May 28, 2008...

Learn the skills you need to become a private investigator with Trident Technical College’s Private Investigator Certificate Program. Offered by TTC’s Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development, the program consists of four courses. Each course is approximately seven weeks long and is offered entirely online. Upon completion of the program, students have the skills necessary to immediately begin a career as an investigator.

Classes begin in May. The courses include Introduction to Private Investigation, offered May 1-June 16, and Introduction to Criminal Justice, offered June 23-Aug. 8. Judicial Process for Private Investigators will be held Aug. 18-Oct. 3 and Criminal and Civil Investigation will be held Oct. 13-Nov. 28. Cost is $189 for each course. Books are not included in the course fee. 

The Private Investigator Certificate Program is registered with Trident One Stop, so students can apply for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding. TTC is negotiating with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to give credit for this program toward the three-year internship required before investigators receive their business licenses. Students who successfully complete the program receive a certificate of achievement.

There is an increased demand for investigators due to the fear of crime, increased litigation and the need to protect confidential information and property. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of job openings for private investigators is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through the year 2012. Private investigators are employed by law firms, corporations and financial institutions. Other employment opportunities include insurance claims, inspection, collection, retail and security.

To register for the Private Investigator Certificate Program, call 843-574-6152 or visit the Registration link at http://www.tridenttech.edu/ce.htm. For more information, contact Barbara Eggers-Parker at 843-574-6730 or barbara.parker@tridenttech.edu.