I want to know a question about the area of Paranormal Investigation, something Im really, really into!!!!!!!!

Question

I have intentions on being a ghost hunter or any other field in that investigative area and I need to know: Do I have to take college to be a ghost hunter or paranormal investigator???? If so, for how long and how old do I have to be???

Answer 1

Well unlike some of the answers you have received paranormal investigation is real. Remember Socrates was executed for his ideas as well as many other great men who's ideas didn't match the ideas of the masses.

You will be laughed at and scorned by those who don't want to reach out to new things that may not yet be proven. These people have closed minds. If you do not do as they feel that you should do they will put you down. These peoples thoughts should go in one ear and out the other cause it's their minds that are closed off to learning more not yours!

As far as how old do you have to be... old enough to know what you want and be able to make it happen. In other words hard work and dedication will always get you where you want to go so if that is doing paranormal investigation then so be it. You will have to keep a day job and be able to make time for your hobby too.

Do remember never to go hunting alone. Just like swimming you always want to have someone else there in case you get into trouble. I recommend that you read: The Ghost Hunter's Bible which there is a link to below as well.

There are some colleges and private courses on parapsychology and there is more every year so if that is the way you want to go don't let anyone stop you but you can probably learn just as much surfing the internet through searching and every page you come to usually has links to other like sites too. I find Wikipedia to be a useful tool too. Go to the link below from my sources and it will give you an idea of what the field pertains to.

Your welcome to contact me anytime via my website also listed below. Just starting out myself so it's a work in progress.

Answer 2

You don't need a degree to be a ghost hunter or paranormal investigator, but the job opportunities for those two occupations are extremely limited at best.

The ghost hunters and paranormal investigators you read about and see on TV are self-employed and earn their money in a variety of ways; by writing and selling books; making TV appearances; web sites; etc. Some are lucky enough to get their own TV shows, like Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson on the Sci-Fi series "Ghost Hunters".

There are some universities that do have programs in parapsychology, or the study of paranormal psychological phenomenom. If you click on the link below, you will find a good summary of those programs and the parapsychology field in general.

Answer 3

If you plan on being a Paranormal Investigators like on Ghost Hunters (TAPS) which are plumbers by profession any degree or training will obviously be enough.

However, Parapsychology is the scientific study of human abilities (which are normal but not explained yet by traditional science) and for that you will need a Ph.D.

The Parapsychological Association
http://www.parapsych.org, which has been an affiliate of
the American Association for the Advancement of Science
http://aaas.org since 1969 (Unlike any skeptics organization), is the professional association representing parapsychologist. The web site will list some of the education of the members and their research interest.

Most members of the Parapsychological Association suggest a degree in a traditional science like medicine, biology, chemistry, physics or an established social science like psychology, sociology, or anthropology depending on the approach you wish to take in how you study unusual phenomena.

Now watch the bad ratings from skeptics begin, actual information seems to sting them a little.

Michael John Weaver, M.S.

Answer 4

No. There are no classes in paranormal investigation or ghost hunting. That's because it's not considered an actual field of study - it's been pretty much dismissed as not existing. If you could show otherwise, you could win the Nobel Prize, but it's not likely to happen. I recommend getting a real job and doing that stuff on the side as a hobby.

EDIT: There are no accredited universities in the US that offer classes in parapsychology (paranormal psychology). It's considered a joke degree.

Answer 5

wow, many disappointing answers.

First, Paranormal Psycology is a science. and is taught in Universities within a more general psycholgy class, and has been studied.

One example, is a study on exorcism where psychologists studied if the exorcism actually helped the mentaly ill patient. For whatever reason it did. It may all be a placebo effect, but never the less it happens and does recieve study.

Additionaly cryptozoology is also a study. There may not be a big foot but there are Giant squid that 20 years ago were even less likely myth than nessy, prehistroic fish once thought extinct, and undocumented species yet to be discovered by modern science.

Joining a Paranormal society like TAPS from the Sci-fi channel show is likely the most direct route to you goals.
They may never provide the evidence needed to convince science that ghosts or other entities exists, but maybe someday you will find explanations that have been missed due to lack of study.

One example is that there seem to be many reports of ball lightning, a known phenomenon, that report unusual behavior that can explain other sightings. Wouldn't be fun if somebody actualy studied that...well people due.

Additionaly, if you wanted to benefit your investigations maybe take classes in more tradional sciences or forensic studies so you can debunk some of the likely hoax's or mundane causes.

I dont personaly believe in ghosts, but neither so I think we know everything.

Answer 6

Paranormal investigation is a hobby and not a career. You can take home study courses from places like http://www.ghostweb.com/ but really all you need to do is start going to haunted places and asking around and investigating stories yourself.

Very few people make a living off ghost hunting and paranormal investigating and those who do make their money by selling books, and videos, and puclic speaking at ghost workshops and selling home study courses..

It is bad ediquite to charge a client for investigating their property so about the only way to make money is to do these investigations and then write a book about them, but be sure you have the clients permission before msntioning names. Confidentiality is important.

Answer 7

You cannot go to a school to learn how to communicate with the spirit world. Well, not the kind of school you are asking about.

To communicate with the spirits, you must have an open mind/have opened yourself to your higher consciousness. Since spirits (ghosts) are nothing more than higher vibrations of energy, you must raise your vibrations to that level.

Through meditation, yoga, prayer; one can open their "third eye."

Begin with meditation 15-20 minutes a day and work your way up to 1/2 hour hour. When you feel you've reached the point at which you can freely ask and receive information; ask if it be made possible for you to begin that career. Everything will then unfold!!

♫

Answer 8

Paranormal investigation is not science, so you won't find it in any university science department.

Rather, it is a con job. Paranormal investigation is simply taking money from people in exchange for a fake service that does nothing for them (except possibly reduce their own misguided fears of nonexistent ghosts). If you are OK with doing this, then go for it. You will be making a contribution to ignorance everywhere you go by lying about science to make a profit.

Answer 9

Hi, I would suggest not choosing this as a career but as a hobby. I run a group in NJ as a serious hobby and I also have a career which helps pay for my hobby. Also, you do not have to take college courses to learn about the paranormal. There is plenty of public information on the internet as well as your public library.

Good luck in your future!!

Answer 10

Well, yes; you however have to minor in unicorn detection and alchemy (converting a minimum of two pounds of lead into gold) before being admitted to the Miskatonic University, which is the only academia still offering courses in ghost busting (Duke and Edinburg withdrew their programs after a devastating attack of sanity struck the faculty members).