2025 - Top Recommended Online Degree and Certificate Programs For Private Investigations Work
Your Best Resource for Finding Online Degree and Certificate Programs In Forensics, Law, and Investigations.
PROS
No application fees Learn from specially trained instructors with real-world experience Online students receive full support with academic and career advising through the exclusive SNHUconnect online community One of the lowest online tuition rates in the country Course credits can be applied to the SNHU BS in Criminal Justice online program Takes on challenging subjects like discrimination in criminal justice and research literacy in social sciencesCONS
Advanced coursework in research and statistics may be challenging for some students Students have voiced in online forums that the learning platform does not support tablets and Chromebook devices
PROS
Offers a free three-week no-obligation trial allowing you to attend classes prior to paying tuition Offers credit for military training and experience One of the largest providers of public safety programs in the United States Almost all faculty members have advanced degrees and more than half hold doctorates in their field BS is available on the Exceltrack path offering additional flexibility and affordability BS offers concentrations in Business Foundations - Crime Scene Investigation - Forensic Psychology - Homeland Security - Juvenile Justice - and Law Enforcement POST graduates enrolling in the program may qualify to receive up to 25 credits toward their bachelor’s degreeCONS
Programs are not designed to meet any specific state credentialing requirements Students are responsible for understanding requirements for credentials they may be planning to earn after graduation
PROS
Provides a focus in data-driven decision-making Develops skills in crime mapping - social network analysis - and statistical software No criminal justice background required to enroll Learn from prestigious faculty who have trained analysts for USAID - the UN Development Program - and American law enforcement Graduate level studies offer an advanced understanding of crime analysis theory and techniques School is ranked #2 on the list of Best Graduate Homeland Security and Emergency Management Programs by U.S. News & World Report Accepts transfer creditsCONS
A heavy emphasis on statistical analysis can require strong math skills A focus on analysis and law enforcement support may not align with all PI career goals
PROS
Industry-relevant internships are available Offers a 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Cyber Criminology and Cyber Security alongside the main degree Ranked #10 in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Degrees list The 16 to 1 student/faculty ratio ensures individualized support and plenty of opportunities to engage with the world-class instructors here No test scores or prior law enforcement experience required to applyCONS
In-person internship opportunities are primarily located in Michigan A 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA is required for admission along with letters of recommendation
PROS
Delivers the foundational skills for careers in many areas of investigations and justice A biblical framework ensures coursework comes from an ethical perspective Backed by a top-ranked brick-and-mortar campus with highly experienced instructors and staff A leader in delivering online education programs Tuition rate has not been increased for 9 consecutive years Faculty members have experience as police officers - lawyers - mediators - and more A generous transfer policy allows up to 75% of required credits to come from other schools - life experience - or military trainingCONS
Fast-paced 8 week courses may present a challenge for working students Students taking advantage of the generous transfer policy for large amounts of credits miss some of the benefit of Liberty professors and curriculum
PROS
Build professional communication skills and insights into the psychology of crime Get practical real-world training from experienced instructors The HERO Training Center is a state-of-the-art facility with immersive scenario simulations Self-directed knowledge credit assessments are available Offers online Kickstart Grants of up to $400 for students enrolling soonCONS
Certificate programs aligned with Minnesota POST standards only Strict requirements for admissions include passing a criminal background check
PROS
Believe & Achieve Scholarships offer tuition savings based on your progress Learn to identify behavioral patterns and psychosocial factors key in investigative analysis Faculty include notable experts in the field of forensic psychology including consultants and published authors A self-designed program option allows you to tailor your coursework to your investigative needs No standardized tests or application fees required Credits previously earned may be brought over through a generous transfer policy or granted for work or military experience Walden works closely with students to identify scholarship or other funding opportunitiesCONS
Program does not lead to licensure Designed for advanced professionals - the psychology-focused coursework will not cover basic investigative practices
PROS
Benefit from a faith-based curriculum More than 90% of students receive financial aid Named one of the 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges and Universities in the United States Select from a wide range of elective options in criminology - psychology - sociology - or beyond Accepts up to 32 credits transferred in from other programs No application fee required Internship included in the programCONS
Some students may prefer to study criminal justice from a purely secular perspective 8-week courses may be too fast-paced for some studentsCommon Questions People Have When Considering Online Private Investigator Training Options
With all the myth and misconceptions that surround private investigations work, it can be tricky for anyone serious about carving out a niche in the field to find legit resources about what it takes to get started. It’s a specialized trade, and one that comes with serious legal considerations. Though PIs operate completely independent of any law enforcement agency, private investigations work often intersects with the law and is itself a regulated field that often requires licensure.
We have answers to some of the most frequently asked questions laid out here, covering everything from how to get started to how to make the best educational choices later in your career.
How Can I Become a PI?
With a broad range of investigative and security roles that PIs can fill, as well as different ways to specialize, there is no one path into the field.
If you’re not a felon and you didn’t separate from the military with a dishonorable discharge, then in most states, it’s a fairly straightforward application process to get the license necessary to become a PI. You may also need to check some additional boxes for other jurisdictions you plan to work in. Some states require that PIs become licensed; in other cases, there may be no state-level licensing, but specific cities will have their own regulations to follow.
There are a few other requirements to ensure you’re operating on the right side of the law, but those aren’t a lot different than what any other licensed professional or business owner faces – things like insurance and surety bonding. There are well-established protocols for all of that, and it all comes later during the business formation process if you decide to go independent.
