What training would it take to be a true paranormal investigator?

Question

If parapsychology is a serious field, I assume that there are some well known universities out there and some well known professors, that you can get training from.
I know I have seen little diploma mill ads in the back of magazines, advertising their correspondence courses, but I am talking about real scientific training, and real scientists.
I assume you would need training in psychology, physics, scientific methods, technology and many other areas. And not be biased in doing your investigating, as it seems many are.
It seems that there are not many really scientifically trained individuals out there. It also seems that most already believe that all of the events are paranormal, and they are just looking for evidence to back their beliefs up, and they have already made up their minds.
So are there legitimate programs, and legitimate trained professionals out there?
Or are most just plumbers that do it on the side, and are very gullible?

Answer 1

There are no accredited universities in the US offering degrees in parapsychology. There are very few pracitcing parapsychologists in this country simply because, in all the years it has been studied, not once has there ever been a substantiable case of paranormal powers or activities.

But if you want to study it, look up Joe Nickell (probably the only real paranormal investigator out there who actually uses real science) and CSICOP.

Answer 2

Parapsychology and paranormal investigation are not the same thing. Just about anyone can be a paranormal investigator,whether you believe in the paranormal or are a skeptic. The idea being to find evidence to support your beliefs. A parapsychologist would be the one hooking people up to machines in a lab and compiling results.
A true Parapsychologist (notice the word psychologist in there) would be someone who has had many years of formal training. Hence, a Parapsychologist could be a paranormal investigator, but without all those letters after your name, you're not a parapsychologist. And you are probably not going to see one on tv or myspace.
Oh, and don't be mislead, I've been on lots of investigations and they are nothing like what you see in TV land. It usually involves hours and hours of sitting watching video or listening to recordings to see if you've 'caught' anything. Not really very exciting. Come to think of it, why do I do this?Hmm....

Answer 3

Just to try and help you out, let me take a totally different perspective.

First, Those few institutions (above) that offer some coursework in parapsychology are about the only ones that do anywhere here on planet E. There's a very good reason for that. And I'm sure I don't need to explain it.

Second, parapsychology, having no basis in hard sciences nor much of one even in genuine psychology (a "soft' science), isn't a work-a-day profession. That is, you don't get a degree in it, and then expect to be hired somewhere. It is not a marketable education. In fact, degrees in parapsychology are routinely not even regarded as "real" degrees.

Third, real science requires the use of the scientific method (and I mean the full-out, university-level version...not the abbreviated highschool version). Paranormal events do not lend themselves to the rigors imposed by this methodology, and as of today, nobody as yet successfully found a way to get around this. There are a few who are trying, but they've yet to be successful.

It's great that you're investigating possible educational options for things that genuinely interest you! That's what you should be doing! Keep it up! But I need to say that if you really are intersted in science, then pursue training in real science. You can always mess with the paranormal stuff on your own time, AND bring your "real" science education to the party when you do.

Good luck with your search! I'm sure you'll find the path that's best for you.

Answer 4

Similar degrees in USA at:
USA


Arizona - The Center for Consciousness Studies at the University of Arizona offers many courses that focus on issues related to alternative and paranormal studies. These include web-based courses as well as on-campus resources.


New Jersey - Princeton University takes a slightly different approach with Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR), with a focus on the "Scientific Study of Consciousness-Related Physical Phenomena" including paranormal studies and remote perception.


North Carolina - Duke University's Rhine Research Center is "an Institute for the Study of Consciousness," and offers many psi-related courses, workshops, and seminars.

Hope this helps!
:)
SC

Answer 5

Paranormal investigation is for the most part considered laughable. There are no good places to go and get "educated" about it. You need to go out and get experience yourself.

You'll want to study geography. You'll want to study science. Acquire sound knowledge in all things electrical. You'll also want to study audiology so you can tell when a recording has been faked and photography so you can tell when a photo has been doctored.

While it's true that paranormal investigation has become a sort of religion with tons of folks out there trying to prove there is life beyond death - there is also a smaller group of people. Religous people who already believe there is a life after death. They aren't out to prove anything. They are out to help those who are under attack.

It's a real sore subject for me because some of the paranormal investigators go in to cases of violent paranormal phenomena. Such as "the entity" case. Dr. Gaynor got loads of data, but never got this woman any help. It went on for years.

They chronicle such phenomena for years and never get the family or person any help. And then they're PROUD of themselves for all the data they've accumulated.

Answer 6

I give you all the title of paranormal investigator and bid you go forth and investigate. It's not like there's a test to take or license to apply for. Go out and have some fun.

Answer 7

Most field of science laugh at the Idea of Paranormal experiences. They have trouble in the fact that this events can not be recreated. Science is base on the idea that the experiment can be copied by anyone and that the results well be the same. That is almost impossible with Paranormal events.

It is true that there are Teachers and Professors that are looking into studying what is really happening in the events that are called paranormal but they mostly do this quietly and on their own time with thier own money. I know of no College in the USA that has a coarse of study in the Paranormal.

For now all of the studies will be done by those on the fringe of scientific fields.

Answer 8

Let me correct the false information Once Again.

Franklin Pierce College offer an undergraduate in psychology with a minor in parapsychology.

The University of Virginia has a Perceptual Studies Division.

The University of Arizona has Human Energy Laboratory.

University of Edinburgh offers a PhD in parapsychology and conducts research via the Koestler Parapsychology Unit.

The Parapsychological Association has been an affilitate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science since 1969. The web site lists the educational background of several of their members.

Michael John Weaver, M.S.

Answer 9

i like your question,you should not assume nothing in life,let's say for example,you do obtain a degree in an university,with the hope that you will gain the social 'status' you always dream on,only to get back to reality and end up in other work
that is not related not even by chance of your obtained degree
in "this well known" university,first you have to be born to do
what you will do in this existence,it does not matter if you going to have a newspaper stand or a laboratory of your own,
follow your heart....

Answer 10

In agreement with eri's answer, the only "true" paranormal investigator is one that uses rigorous scientific methods in the study of the paranormal. You're not likely to find that kind of investigation with any paranormal organization. "Paranormal investigators" are looking specifically for any evidence to support belief in the paranormal, otherwise they'd simply be called "investigators".