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Printed on 7/13/2025

Private Investigation Specialist

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20-504-2 Certificate (C) 18 Credits Not Financial Aid Eligible Locations*: Appleton, Online

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

If you want to become a licensed private or corporate security investigator, this is the program for you. You’ll learn how to locate witnesses, search public records, conduct background investigations and investigate insurance claims. You’ll also develop the skills to conduct criminal defense investigations and financial asset investigations. An exciting and interesting career awaits when you complete this certificate.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Technical Studies (18 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Introduction to Forensic Science
    10-504-110
    3Credit
    72
    90

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 90
    • Course Number: 10504110
    • Credits: 3.00

    Explores the applications of science in the field of crime scene management from the crime scene to the courtroom and beyond. Students will focus on the examination and reconstruction of various crime scenes with the emphasis on the identification, collection, documentation and preservation of physical evidence.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in the Program of Study of Forensic Science (10-504-4) OR Criminal Justice Studies (10-504-5)

    Coreq: Student has completed or is simultaneously enrolling in ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
  • Private Investigations, Introduction to
    10-504-142
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504142
    • Credits: 3.00

    A study of investigations in the private and corporate sectors. Topics include investigative techniques relating to open record laws and searches, techniques of surveillance, employee screening, evidence collection, insurance fraud investigations, interviewing techniques, sources of information, and computer and other technology used in research. Applicable state statutes of attendees will be researched, and licensing requirements discussed.

  • Asset Protection, Principles of
    10-504-148
    3Credit
    54
    108
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504148
    • Credits: 3.00

    Studies issues relating to workplace violence, employee theft, computer security, consumer fraud, supply chain security, environmental compliance, loss prevention, business disaster recovery, substance abuse, negligent hiring and other relevant issues.

  • Writing Reports
    10-504-205
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504205
    • Credits: 3.00

    Explain the context of report writing, take effective field notes, organize information in reports, write narratives, describe what information should be included in certain types of reports, prepare for court, describe how to be an effective witness, and testify as a witness in court.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    • CRIME 10504207 - Communicating Professionally

    OR ALL of the following:

    • CRIME 10504112 - Public Safety Communication AND CRIME 10504201 - Intro to Corrections

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is in progress in the Program of Study of Forensic Science (10-504-4) OR Private Investigation Specialist (20-504-2)
  • Criminal Procedures
    10-504-208
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10504208
    • Credits: 3.00

    Identify basic concepts of criminal law; analyze facts, circumstances, and situations and determine which crimes against persons have been committed; analyze facts, circumstances, and situations and determine which crimes against property have been committed; and analyze facts, circumstances, and situations and determine which crimes involving drugs, alcohol or other criminal activity have been committed.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ANY of the following options:

    • CRIME 10504201 - Intro to Corrections

    • Student is in progress in the Program of Study of Forensic Science (10-504-4) OR Private Investigation Specialist (20-504-2)
  • English Composition 1
    10-801-136
    3Credit
    54
    108

    • Instructional Hours: 54
    • Outside Effort Hours: 108
    • Course Number: 10801136
    • Credits: 3.00

    Learners develop and apply skills in all aspects of the writing process. Through a variety of learning activities and written documents, learners employ rhetorical strategies, plan, organize and revise content, apply critical reading strategies, locate and evaluate information, integrate and document sources, and apply standardized English language conventions.

    Prereq: Student has completed or is in process of completing ALL of the following:

    OR ALL of the following:

    • Student is not in progress in Associate Degree, Apprenticeship, or Technical Diploma (31 or 32 level)
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Expected Competencies

For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

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Recommended Start College Now Course

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

×

N/A

This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.