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Learn more about the FIGG graduate certificate program and the Lee College at our upcoming Virtual Information Sessions!
Become a Leader in One of the Most Transformative Fields in Modern Investigations and Forensic Science
Developed by internationally recognized experts and delivered through the renowned Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, this innovative program prepares professionals to apply cutting-edge genetic and genealogical techniques to some of the most challenging investigations of our time.
Whether your goal is to support criminal investigations to aid the identification of violent perpetrators, assist Unidentified Human Remains (UHRs) cases, advance missing persons investigations, assist humanitarian efforts, or expand your expertise in genetic genealogy, this program provides a rigorous, evidence-based foundation rooted in scientific integrity, ethical practice, and real-world application.
Why Study FIGG at the University of New Haven?
As forensic investigative genetic genealogy continues to revolutionize investigative practice worldwide, there is an increasing demand for professionals who can confidently navigate the intersection of DNA science, genealogy, technology, ethics, and law.
Our program combines all of these disciplines into a comprehensive educational experience designed to prepare graduates to make meaningful contributions in public safety, forensic laboratories, private industry, non-profit organizations, and academic research.
Application Deadline for Priority Review: June 1, 2027
Next Cohort Begins: Fall 2027
QUESTIONS?
Contact Collette Kempton,
Assistant Director of Graduate 鶹AV
Program Highlights
Flexible Online Format
- 100% online
- Fully asynchronous delivery
- Learn from anywhere in the world
- Designed for working professionals
- No required live class sessions
Cohort-Based Learning
Students progress through the curriculum together, creating a collaborative learning environment while building valuable professional networks within the FIGG community.Practical and Career-Focused
The curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and scientific rigor. Graduates leave with immediately applicable knowledge and skills relevant to current industry needs.
Expert Instruction
Learn from internationally recognized leaders in forensic genetics, genetic genealogy, genealogical research, and forensic science education.
Specialized Credential
Earn an academic credential from a nationally recognized institution that demonstrates advanced education in one of the fastest-growing areas of forensic investigation.
Tuition Benefits
A is available for active law enforcement professionals and forensic science professionals in private or public laboratories.
Program Structure
| Course | Delivery Period | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FORS 6600 Fundamentals of Forensic Biological Evidence* | Fall I | 3 |
| FORS 6601 Genetic Genealogy Principles and Methods | Fall II | 3 |
| FORS 6602 Genealogical Principles and Methods | Spring I | 3 |
| FORS 6603 FIGG Practicum | Spring II | 3 |
*Experienced forensic practitioners may be eligible for approved course substitution with FORS 6604 Forensic DNA Phenotyping: Appearance and Ancestry Prediction.
Learn from professors who are dedicated to your success.
Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional experience and academic rigor to the classroom.
Key Dates for the 2027-2028 Cohort
- Priority Application Deadline: June 1, 2027
- Priority Application Review: June 2-6, 2027
- 鶹AV Decisions Released: June 7, 2027
- Enrollment Deposit Deadline: July 2027
- Secondary Review and Waitlist Consideration: July to August 2027
- Program Start: Fall 2027
Required Courses
Fall I mini-term: August to October (7 weeks)
This course introduces the student to forensic biological evidence and how it relates to forensic investigations from the crime scene to the crime lab. The recognition, preservation, identification, individualization, evaluation, and reconstruction of biological evidence will be covered. Students will be introduced to the forensically relevant biological evidence types typically encountered in forensic investigations, such as hair, skin cells, teeth, bone, blood, semen, saliva, etc. The biological origins, processing, identification, and interpretation of these evidence types will be examined. The fundamentals of traditional Forensic DNA profiling (STR profiling) and an overview of criminal DNA databases will also be covered.
*For experienced forensic practitioners, this course may be substituted with another course pending discussion and approval with the program director.
Fall II mini-term: October to December (7 weeks)
This course introduces the student to the field of Genetic Genealogy and how it is currently applied in a forensic setting. Students will learn the structure and inheritance patterns of autosomal, Y-chromosomal, X-chromosomal, and mitochondrial DNA, and how they are used to identify, verify, and connect genetically related individuals. Students will become familiar with the different technologies currently available for generating the necessary genetic profiles for upload to databases to identify genetic matches/relatives. Students will learn how to use various third-party tools to interpret the results and extrapolate information from them to deduce genetic connections between individuals. Current laws, policies, and ethical considerations will also be covered.
