Investigation and Security, Certificate

Mission

The Certificate in Investigation and Security program is designed to allow students to focus their criminal justice studies in the areas of private security and loss prevention. The program is appropriate for students who desire to work in careers in private security, process server, bond enforcement, school security, asset protection, retail loss prevention and investigations. Students will master the skills, techniques and technologies utilized in contemporary private sector organizations to provide physical security, prevent loss or damage to physical assets, prevent or detect cybercrime and conduct lawful investigations. The curricula include coursework on the legal and practical aspects of conducting lawful investigations, the logistics, technologies and real world aspects of conducting surveillance and gathering physical and digital evidence. Students will also learn the theory and practice of providing security for fixed material assets.

Program Design

This program is designed to be completed in an online/blended format to provide flexibility and to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Coursework will be offered using interactive instructional software with an emphasis on collaboration and critical thinking. The curriculum is designed for completion by full-time students in 4 quarters (12 months). A part-time option is available.

Goals/Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will:

1. Demonstrate and articulate an understanding of the various aspects of private security including the prevention, detection and investigation of property and persons crimes, human or physical asset protection, white collar crimes and cybercrime.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals necessary for conducting investigations and gathering evidence in a legal and ethical manner for presentation in the criminal justice system.
3. Develop the skills necessary to design and implement loss prevention strategies and provide physical security to fixed assets using human resources and crime prevention infrastructure.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary computer architecture and the protective protocols and various technologies used to detect and prevent authorized intrusions to networks and internet systems.

Admission

All students must minimally meet the requirements for general admission to South College. General admission to South College does not guarantee admission to the program. Program admission is not granted until a student has successfully completed 8 hours in the major curriculum at South College, earning the minimum grades required by the program. CMJ 1211   must be successfully completed.

The Certificate in Investigation and Security program is currently offered Online.