Are you ready to get a more complete picture of your genetic origins?
Learn what your mtDNA can tell you
about your personal identity and deep genetic connections
Great news! There's more to see and do
with your mtDNA test results from FamilyTreeDNA.
That also means there's more to be overwhelmed by.
Don't worry! We've got you.
Take our mtDNA and Genealogy Course for just $129
On-demand access:
Start learning as soon as you like!
What you will learn in the mtDNA Course
- What mtDNA is; how it is inherited; and why it is valuable for family history
- What mtDNA data you receive from different testing companies, and why the mtDNA test from FamilyTreeDNA is so much more powerful
- A deep dive into your mtDNA haplogroup: how it's determined; general migration patterns; and mtDNA haplogroup projects
- Your mtDNA matches: who you should pay attention to (and who you shouldn't!)
- How to use FTDNA's Discover ToolTM with confidence to dive deeper into your mtDNA results
- How to evaluate your own mtDNA profile to learn more about your personal maternal line heritage
- BONUS: Short module on the history of mtDNA
What you get with the mtDNA Course
- Engaging video tutorials and companion exercises for a robust, 4-6 hour guided learning experience (individual learning time will vary)
- Short, step-by-step, close-captioned modules help you digest one concept at a time
- Interactive, guided practice case study: you'll actually be clicking and navigating in a simulation of an mtDNA profile on the FamilyTreeDNA website
- A handy checklist to help you know when mtDNA may be appropriate for your research goal
- On-demand access lets you set your own pace: start, stop and rewatch whenever you want
- Unlimited, indefinite access to the Course allows you to return and refresh your learning
- mtDNA Quick Reference Guide: keep this digital, 4-page guide handy for quick reference (updated for 2025)
- Professionally-designed Workbook (print/fillable PDF) turns your coursework into a handy reference guide
- Additional, optional resources invite you to extend your learning, if you choose
- Expert-monitored online discussions, so you can ask questions and discuss what you're learning with other students
- FREE occasional updates as the mtDNA tools continue to develop--this will keep your learning current
How much does it cost?
Just $129!
Praise for our other Course experiences
Thomas Stevenson
YDNA for Genealogy Course
"Excellent content and support structure. I took a great deal out of this course....The coaches close any gaps in understanding. The pacing is up to you--and the fact the material can be revisited is a big plus for me!"
Lisa Beal
DNA Study Group and more
"I am so impressed with the level of service and quality of all the Courses I've taken. I like to start slow and build on my skills and Your DNA Guide provides this type of structure. I'm so grateful to be here...I've learned more...than I could have ever imagined."
Diana Gill
YDNA for Genealogy Course
"I've completed the first two sessions and I'm feeling energized! Diahan does a great job of being down to earth with great pacing, fun visuals and an understanding, encouraging approach."
Who are we?
Your DNA Guide
Our sole purpose is to teach and inspire YOU to use DNA to explore your roots. We believe you can do it, and that there is power in making your own DNA discoveries. We’ve been focused on this mission for over 10 years, which experience has made us a leading global genetic genealogy education company.
Diahan Southard, Founder and CEO
and a world-renowned genetic genealogy educator
As the founder of Your DNA Guide, Diahan Southard has helped thousands of people worldwide turn DNA confusion into family discoveries. Her hands-on teaching approach makes complex concepts understandable and fun. She knows that discovering your own family stories makes you stronger, more rooted, more connected and more confident. You can DO the DNA–and she can help, just as she’s helped so many others.
.jpg?width=1191&height=266&name=YDG%20logo_Horizontical_RGB_BLK%20(1).jpg "YDG logo_Horizontical_RGB_BLK (1)")
Frequently asked questions
Who needs the mtDNA for Genealogy Course?
Anyone who wants to use DNA to gain a deeper, more complete picture of their personal identity and deep genetic connections, and is interested in how to use mtDNA to further their genealogy research goals.
Our mtDNA connects us with others on a global level and helps us see our place in the history of the world, along our maternal line. Our mtDNA test results help build the mtDNA tree of the world.
You should take this Course if you want to better understand your place on that tree--and if you want to better understand how your mtDNA results may be used within the context of your family history research.
Do I need mtDNA test results to take this Course? Where should I test?
You'll have the most powerful learning experience with this Course if you have mtDNA test results (already in hand or pending). You should take the mtDNA test from FamilyTreeDNA,* so you'll have access to the full information found in mtDNA test results, rather than the high-level mtDNA information you get with some autosomal test results.
If you haven't taken an mtDNA test yet but would like to take the Course, we encourage you to order a test or obtain permission to work with someone's results. Once you purchase this Course, you get to keep access to it, so you can start learning whenever you like, such as when you receive your test results.
*Thank you for using our affiliate link--your purchase earns us a small commission at no additional cost to you.
What technical requirements are there for this Course?
This course takes place online in our Circle community. To access it, we'll send you an email with more information about joining the Your DNA Guide Circle community.
You'll also need a reliable internet connection for streaming the video learning sessions and for additional learning on your own time.
Is this Course useful even if I don't have good mtDNA matches?
Good question, and yes, the Course will be useful even if your current match list isn't genealogically-useful. There's a lot you can discover about yourself using mtDNA test results, even if you don't have good matches.
How long will this Course take to complete?
The Course includes more than 4 hours of video tutorial segments. Many people will want about 2 hours additional time for practice and review, but that will vary widely by learner.