Private Investigation

Certificate Program

The California State University, East Bay Certificate in Private Investigation is a nationally recognized program for aspiring private investigators. The program is also an excellent way for those who work in law, insurance, debt collection, or law enforcement to deepen their familiarity with investigative research techniques. Students in criminal justice or law programs will similarly find this course valuable in advancing their career goals.

The coursework in this comprehensive basic program covers everything from federal criminal and civil procedure to conducting service of process, interviewing clients and witnesses, and writing investigative reports. While this program provides graduates a certificate of completion, those who seek to practice as private investigators will also need to meet their state's license requirements.

Offered in partnership with Gatlin Education Services, the program's online-only format makes it convenient for people anywhere in the world, not just those who live or work in the San Francisco East Bay Area.

Program Objectives

• To give graduates a thorough grounding in private investigation, from the different specialties in the profession to training, field experience, licensing, and laws that govern licensing of private investigation.
• To help graduates who work in law, insurance, criminal justice, and other fields to increase their job effectiveness and career satisfaction.
• To prepare graduates to function in the private investigation field as investigators, for those who seek to take that path.
• To give graduates interested in becoming private investigators the knowledge necessary to apply for apprenticeships with investigation agencies or open their own once state-based license requirements have been met.

Who Should Attend

• Individuals who seek or would like to explore careers in the field of private investigation.
• Professionals who would benefit from a stronger understanding of investigative methods, including attorneys, legal secretaries, paralegals, insurance adjusters, and collections agents, as well as those who work in law enforcement.
• Students in criminal justice or law programs.

Program Highlights