall 2026 program will be notified by email by June 26, 2025. Program Dates for the Fall 2026 Certificate Program are listed below.

The IGG Certificate program is a nontraditional, non-credit bearing program which does not conform to the schedule and deadline of the Ramapo College academic calendar for matriculated students. As such, questions about the schedule, program, or deadlines should be directed to our team at the IGG center. Please see the “contact” section below for more information.

Program Costs

• Tuition: $6,500

Program Participation Requirements

• Students must have a computer (Mac or PC) to attend class and complete coursework (an iPad will not suffice)
• GEDmatch tier 1 subscription
• DNA Painter subscription
• New for 2026: We will be utilizing a new tree-building platform for IGG coursework this term, which students will be required to use during class. There will be no cost associated with this platform for students in the IGG Certificate Program.

Recommendations (optional, but strongly recommended):

• 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 a maximum of 38 students per section. Additional accepted students will be placed on a waiting list and notified if space becomes available, and will be deferred to the following term if space does not become 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.

Additionally, the Borderlands Humanitarian Impact Through IGG Scholarship is available to one student per year attending in the Fall semester. Click here to learn more and to apply.

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.

Contact

For questions about the program, application deadlines, or schedule, please contact IGG Certificate Program Director Cairenn Binder by emailing cbinder@ramapo.edu.