Private Investigator

What is a private investigator?

Hired by a private group or an individual, a private investigator (or private detective) provides investigative services.

What should I look for in an online private investigator school?

The best online private investigator schools should possess either regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition, you can often recognize top online private investigator schools based on:

• The school’s name and status
• The school’s history
• Teacher credentials
• Alumni network

In choosing the best online private investigator school for you, you should consider the following factors:

• Admission requirements
• Residency requirements
• Class and teaching style
• Testing methods used
• Course content and presentation
• Program length
• Class size
• Student-teacher interaction
• Technology use
• Tuition and financial aid
• Transferability of credits
• Availability of a dedicated administration team and resources

What levels of online private investigator programs are available?

The following levels of private investigator degree online programs are available:

• Online Private Investigator Certificate Programs
• Online Associates in Private Investigation
• Online Bachelor in Private Investigation
• Online Masters in Private Investigation
• Online PhD in Private Investigation

How long does it take to get an online private investigator degree?

The amount of time it takes a student to earn an accredited online private investigator degree depends on the level of private investigator degree being pursued and the pace of the student.

Typically, the breakdown is as follows:

• Online Private Investigator Certification Programs – 6 months to 1 year
• Online Private Investigator Associates Degree – 2 years
• Online Private Investigator Bachelor Degree – 4 years
• Online Private Investigator Masters – 2 years
• Online Private Investigator PhD – 2 to 5 years

What are some examples of online private investigator courses?

Any curriculum in the best online private investigator degree programs includes these online private investigator courses:

• Private Investigation and the Law
  This course explores the intersection of private investigators and the legal system, covering allowable evidence in courts, insurance, state, and federal law, investigator-attorney relations, the criminal justice system, and ethical issues.
• Criminal Investigation and Investigative Techniques
  Students examine the techniques of the investigator. The course details how to plan and organize an investigation, interact with civilians and police, conduct interviews, investigate a crime scene, handle court testimony, and maintain professional ethics.
• Civil Investigation
  This course introduces civil investigative areas including death, insurance, and fraud.
• Legal Principles and Requirements
  Students become acquainted with the law and principles which govern private investigators, including constitutional amendments and Supreme Court cases that pertain to private investigators.
• Sources of Information
  Students will learn how to classify resources of investigative information while understanding the Internet’s role, differences between private and public records, field investigation, and computerized databases.

What areas of private investigator specialization are available?

Students will acquire much the same education obtained by many law enforcement agents, but online private investigator certificate programs enable them to work privately and specialize in careers like:

• Corporate Investigation
• Forensic Science
• Criminal Justice
• Computer Forensics
• Fraud Investigation

What can I do with a private investigator degree?

Some potential employment possibilities for graduates of accredited online private investigator schools include:

• Police Investigator
• Private Investigator
• Corporate Investigator
• Digital Forensic Investigator
• Legal Investigator
• Financial Investigator

What is a private investigator?

Private investigators provide professional investigative forensic and surveillance services to private parties.

What does a private investigator do?

The details of private investigators’ work will depend on their specialty and the case at hand. Often, much of a private investigator’s work is conducted on the computer where they search for deleted documents and emails, survey sites, and verify facts. Private investigators will also conduct interviews, and even go undercover if requested by clients.

How much does a private investigator earn?

A private investigator’s annual mean salary is $41,760. Forecasted growth is faster than the average compared to other occupations, at an expected 22 percent. Heightened concerns with security, litigation, and protection of property and confidential information all create demand for private investigators.

How do I become a private investigator?

Students interested in how to become a private investigator should know that in addition to applicable education and professional experience, most States require private investigators to be officially licensed. Licensing requirements vary between States. However, completing an online private investigator degree program will provide graduates with the expertise they need to begin a career in private investigation, and may prepare them for licensing examinations.