How to Become a Private Investigator in Minnesota

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Investigate what it takes to become a private investigator (PI) in Minnesota.

A private investigator (PI) has a range of job duties, including surveillance.

The profession includes seeking information often used in legal matters, from simple civil litigation to divorce cases to criminal defense.

Private investigators’ work ranges from missing person cases to the cutting edge of technology, such as cybersecurity investigations.

How to Become a Private Investigator in Minnesota

Candidates need to have these qualifications:

  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • No felony convictions
  • Able to supply a $10,000 surety bond
  • Proof of financial responsibility
  • Exhibit good character, honesty, and integrity
  • Mandatory employment experience of 6,000 hours of investigative employment

Private Investigator Schools in Minnesota

Those who feel the call to investigate the career path to gain the title of PI may have wondered how to acquire the skills and experience to enter the profession in the North Star State.

One way to impress potential clients, partners, or employers is to gain confidence and professional credibility through degrees and other training.

While no formal degree program exists in Minnesota, many PI career path candidates strive to take control and actively seek the education, experience, skills, and associations that will help them move toward their career goals.

Certification or degrees in a program related to legal, social, psychology, criminal justice systems, or law enforcement can help forge a pathway into the PI profession.

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1 University of Minnesota

Learn about the topic of sociology through criminal justice concentrations of study and degree programs, including online options, which could be relevant for aspiring PIs.

For example:

  • Criminal Justice BS from the University of Minnesota, Crookston

Students who earn a Criminal Justice BS can use their education and experience in a range of public and private professions, including corrections, law enforcement, and other agencies.

The Criminal Justice major provides two areas of emphasis: Corrections and Law Enforcement.

Contact Information

2 The University of Minnesota Law School / Criminal Justice Concentration

Featuring courses and seminars in criminal law, criminal procedure, juvenile justice, sentencing policy and law, approaches to punishment, and more.

Contact Information

  • Address: Walter F. Mondale Hall, 229 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55455
  • Phone: 612-625-1000
  • Website: Visit School Website

3 Minnesota State University at Moorhead

Experience programs with concentrations in law enforcement, psychology, political science, and sociology could benefit a PI’s career.

Consider these programs to further the gumshoe race.

  • BA in Political Science
  • Public Affairs emphasis
  • Pre-Law emphasis
  • Minor in Political Science

MSUM’s Political Science programs offer outstanding educational opportunities to study government institutions, public processes, politics, and political behavior.

In a field based on individuals and social/economic environments, these insights can aid a candidate in discovering their path into the private eye profession.

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4 Hamline University

Learn from a selection of courses from faculty and professionals, leading candidates to criminology and criminal justice degrees.

Here, students study topics ranging from mental illness to courts and sentencing, juvenile delinquency, policing, and forensic psychology.

The bachelor’s degree culminates in an internship as part of the senior capstone.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1536 Hewitt Avenue, MS-C1930 Saint Paul, MN 55104
  • Phone: 651-523-2207
  • Website: Visit School Website

5 University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Here, candidates will find a school that offers students the opportunity to earn a BA or BS in Sociology, with the potential for specialization in areas like law, criminology, and justice.

Contact Information

  • Address: 909 Social Sciences Building 267 19th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55455
  • Phone: 612-624-4300
  • Website: Visit School Website

6 University of St. Thomas, Minnesota

Provides a BA in Sociology, focusing on understanding human behavior and social structures, which provides a fine foundation for a career as a private investigator.

Contact Information

  • Address: 2115 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105 USA
  • Phone: 651-962-5000
  • Website: Visit School Website

7 Minnesota State University Moorhead

Offers both a BA and a BS in Sociology, allowing students to customize their learning experience, and working to facilitate candidates’ professional goals of becoming professional PIs.

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8 Southwest Minnesota State University

For candidates interested in gaining the skills and confidence to thrive as private investors, a BA in Sociology, focusing on experiential learning and real-world application, can help uncover career opportunities.

