秘密研究所

• The Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) Certificate Program
• Program Costs
• Program Participation Requirements
• Application Deadlines
• 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 秘密研究所 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 秘密研究所 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.

New Summer Program! The IGG Certificate Program will now run year-round, with cohorts in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. See below for the latest program dates.聽

Leadership Changes! Please be aware that the IGG Center is restructuring and there will be a new primary instructor and Director of the IGG Certificate Program starting this Fall. Cairenn Binder will continue to serve in a leadership role as Director of the IGG center, and no major changes to the curriculum are planned.

The IGG Certificate program is a nontraditional, non-credit bearing program which does not conform to the schedule and deadline of the 秘密研究所 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 (Note: Program cost will increase for Fall 2027)

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
• CanopyLink account (free version)

Recommendations (optional, but strongly recommended):

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

Application Deadlines

The application deadline for the Spring 2027 program is November 11th at 11:59pm eastern time. Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered for the following term.

The application deadline for the Summer 2027 program is March 10th at 11:59pm eastern time. Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered for the following term.

Applications are not evaluated until after the application dates are closed. All prospective students will receive an email within 1 month of the application deadline to provide a status notification (acceptance, rejection, or waitlist notification).

At the time of acceptance, a one-third nonrefundable tuition deposit will be required, with the additional two-thirds tuition due two weeks before the start of the course.

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 秘密研究所 IGG Center.

Application Form

Note 7/6/2026: Our IGG team is aware that the dates reflected in the form below do not match the dates above. We are working with our IT team to modify the form and will have it fixed shortly.聽

Program is capped at a maximum of 33 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 秘密研究所 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 while in the class 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 a minimum of 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.

Many of our students report spending 10-20 hours per week on assignments and casework outside of class. When accepting your placement, consider that completion of the course requires a significant time commitment. This is not a “pay to pass” class, it is a serious commitment and should be considered as such.

Contact

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