Essential Information
Private investigation certificate programs teach students the basics of legal systems and crime scene investigation. Relevant bachelor's degree programs include risk management and insurance, as well as criminal justice. Risk management and insurance programs prepare students to become insurance agents and underwriters, while criminal justice programs highlight forensic processes and criminal law, and they may include internship experiences.
These programs may require computer knowledge and access to a video camera. There are also courses and programs available online.
Insurance fraud investigators with a bachelor's degree may choose to become certified through the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU).
Certificate of Completion - Private Investigator
Insurance fraud investigation trainees can choose to expand their analytical skills through a private investigator certificate program. These programs are designed for a range of jobs that require information gathering and processing. The curriculum includes courses on understanding local and federal laws, training in investigative techniques and following case documentation procedures. Certificate classes include:
- Interviewing techniques
- Legal systems
- Multi-media research
- Surveillance equipment and methods
- Crime scene investigation
Bachelor's Degree in Risk Management and Insurance
Bachelor's degree programs in risk management and insurance train students to analyze financial losses. Students learn to investigate claims, as well as assess potential claims. Training is also received in creating reports, negotiating and interviewing. Insurance students may choose to concentrate their program in the areas of medical insurance, life insurance or auto insurance. The curriculum covers insurance topics, along with inherent personal and business financial risks. Common course topics include:
- Financial risk management
- Insurance types and options
- Claims investigation and adjustment
- Employee benefits
- Retirement planning
Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice:
An examination of the nature of crime and current justice issues are the focus of the bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Within the program, students investigate criminal justice principles, issues and procedures. The program also delves into juvenile justice and victimology. Criminal justice program students learn the social and political implications of crime while taking into account the personal aspects. Students learn about current laws and practices, U.S. legal structure and criminology. Classes are comprised of subjects such as:
- Forensic processes
- Criminal law
- Crime and legal actions
- Criminal procedures
- American legal structure
Popular Career Options for Certificate Graduates
Graduates have the theoretical knowledge and investigative experience to qualify for entry-level positions in a variety of fields, such as insurance, law, government and social services. In addition to insurance fraud investigators, graduates are qualified for careers including:
- Detective
- Insurance adjuster
- Collections specialist
- Private investigator
Popular Career Options for Bachelor's Graduates
Bachelor's holders are qualified for entry-level to mid-level positions in insurance fields. Typical job titles may include:
- Insurance agent
- Claims adjuster
- Insurance underwriter
- Insurance fraud investigator
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the field of claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners and investigators, which includes insurance fraud investigators, is expected to decline by 6% from 2019-2029 (www.bls.gov). The BLS predicts that, although claims will increase, investigation time will likely decrease due to the increasingly rapid information flow. Additionally, the BLS states that the median annual income for these jobs was $68,270 as of May 2020.
Professional Certification
Graduates with a background in private investigation, criminal justice or insurance are qualified to become certified through the IASIU as a Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator. In order to qualify, graduates must hold a bachelor's, master's or Ph.D. Graduates must also possess experience in either law enforcement or insurance adjustment. Licensed private investigators are also considered. Graduates must uphold the IASIU code of ethics and take an exam to earn the credential.
Depending on individual goals, aspiring insurance fraud investigators can obtain a profession-compatible education by pursuing a certificate in private investigation or a bachelor's degree in either risk management and insurance or criminal justice.
