What are the educational requirements for paranormal investigating?

Answer 1

In truth there currently are no real requirements for paranormal investigation.

Paranormal investigation is the casual practice of examining claims of apparitional and poltergeist activity in field settings. Paranormal investigators use various techniques to try to determine the reality of the claims. Many desire to document their findings using various technologies including Photography, video and audio recording, and various environmental monitoring tools.

Some paranormal investigators seek to debunk paranormal claims while others with a typically more metaphysical focus seek to help others understand their experiences. As such these two groups represent the ends of a rather broad belief system in paranormal matters. There is no middle-ground and few paranormal investigators are truly without some beliefs on the subject.

In order to perform paranormal investigations, one should have some knowledge of science and psychology. Unfortunately most paranormal investigation teams lack this knowledge. A good first step would be an undergraduate degree in an established science. An alternative would be an undergraduate degree in philosophy. Paranormal investigators must appreciate the limits of their techologies and have an understanding of the nature of the people who they wish to serve. Only degrees of this sort can bring this sort of orderly understanding that is required.

Online courses that purport to train people to become 'paranormal investigators' or something similar should be avoided. None to date appears to be credible. You can test this by simply asking about the credentials of the training entity. If they are not university trained, it is likely they will not be able to provide the education required.

It is also wise to avoid courses focused solely on metaphysical topics, including things like 'demonlogy'.

Serious investigators should be remain abreast of current thinking in research Parapsychology, and so should read journals such as the Journal of Parapscyhology and the Journal of the Society for Scientific Exploration as a basis.

Answer 2

The Truth About Being Certified As A Paranormal Investigator

The answer is, 'yes.' There are numerous paranormal groups, associations, and a few colleges offering courses on Paranormal Studies. However, these courses be it online or otherwise can cost you anywhere between $95-$250 or more while paranormal investigating is not considered seriously as a science, but as a 'pseudoscience.'

With all due respect, I am in no way knocking anyone for offering such courses because there is a need for teaching the basics; however, a good paranormal investigator comes only with experience.

All in all the truth is, there are no real experts in the field of paranormal phenonmena. Its all about researching data, gathering evidence to form your own theories, and the commitment to ethics, credibility, and professionalism.

Sharon Ramirez

Administrative Director

Maryland TriState Paranormal

Answer 3

As silly as this might sound, all you need is a brain to think reasonably.