Private Investigations (SC)
Program Overview:
Follow the Clues and Find the Truth!
Interview the witnesses of a robbery. Determine the identity of a perpetrator responsible for a hit-and-run. Double-check the details of a star witness’ testimony before they testify at trial. Piece together the story of a crime scene based on the evidence left behind. Careers in private investigating offer daily opportunities to bring the truth to light.
Private Investigators may work for lawyers, insurance companies, or with law enforcement agencies; and some even own their own businesses. To be a good private investigator, you must prioritize the truth, be fair and honest, and pay sharp attention to detail.
LASC’s Private Investigations Skill Certificate is a great first step to a career in the administration of justice field. When you successfully complete this program, you will have the academic requirements needed for engaging occupations to find the truth!
Careers in Private Investigating
Private Investigators work a variety of fields, from law enforcement to insurance companies. If you have an inquisitive personality and are attentive to detail, one of these careers may be perfect for you!
Here are some careers and their salaries you could have with a Skill Certificate in Private Investigations:
Career information below taken from bls.gov December 2019. Go to bls.gov for most current career information.
Search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | $78,650/year | $37.81/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| Less than 5 years | 1% increase (little or no change) | 670 |
Evaluate insurance claims.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | $75,430/year | $36.26/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 6% increase (as fast as average) | 12,970 |
Perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including investigating and gathering the facts of a case.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | $55,590/year | $26.73/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 8% increase (faster than average) | 15,960 |
Gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | $120,090/year | $57.74/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 4% increase (as fast as average) | 3,730 |
What You’ll Learn at LASC in Administration of Justice
You can get a Skill Certificate through LASC’s Administration of Justice program in Private Investigations where you will strengthen your problem-solving skills and become the sleuth you always knew you were:
- Lead an investigation with confidence, using law-abiding, creative methods to find answers for private investigation firms, insurance companies, state agencies, businesses, and others.
- Discover the truth about incidents like traffic accidents and identity crimes, so that perpetrators may be brought to justice.
- Develop an investigative report using all of the information provided from a criminal occurrence.
- LASC provides internships so you can build your career connections and create community ties for after you graduate.
- Want to get an associate degree? Visit your academic counselor to find out how you can benefit from an associate degree to gain even more academic knowledge and hands-on techniques to get ahead faster.
Degrees & Courses You Will Take
Review LASC’s Private Investigations Skill Certificate (SC) and our suggested course of study for this program. Go to LASC’s current Course Catalog for specific course information:
Total Units Required: 15
This certificate is designed to give you the necessary skills to perform the needed work for private investigation firms, insurance companies, state agencies, businesses, and others.
Traffic accident investigations and identity crime investigations involving driver licenses, credit cards, and Social Security are examples of topics that will be covered in this program.
| Required Courses | Units |
|---|---|
| ADM JUS 5 Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| ADM JUS 14 Report Writing for Peace Officers | 3 |
| ADM JUS 83 Introduction to Security | 3 |
| CO SCI 601 Introduction to Computers and Their Uses | 3 |
| CO SCI 602 Introduction to Computer Science | 3 |
| TOTAL UNITS | 15 |
Get Ready Before You Start
You can start preparing for your career as a private investigator before your first class begins:
- Make an appointment with your LASC academic counselor to review LASC’s program, start to develop a Student Education Plan (SEP), and discuss your career goals and future plans to see what support services and campus opportunities would be a good match for your time at LASC.
- Still in high school? Talk with your high school counselor to see if there are opportunities to go on a ride-along with a police officer or shadow an investigator for the day so you can gain experience in your future career.
- Once you’re at LASC, make sure to get involved with on-campus clubs and organizations, become a student ambassador, or run for student body government. These create new relationships and show potential employers your commitment to building writing, communication, and leadership skills.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Perform the needed work for private investigation firms, insurance companies, state agencies, business, and others.
- Demonstrate knowledge of traffic accident investigations and identity crime investigations using driver license, credit card, and Social Security.