If someone was going to be a paranormal investigator, what would they major in at college?

Question

Just something I was wondering about for something I'm writing. Thanks!

Answer 1

Something in ancient mythology and folklore, stay away from the science department as they will just get laughed at. Perhaps some acting classes as well so you could convince people of the 'paranormal', whatever that is.

Answer 2

Women's Studies

Answer 3

You don't have to major in a "liberal" study to be taken seriously. Paranormal studies involve lots of physics, anthropology, and pyschology. If you are going to prove the existence of the paranormal, you have to think like a skeptic, and know the technicalities of things like electromagnetic fields. I would definitely elect to take legend/folklore classes, or ancient studies of the area of paranormal studies you're interested in (ghosts/vampires/etc.) Who says you have to tell everyone why you're taking the courses? ;)

Answer 4

I would say Psycology. That is my best guess. I have read a lot about investigators majoring in that department. You could get some info at discovery.com They have a show called A haunting, and you can read about some of their investigations.

Answer 5

Anthropology.

Answer 6

Honestly, my advice for anyone who wants to chase ghosts for a living is to shoot a little higher with your career goals. Paranormal investigator? You do know that if you get any work in that field, you'll just be traipsing around schlepping heavy useless equipment in the dark. There are many areas of actual, real science that offer great careers and interesting work, plus you'll be studying things that actually are known to exist. Please consider doing real research and leaving the ghost hunting for hobby time and halloween.

But if you're dead set (no pun intended) on being a paranormal investigator, then I would say to major in science. Study physics or engineering, also consider psychology. Develop the tools you will need to be able to understand the physical world and the workings of the human mind, and then you'll be better equipped to look at purported paranormal events and discern the truth.

Answer 7

I would say philosophy of science

Answer 8

Try majoring in Physics or Electrical Engineering.  That is what I have my degrees in.  I did paranormal investigation for the Government.

Answer 9

I became a Para-Psychologist in 1982. I didn't achieve any great academic feat at School. Only in English and Chemistry. All my learning in the Occult and Para-psychology, came when I was an adult. However it would be a good idea to have knowledge in -Psychology, Physics, Chemistry, English, indeed anything that prepares you for handling situations, talking to people, finding out facts, and correlating data.Also Anatomy might help.Dealing in this field nowadays, requires knowledge of Esoteric history, Instruments used in the field, and you need to be broad-minded. Hope this helps!

Answer 10

dont bother going to college for this. It would just be a waste of money and as a paranormal investigator you will need all the money you can get. I dont think there are very many of them that make a living on paranormal investigations. Most of the ones I have talked to do it on the side out of thier own pocket.

Answer 11

I hope that you intend to get a real job and are just planning to be a paranormal investigator as a source of entertainment rather than as a serious endeavor.

There is no major that I know of for paranormal investigators, however with all of the goofy new majors colleges are coming up with it would not surprise me if some college came up with a major in paranormal investigation.

I would say they best way for you to become a "paranormal investigator" would be to look through the Yellow pages under the heading of magicians and look for someone that offers to teach you magic tricks.

If you develop even moderate skills as a magician there are many gullible people that you could fool to convince them that you are actually a paranormal investigator.

Answer 12

Here is a helpful link, you may find interesting

http://www.unifacultyonline.org.uk/html/...

Answer 13

Boolshitology of course, just like our President.

Answer 14

you can still be a paranormal investigator,and at the same time obtain an university title or degree,that is an individual

preference,for me theology will be a good choice,sociology

and psychology,as well and don't forget philosophy,but i think

you will choose as you define what is it that you really like

Answer 15

Ghost writing.

Answer 16

Although no colleges have any paranormal investigation majors, I would guess that if one wanted to become a paranormal investigator, one would take journalism and other similar types of communications courses.

Answer 17

Fiction writing would be the closest -- followed by the National Enquirer school of Journalism.

Answer 18

You don't need a college degree for that.  You would be wasting four years of your life and thousands of tuition dollars.  To be a paranormal investigator go to a trade school instead and learn plumbing.  Then you'll have a real craft to earn yourself a living during the day but can still chase after your imaginary ghosts at night.

Answer 19

It greatly depends on what aspect of the paranormal you wish to investigate and what approach you wish to take.

For instance Anthropology or Folklore is useful if you wish to study supernatural beliefs of ancient (and existing) cultures. Philosophy or Religion can bring their own approach to claims of miracles. Many medical doctors investigate spontaneous and faith healing. Experimental psychology is a common degree to find among may people involved parapsychology studies like ESP and Remote Viewing (usually lab work).Physics and Engineering can be useful for studing things like Human/Machine interaction (the Princeton Universtty PEAR project takes this approach).

Police (lcriminal evidence gathering) can also be used for investigations to at least eliminate normal (physical) explanations.

I myself have a degree (Masters) in psychology with a specializaton in marriage and family therapy and often approach field investigatons from a counseling perspective (How do people make sense/meaning of what they are experiencing).

Michael John Weaver, M.S., Director

New Mexico Anomaly Society

http://nmas.freeservers.com

Answer 20

Mr. Weaver and I are in agreement, and his implied personal approach is very good over all. I have a Bachelors in general psychology, a Masters in experimental psychology and my Doctorate was earned @ the University of the West Indies @ the University of Kingston, Kingston, JA. The sciences I learned in high school were more than sufficient for my needs as a Paranormal Psychologist/Investigator. I conduct private "scientific"  Paranormal investigations concerning human Hauntings and Demonic Activity in New Orleans where I live as well as traveling throughout the South when the need calls for it. I have a total of over 30 yrs. in investigating the paranormal in many countries around the world as well as here in the US. I think that those of us who work in the field today are very blessed to be pioneers and discoverers. Much of our written journals, photo and audio captures and theories will one day grace the text books as do the scientists and explorers from whom we learn so much today.      --Rod

Answer 21

join ghost busters inc.

Answer 22

I think if you seriously wanted to do good work, then be a natural science major or biology.  Minor in psychology.  First, with the science major, you can understand how the atmosphere and the earth work.  This science background can help you use the scientific method to debunk any false readings off of you equipment or unusual magnetism or cold spots.  These things can be interpreted by some people as paranormal phenomenon.  The best way to gather proof of the paranormal, is to go about it in the most informed way possible.  Second, get quite a bit of education in psychology.  There are many people who claim to see ghosts and whatnot who have emotional problems (I'm not saying all people who see things are unstable - don't get me wrong) but you might need to be trained to spot red flags in some.  These two majors will help you to be a better investigator.