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9 Minnesota State University, Mankato

For those interested in becoming private investigators, consider earning a BA in Sociology and uncovering a program that provides a strong foundation for further study in the field or a career, like being a PI focused on the intersectionality of the individual within society.

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Schools Summary Table

Rank School
#1University of Minnesota
#2The University of Minnesota Law School / Criminal Justice Concentration
#3Minnesota State University at Moorhead
#4Hamline University
#5University of Minnesota Twin Cities
#6University of St. Thomas, Minnesota
#7Minnesota State University Moorhead
#8Southwest Minnesota State University
#9Minnesota State University, Mankato

Private Investigator Salary in Minnesota

Salary varies by area, please see the information below in the graph and tables.

Annual Salary Range:
Item Percent
$38K
$51.7K
$70.4K

Average Salary in Minnesota

City Name Salary
Minneapolis $52,594
St. Paul $45,793
Rochester $53,913
Duluth $52,079
Bloomington $38,908
Brooklyn Park $53,369
Woodbury $52,655
Plymouth $55,000
Lakeville $53,564
Blaine $38,908

Regional Salary

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI530$69,430$33.38$100,030$39,520
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Private Detectives and Investigators, OCC Code 33-9021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Documented Professional Hours

To earn a private detective license in Minnesota, candidates need a minimum of 6,000 hours of investigative work in:

  • A licensed private detective/investigative agency
  • U.S. Government Investigative Service
  • City police department or sheriff’s office
  • Request an Application Package

Once candidates have satisfied all requirements, including the 6,000-hour experience requirement, they can submit a written request for an application package to the Board and pay the $25 fee.

Apply for Licensure as a Private Investigator in Minnesota

The next step is to complete the application packet from the Board and return it, along with the private detective license fee and documents (all forms found in the application packet), including the following:

  • Informed consent criminal history form
  • Recent photograph
  • A complete set of fingerprints
  • Five references from people known for a minimum of 5 years

Starting Work as a PI in Minnesota

  • Candidates for the PI role must complete the pre-assignment training within the first 21 days of employment.
  • PIs must complete at least 12 hours of initial training.
  • Employers are responsible for ensuring that employees meet this requirement.

Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the renewal period for a PI license in Minnesota?

PIs in Minnesota need to complete a minimum of 6 hours of continuing training during the 2-year renewal period, an ongoing process to ensure that Minnesota detectives are up-to-date with the latest techniques and industry advances.

Do I need training to carry a gun in Minnesota?

Tutin’ you need trainin’ for shootin’ in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Candidates must complete armed training, including first aid and CPR certification.

My friend and I have a bar bet. He says there's no famous film set in Minnesota about a PI, and I say there is, but I can't remember much about it. Who's right?

Let’s say that you’re both right. Frances McDormand gives a star turn as a pregnant Minnesota police chief who investigates a triple homicide in Minnesota in the Coen Brothers’ magnificent 1996 film, Fargo.

While she isn’t a PI per se, the character does have a classic law enforcement connection.

There is a lot of good, solid gumshoeing, so let’s be cool and say everyone’s right, which is also the best way to avoid a barroom fight.

Do private detectives need special permission to carry a gun?

A permit is necessary to legally carry a weapon, including—but not limited to—a firearm, baton, or other device.

To stay current, sleuths in the North Star State need a permit, which must be renewed every two years.

Sarah Klein
About Sarah Klein Sarah Klein is a freelance editor and writer specializing in pharmaceutical litigation and products liability. Sarah holds a J.D. and focuses almost exclusively on writing legal blogs that spotlight consumer safety issues.

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Featured Online Program
Penn Foster

Program: Private Investigator Career Diploma

Program Details:
  1. Study at your own pace, anytime with 24/7 access
  2. Flexible, affordable tuition with personalized payment options
  3. Accredited both regionally and nationally
  4. Support from experienced instructors every step of the way
Request Info
Sponsored
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