Often, PIs get their training on the job before ever getting into the field, working in law enforcement or in the military before heading for the private sector. But the regulatory, legal, and social environment is only getting more complicated. Certificate and degree programs relevant to PI work are there to provide the solution, delivering clear instruction on the ethics of investigations, the law, and new investigative techniques and technologies.
Whether it’s through PI courses online or a background in military intelligence, you can make your way into the field by leaning into the kind of private investigator training that makes the most sense based on your experience and the education you already have.
How To Become a Licensed Private Investigator
Though each state and city that licenses PIs has their own standards, the steps for obtaining licensure are fairly consistent and align along the same basic requirements:
- Be a citizen or legal resident of the United States
- Have at least a GED or high school diploma
- Have no felony convictions or convictions for other specific prohibited crimes
- If you are a veteran, you must not have been dishonorably discharged
The actual licensing process simply involves filling out forms and submitting paperwork to verify all of the above. That means getting fingerprinted, getting a background check, submitting your DD 214 if you were in the service, and producing your diploma or GED and proof of the post-secondary education you may have.
Where Can I Find Private Investigator Training that Will Qualify Me to Become a PI?
Attending a private investigator academy is one path. A college degree or certificate program relevant to investigations work is better. Formal college programs from accredited schools assure future employers or the clients who retain your services that you have a quality education backing up your experience and street smarts.
You can find college-level private investigator training courses ranging from quick certificate and AAS programs to full bachelor’s degrees, and even master’s programs for bachelor’s-prepared professionals looking to specialize in areas like forensic psychology or intelligence analysis.
At all levels, the online private investigator training courses you’ll find at accredited colleges today deliver a high-quality education from experienced faculty, all with the convenience of being able to stream lectures and access course content during down time and off hours.
Do I Need a Private Investigator Degree to Become a PI?
The licensing requirements for PIs rarely require an actual college degree, but getting licensed isn’t the only thing that’s important in this line of work. You will be working either for a private business or as the owner of your own investigations outfit, which means you need either a PI firm willing to hire you or clients willing to put their trust in you.
That usually means going above and beyond the basic licensing requirements. You can often meet a higher standard by simply having the right background as a former law enforcement officer or military service member. For many in the field, though, a degree from an accredited university is the sign of professionalism and expertise they want to present.
Is a Private Investigator Certificate Sufficient to Work as a PI?
As with most professions, picking the right level of education depends on the work you plan to do with the skills you develop.
If you’re interested in the classic investigative work involved in tailing people suspected of injury benefits fraud or marital infidelity, attending a private investigation certificate program online may be just fine. If you are gunning for specialized roles in computer forensics or intelligence analytics, overseeing major corporate cybersecurity investigations, or developing protocols for industrial espionage protections, you are going to need a much higher level of education.
In general, most private investigations work in the broad middle of the profession can be done with an AS or BS degree in a related field. These kinds of degrees don’t just train you in legal, ethical, and technical aspects of investigations. They also come with a lot of general knowledge and basic communication and professional skills. Those things make you a better investigator, a more competent business owner, or a more valuable hire.
How Do I Find PI Classes Near Me?
The fact of the matter is that private investigations is a pretty specialized field, and many colleges don’t offer private investigator classes specifically. Instead, you’re more likely to find that your best education options are through degree programs heavy in investigations and law-adjacent coursework. That means degrees in all these areas are up for consideration:
- Crime Analysis
- Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Cybersecurity
- Law Enforcement Intelligence
- Forensic Psychology
But you’re not restricted to just finding classes near you. Today, online private investigator classes are both widely available and widely respected.
The beauty of online private investigator courses is that you just need to be somewhere with internet access. Unlike some other regulated professions, state or local licensing for PIs does not require that you have a degree or certificate from a school in your own state. That means you’re free to find a private investigation certificate or degree online from a school based anywhere in the country.
Is an Online Private Investigator Course Every Bit the Equal of a Campus-Based Program?
Online options today are just as good as traditional classroom programs when it comes to course content, faculty experience, and opportunities for engagement with classmates and instructors. When it comes to flexibility and affordability, they’re even better.
It’s also true that online studies require more personal discipline, and an ability to focus outside the classroom environment. On the other hand, you don’t have to spend time commuting, you don’t have to pay for parking, and there’s no dealing with strict class schedules. And without all the overhead, online programs are often more affordable too. Online programs also eliminate any issues with accessibility, allowing you to choose from programs around the country, not just those within driving distance.
But what it comes down to is what you learn, not how you learn it. The content and instructors in online programs are of the same caliber as you would find at the campus location of your school. In fact, it’s typically the very same faculty leading online and campus-based instruction. And today, employers are happy to accept online degrees without discrimination. In fact, in most cases there is nothing on your transcripts or the diploma you are awarded to indicate whether the program was completed online on in-person.
What Can I Expect from an Online Private Investigator Training Program?
An online program can be either synchronous, which means you are attending class live at the same time as other students and the instructor, or asynchronous, which means you stream content and do your work on your own time.
Typically, you’ll do work on a laptop or even a tablet, although different learning platforms from different schools may have restrictions on the devices you can use. In some cases, you’ll even be able to do work or stream lectures on your phone—a real advantage if you’re already working in private investigations or in any other role.
You will interact with professors one-on-one or in broader discussions with classmates through email, chat systems, or even live video calls. Similarly, your interaction with your classmates will primarily be text-based.
A few of the programs on our list even offer options for professional internships at an investigative or law enforcement agency. In those cases, you’ll have to work with your school to line up a placement with a local PD or other agency accessible from your location.