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

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.

Course Title

Course
Number

Credits

Instructional
Hours

Outside Effort
Hours**

Prior Learning
Credit Eligibility
Options

Introduction to Forensic Science

10-504-110

3Credit

72

90

72 hours in class and estimate 90 hours outside of class. 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: ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills score 83 or greater and Reading score 54 or greater or completion of program prep courses OR not pursuing a degree. Coreq: A.C.E. (94900315) for Forensic Science students only

Private Investigations, Introduction to

10-504-142

3Credit

54

108

[Experience](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

54 hours in class and estimate 108 hours outside of class.

[Credit for Prior Learning Options Available](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

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

54 hours in class and estimate 108 hours outside of class. Studies issues relating to workplace violence, sexual harassment, employee theft, computer security, consumer fraud, business disaster recovery, substance abuse, negligent hiring and other relevant issues.

Writing Reports

10-504-205

3Credit

54

108

[Experience](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

54 hours in class and estimate 108 hours outside of class.

[Credit for Prior Learning Options Available](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

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: Criminal Justice System 10504204 and Criminal Justice Ethics 10504202 OR enrolled in Security & Asset Protection Studies, OR Private Investigation Specialist OR Forensic Science

English Composition 1

10-801-136

3Credit

54

108

[Experience](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

54 hours in class and estimate 108 hours outside of class.

[Credit for Prior Learning Options Available](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

Designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

Prereq: HS GPA 2.75+ OR ACPL Read 54+/Sent 83+, Next Gen Read 250+/Sent 250+, ACT Read 18+/Engl 18+ OR Read Prep 10838105/Sent Prep 10831103 OR not pursuing a degree.

Criminal Procedures

10-504-208

3Credit

54

108

[Test](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

54 hours in class and estimate 108 hours outside of class.

[Credit for Prior Learning Options Available](https://www.fvtc.edu/programs/Credit-For-Prior-Learning/Prior-Learning-Credit-Options)

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: Criminal Justice System (10504204) OR Intro to Corrections (10504201) OR enrolled in Forensic Science plan