Private investigators (PIs) conduct detective
work like the police, but they are hired by private parties such as
corporations, lawyers or individuals. Training varies by specialty. For
example, accounting and business degrees are useful for PIs focusing on
corporate cases. For all detectives, a distance learning degree in
criminal justice or an online certificate in private investigation
provides a foundation for a successful career and satisfies the
education requirements for most state licenses.
Overview of an Online Private Investigation Certificate
Online certificate programs for PIs are uncommon, so advanced
registration is suggested to ensure enrollment. Undergraduate-level
coursework teaches the general practices of private investigators. Laws
applicable to the student's home state are reviewed to prepare graduates
for state licensing exams.
The certificate may be earned entirely online in one year. Students
can expect to spend a minimum of two hours per course each week on class
instruction and assignments. Coursework is asynchronous, so students
can access them at their convenience any time of day.
Online Courses Available
The program's coursework reviews the methods and techniques employed
by private detectives from fact-finding to presenting legal evidence in
court. Courses covering laws are tailored to a student's state of
residence.
Students learn the proper methods of recovering clues to a crime and
legal documentation of evidence. Theories of criminal motives are
discussed as well as tools for crime scene analysis.
Private Investigation Course
Investigative techniques are introduced such as collecting digital
evidence and interviewing informants. State laws regarding record
searches are reviewed.
Report Writing Course
Students learn to write accurate and professional reports.
Communication with clients, law enforcement agencies and attorneys is an
integral function of the PI industry.
Overview of Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
While not as common as traditional on-campus programs, online
associate degree programs in criminal justice are available. Aspiring
detectives learn valuable deductive reasoning skills. Students gain
insight into the role of PIs in assisting the legal process and
collaborating with police to protect communities.
Distance education coursework for an associate's degree can be
completed in two years. Programs are delivered entirely online through
interactive exercises, PowerPoint lessons and streaming video requiring a
Flash player and high-speed Internet connection.
Online Courses Available
General education classes in the social sciences and humanities are
required in addition to coursework in criminal justice. Students gain
communication and math skills that can be applied to many careers.
Introduction to Criminal Justice Course
Students survey the history of the criminal justice system in this
class. The roles of police and security officers in safeguarding
citizens are examined.
Private Security Course
The security industry is increasingly becoming privatized. Students
review the ways in which security professionals interact with local and
federal law enforcement agencies. Techniques and tools of the trade are
introduced.
Criminal Behavior Course
Theories of criminal psychology are explored. Distance learners discuss ways to examine the motivations behind crimes.
Private detectives and investigators may be self-employed or work for
private businesses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov), the mean annual salary for private detectives and investigators was $47,130 in 2009.
Continuing Education
Licensing requirements to become a private investigator vary by state
and by specialty. In general, most states require private investigators
to have clean federal and police records, an associate or bachelor's
degree in criminal justice or related field, on-the-job experience and a
demonstrated knowledge of state laws. Additional certification may be
required for some specializations, such as working in the security
industry.
Overview of Online Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice
Numerous online bachelor's degree programs in criminal justice are
available to prepare students for a career in private investigation.
Students gain a broad understanding of the criminal justice field while
tailoring their curriculum to
computer forensics, crime scene investigation or security.
A bachelor's degree program may be completed in four years, or in two
years if credits are transferred from an associate degree program.
Students may choose to complete all coursework online, or they may elect
to participate in an internship at a crime lab to gain hands-on
experience.
Online Courses Available
Core course requirements include communications, math, humanities,
natural and social science classes. Students then complete introductory
criminal justice coursework focusing on analytical tools and techniques,
before choosing electives in a particular specialization. Prior to
graduating, students complete final projects demonstrating all the
investigative skills acquired.
Legal Evidence Course
Distance learners study the types of evidence used in the legal
process. They learn how to collect evidence and testimonies, and how
they are presented in court.
Computer Forensics Course
As more information is stored on computers, the rate of cybercrimes
increases. Students learn about software and methods for recovering
digital evidence as well as legal regulations for acquiring information
from e-mail and other electronic devices.
Investigative Photography Course
Students learn how to use photographs and videos in their
investigations and as legal evidence. Image enhancement and other
advanced techniques in digital photography are introduced.
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