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Certificate in Investigation and Security

CAMPUSES South College Online Programs
SCHOLARSHIPS Tennessee PromiseYellow Ribbon

What You’ll Learn

The Certificate in Investigation and Security at South College educates students in the legal and practical aspects of investigations, surveillance, and evidence collection. In this program, you will learn the techniques and technologies used in modern public and private security organizations to provide physical security, asset protection and loss prevention, cybercrime detection, and criminal and civil investigation.

The curriculum includes coursework on the legal and practical aspects of conducting investigations as well as 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.

The program is designed to be completed in a blended format with experienced faculty members leading both in-person and online education to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Class sizes are small, and coursework will be offered using interactive instructional software with an emphasis on collaboration and critical thinking.

Criminal Justice Fingerprints

What can I do with a Certificate in Investigation and Security?

Private Security Officer Process Server Bond Enforcement Officer Asset Protection Detective Security Guard Field Investigator Loss Prevention Agent Private Investigator Law Enforcement Officer

11%* Estimated Job Growth

Keys to Success

Students who thrive in this program have a strong ethical sensibility, an interest in promoting justice, excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, and the ability to think critically in high pressure situations.

South College’s certificate program features both small class sizes and faculty who’ve worked for years in the investigation and security field. You will also have access to course tutors for in-person and on-line tutoring, as well as the Writing Lab and Math Lab for help with core skills.

The field itself provides exciting and challenging work that directly benefits society positively. Those in the field can consistently find themselves with engaging work all while knowing that their efforts create a better environment for those around them.

Continuing Education

Accreditation or Approval

South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of South College. Various programs have earned programmatic accreditation or approval as well.
Total Program and Degree Length
Total Program Credits*: 52
Program Length: 12 months full-time enrollment
*South College operates on the quarter system, offering the possibility for more flexibility and more options for our students.
Program Tuition Rate
Please contact Admissions at 865-288-8750.
South College offers flat-rate tuition, which provides students the opportunity to take more hours for a lower cost. 10-18 hours is the same cost regardless of how many hours are taken.
Admissions Requirements

Consumer Information

Amounts for tuition, fees, books, and supplies are subject to change. Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program can be found here. South College follows the required methodology provided by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for the reporting of employment information for graduates. This information is compiled on an annual basis and submitted to the Commission by October 15 each year for graduates during the most recently completed reporting year (July 1-June 30). For more detailed information related to the calculation of graduate employment rates, please click here.

*The career options listed above are a small sample of potential job titles, and are not meant to be comprehensive. Students may or may not find employment in these positions. Job growth statistics are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2014–2024 projections. Note that the Bureau does not publish estimates for all job titles, so in some cases these numbers are an approximation based on similar job titles.

Success at South College

Shawn Domm

I chose South College because it came highly recommended from mentors of mine, the faculty is second to none, and the program fits my ever-changing lifestyle. I also chose it because of the flexibility. My wife is still serving in the United States Air Force on Active Duty, and this means that we move when they tell us to move.

- Shawn Domm, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Elizabeth Ferichs

One of the major reasons I chose South College was for the smaller class sizes. It allows more one-on-one time between students and professors, which enhances the learning experience for me.

- Elizabeth Frerichs, Bachelor of Science in Health Science
Adam Hatcher

I went to college originally straight out of high school with the intent of majoring in musical performance with a concentration in theoretical studies. I was not prepared to for college at that point, so I decided to gain some experience and maturity by joining the work force full-time. After working for 10 years, I felt it was time to try school again.

- Adam Hatcher, Bachelor of Business Administration
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