Spring I mini-term: January to March (7 weeks)
This course introduces the student to genealogical research, analysis, and writing techniques using documentary evidence. The Genealogy Standards of the Board for Certification of Genealogists will be emphasized. Methods for planning research, collecting, organizing, and documenting data, reasoning from evidence, and writing genealogical proof will be applied. The student will learn effective search and analysis techniques for common genealogical sources, e.g. censuses, vital records, immigration and naturalization records, land records, probate records, newspapers, etc. The Genealogical Proof Standard will be applied to measure the credibility of conclusions from genealogical investigations.
Spring II mini-term: March to May (7 weeks)
This practicum course is not a typical course with lecture content and assignments. Instead, it is a practical experience where the student will put their newly gained knowledge and skills into practice while being mentored and guided throughout. The student will undertake a mock FIGG case/investigation. A comprehensive report detailing the documented methods used, the results/outcomes, and final conclusions will be submitted, along with a full set of records collected and trees built. This practicum experience provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate they have gained the fundamental core competencies and achieved the overall objectives of the entire program.
Fall I mini-term: August to October (7 weeks)
Forensic DNA phenotyping is an intelligence-driven selection of DNA analyses and inference methods that can generate information on the externally visible characteristics and biogeographic ancestry of an individual from DNA. Its application allows investigators to narrow down a list of potential crime scene trace donors, or provide leads to cold, and missing persons identification cases when all other avenues of investigation are stalled. In this course you will cover the laboratory, computational and statistical processes that allow the prediction of eye, hair and skin color using multiple tools (i.e. HIrisPlex-S, Snipper-suite), as well as the approaches used to infer continental/sub-population ancestry of an unknown individual, from DNA
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
Application materials include:
- Completed graduate application
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
GRE scores and letters of recommendation are not required.
Applicants from all academic disciplines are welcome to apply.
Who Should Apply?
This program attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds, including:
- Law enforcement professionals
- Forensic scientists
- Criminal investigators
- Intelligence analysts
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Genealogists
- Medical and healthcare professionals
- Anthropologists and archaeologists
- Missing persons advocates
- Humanitarian organizations
- Research scientists
- Hobbyist Genealogists interested in FIGG
No prior genealogy experience is required.
Real-World Relevance
Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy has transformed modern investigations by helping identify violent offenders, resolve decades-old cold cases, identify unidentified human remains, locate missing persons, and provide answers to families seeking closure.
As agencies and organizations increasingly adopt these techniques, professionals with formal FIGG education are uniquely positioned to contribute to this rapidly evolving field.
Through this program, students gain both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to engage responsibly and effectively in FIGG work.
Join the Global FIGG Community
Advance Your Expertise. Expand Your Opportunities. Help Solve the Unsolvable.
The University of New Haven's FIGG program has educated students from across the United States and around the world who share a commitment to scientific excellence, ethical practice, and investigative innovation. Since the program began in January 2021, over 500 students have graduated from the FIGG program.
Join a network of professionals helping shape the future of forensic investigations while gaining the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make a meaningful impact.
Nationally Recognized Center for Career Development
All University of New Haven students have access to the many resources available through the University’s Career Development Center, which has been named one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.
From career assessments, networking, and job shadowing to on-campus interviews and salary negotiation, the Career Development Center provides the skills and connections to identify a meaningful career and an opportunity to pursue your passion.
Learn MoreTuition and Fees
for each academic year.
For current members of the law enforcement community and operational casework laboratory personnel (private/state/federal), there is a 30% tuition discount available pending confirmation of current employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- A bachelor’s degree (any discipline).
- Transcripts of all former degrees.
- A Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
- Personal Statement (Discussing why you are suited to the program, your prior relevant experience, etc.)
- Letters of Recommendation are not required.
- GRE is not required.
Each of the four courses are 3 graduate credits. Consistent with federal regulations, the University of New Haven defines a “credit hour” as one hour of instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for full-term courses (15 weeks) or the equivalent amount of work/hours for mini-term courses (7 weeks).
On average, students spend between 15-25 hours per week through the courses in this program. This will vary from student to student, as some students spend longer or shorter time on assignments, reviewing lectures and readings, etc.
Currently enrolled UNH graduate students may add this certificate to their studies only after consultation with the academic advisor of your primary degree program. If your advisor approves, please fill out the Graduate Certificate Election Form, located in mycharger, in the Registrars Forms section.
Credits from this certificate can be applied to your Masters degree, if you have sufficient electives credits available.
Next Steps
An advanced degree from the University of New Haven will help you take your career to the next level. Each program offers convenient scheduling, personalized attention, and state-of-the-art facilities.
View Application RequirementsThe University of New Haven Graduate School is an excellent value with reasonable tuition. Of course, you will still have bills to pay and the Financial Aid office can help.
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