OLPI100 - Online Professional Investigation

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Course description
The Certificate in Professional Investigation online program covers the following topics:

  • Foundations of Professional Investigation
    This module gives an overview of the investigative profession, and discusses how professional investigators assist attorneys, businesses, and the public in a variety of cases. It covers the investigative process and the conduct, skills, and traits required of professional investigators. As the foundation for the certificate program, it focuses on the three primary areas of investigation (research, interviews, and surveillance) and previews the higher-level modules.
  • Internet Research
    Internet intelligence is one of the newest and vital skills areas for the professional investigator. This cutting-edge curriculum will expose students to both the tools and the methods for conducting investigative research online. Students will learn best practices for obtaining reliable information, and class time within a computer lab will enable the student to apply recently learned skills.
  • Investigative Research
    Traditional library and public record searches are effective and vital aspects of any investigation. Through visits to courthouses and other public offices, students learn techniques and best practices of Investigative Research, and discover the many types of information available through this research. Students also learn how best to apply and present the information obtained through this type of investigation.
  • Investigative Interviewing
    This module focuses on conducting investigative interviews of various subjects, and on planning, conducting, recording, interpreting, and presenting the results of interviews. The training makes use of video clips and role playing to demonstrate and reinforce interviewing behaviors and techniques.
  • Investigative Surveillance
    In this module, students learn about a variety of surveillance techniques and practice how to conduct typical surveillance assignments. The module covers when to use a particular technique and how to use and select the appropriate technology. Students also learn how to prepare and present the results of surveillance activities to clients.
  • The Law and the Private Investigator
    This module focuses on the role of the investigator within the legal system. Students learn how to apply investigative skills to a range of legal matters, including civil, domestic, and criminal actions. The module examines how civil and criminal cases proceed, as well as legal strategies, legal terminology, and laws pertaining to investigative practices. Providing expert testimony is also covered and practiced in this module.

    Who should attend

    • Law enforcement professionals
    • Career changers
    • Paralegals
    • Insurance adjusters
    • Collections specialists
    • Criminal justice and law students
    • Private Investigators

    Prerequisites
    Students seeking to enroll in Professional Investigation courses must meet the following criteria:

    • Have a High School Diploma or GED
    • Have a solid command of the English language
    • Possess basic computer skills, including a basic working knowledge of word processing programs and a web browser

    Course materials
    Students will be required to purchase a required reading book that is not included in tuition costs. For the Investigative Surveillance module, students should also have access to or own a 35mm camera and a video camera.

    To inquire about Boston University's Online Professional Investigation program, including upcoming course schedules, or to register please contact our educational partners at The College Network by visiting http://www.college-net.com/boston.asp?degree=CPI or calling 1-800-39LEARN (395-3276).


    For more information, please call 617 353-4497.



     
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