Description: This is an 8-week virtual instructor-led education course covering the five major categories of investigations performed by DOD and USG personnel. This includes (1) administrative investigations, (2) criminal investigations, (3) background investigations, (4) security investigations, and (5) forensic investigations while acknowledging potential overlap between these categories. The primary focus is on the similarities and differences of how the DOD or USG security professional conducts these various types of investigations. Students will review the history of investigative agencies in addition to exploring the different investigation areas and investigative techniques that utilize new technologies, such as: artificial intelligence, crowdsourcing, OPSEC, and social media. 

Students will be introduced to the dynamics of these investigations, gaining insights into how they contribute to the overarching security infrastructure. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to analyzing the implications of investigative successes and failures in the overall national security structure. 

• Analyze the key differences between the major categories of federal investigations. 
• ​Evaluate the impact of investigative successes and failures on national security. 
• Apply investigative processes to a scenario or case study. 
• Assess changes in federal investigative agencies’ mission’s post-9/11 using both a historical perspective, as well as analyzing new technologies that assist investigative processes today.  

Target Audience: Restricted to U.S. Government civilian employees and military service members

Delivery Method: Virtual Instructor-led Education (VILE)

Course Length: 8 Weeks

General Requirements: This course demands a significant time commitment from students, requiring the completion of weekly assignments comparable to those found in an eight-week undergraduate course. These assignments will encompass reading, research, and writing. 

Clearance Requirement: N/A

Attendance Requirement: N/A 

Exam Requirements: N/A 

Prerequisites: Freshman English from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent is recommended.

Credits Recommendation/Earned: 

ACE Credit Recommendation: N/A 

Professional Development Units per SPeD: PDUs are determined by length of course and IAW with current Certification Maintenance Guidelines. 

System Requirements: Check if your system is configured appropriately to use STEPP.

CDSE courses are intended for use by Department of Defense and other U.S. Government personnel and contractors within the National Industrial Security Program.