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Get Started
The Autumn 2009 program is no longer accepting applications
Next program starts: Autumn 2010
Details will be posted in Spring
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Admission Requirements
- At least two years of college
or
- At least four years of relevant professional experience demonstrating skills transferable to the private investigation field, such as communication, management, business development, investigation or research skills.
Please note: Among the requirements to be an unarmed/armed private investigator working for a licensed private investigative agency, as stated by the Department of Licensing at http://www.dol.wa.gov/ppu/pireqmnt.htm, is the restriction that you may "have no criminal convictions that directly relate to your capacity to perform the duties of a private investigator and/or hinders public safety."
Non-native English speakers are expected to have adequate English language proficiency before taking this program, with a TOEFL score of at least 540 (paper-based) or 207 (computer-based).
International Students: This program does not qualify as full-time study, and therefore does not meet requirements for an F-1 visa. However, if you are an F-1 student currently enrolled full-time in another program, OR you are in the U.S. on some other type of visa (not F-1), you may be eligible to take a certificate program or course. For complete details, or to contact an adviser, see Visa Information.
Earning the Certificate
Participants are evaluated in each course on the basis of standards established by the advisory board and instructors. At the end of each course, participants are notified of successful or unsuccessful completion. Courses are arranged sequentially and are offered only once each year. Certificate candidates must successfully complete each course in each term before advancing to the next term.
Upon successful completion of all courses, participants earn nine Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and a certificate, which is presented at the annual UW Extension awards ceremony.
Application Process
The Autumn 2009 program is no longer accepting applications. The next program begins in Autumn 2010. Click here to be notified via e-mail when complete details for the next program are available online. The following information regarding the application process may be helpful as you plan for applying to the next program:
To Apply: You can apply online or submit one copy of the application form with a $50 certificate program fee* and two stapled application sets, which include the following clearly labeled documents:
- A typed (350 word maximum) letter of application describing your career goals related to the investigation field.
- Include in this letter a one-paragraph description of any event (does not need to be related to the legal field) that you observed recently. This will serve as a short writing sample, as both observation and communication skills are key for successful investigators.
- Your résumé listing education and applicable experience.
Application Review: Applications are evaluated by a review committee designated by the advisory board. Selection of program participants is based on admission requirements. Applicants receive written notification of their acceptance or non-acceptance within two weeks after their application is received.
Enrollment: Applicants accepted to the program receive enrollment information for the first-term course and are encouraged to make their fall tuition payment early. Enrollment in the program is on a first-come, first-served basis, upon receipt of the first-term tuition payment.
Waitlist: Some programs maintain a waitlist for applicants accepted after the program has reached enrollment capacity. If space becomes available, waitlisted applicants will be notified and given an opportunity to enroll. If space does not become available, waitlisted applicants will be offered a space in the next program offering.
* The certificate program fee is not refundable and does not guarantee admission to, or enrollment in, the program.
Fees and Tuition
Tuition is payable on a term-by-term basis. Tuition for the entire program is $2,229, excluding certificate program and registration fees and textbooks. There is a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee to apply to this program and a $35 nonrefundable registration fee each term. First-term tuition of $743, plus the $35 nonrefundable registration fee, is due two weeks before the program starts. The University's tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program. Fees and tuition are subject to change.
Information on registration and refund policies and procedures is included with registration materials.
