Instructors:
Course Description:
Paranormal organizations occupy a unique and often misunderstood space between
experiential investigation, scientific inquiry, public education, and client support. While interest in the paranormal continues to grow, few structured programs exist to guide leaders, supervisors, and directors in how to operate responsibly, ethically, and professionally.
This course is designed for individuals who currently lead or supervise paranormal organizations including Directors, Officers, Directors of Investigations, Case Managers, Team Leaders, and Field Supervisors as well as those seeking to establish their own structured investigative group.
Drawing upon real-world organizational leadership experience, this course examines
supervision models, governance structures, ethical frameworks, liability considerations,
confidentiality, client care, reputational risk management, recruitment practices, safety
protocols, and professional communication. Students will explore how to move beyond hobby-based “ghost hunting” toward disciplined, ethical, and sustainable organizational practice. This course emphasizes accountability, professionalism, and public trust.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate supervisory ratios and leadership
structures within paranormal organizations.
- Develop ethical decision-making frameworks applicable to paranormal investigations.
- Understand client confidentiality obligations and documentation standards.
- Identify legal and liability risks associated with investigations.
- Evaluate reputational risk and develop strategies to protect organizational credibility.
- Implement safety protocols for field investigations, including low-light and night operations.
- Develop policies for obtaining proper permissions and site access.
- Create recruitment standards aligned with organizational mission and ethics.
- Apply effective communication strategies for clients, team members, media, and the public.
- Design a foundational code of ethics and professional standards document for their organization.
Course Outline:
Week 1: Foundations Of Paranormal Organizational Leadership
- Defining a Paranormal Organization
- Hobby Group vs. Structured Organization
- Organizational Mission, Vision, Values, and Mandate
- Governance Structures (Registered Non-profits vs. Informal Groups)
- Leadership Roles: Director, Officer, Supervisor, Investigator
- Organizational Projection and Public Image
- Building a Sustainable Paranormal Organization
Week 2: Supervision And Team Management
- The Role of the Supervisor in Paranormal Investigations
- Appropriate Number of Personnel to Supervise
- Chain of Command and Reporting Structure
- Conflict Resolution within Teams
- Authority vs. Influence in Volunteer Organizations
- Managing Personalities and Belief Systems
- Burnout and Volunteer Retention
Week 3: Ethics In Paranormal Practice
- What is Professional Ethics?
- Developing a Code of Ethics
- Informed Consent in Paranormal Investigations
- Clients and Confidentiality
- Privacy Laws and Sensitive Information
- Avoiding Exploitation and Sensationalism
- Ethical Use of Media and Social Platforms
- Ethical Considerations with Psychic Mediums
Week 4: Liability, Risk Management, And Legal Considerations
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Civil Liability in Paranormal Investigations
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Waivers and Assumption of Risk Forms
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Insurance Considerations
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Property Damage and Trespassing
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Seeking Proper Permission and Documentation
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Investigating in the Dark: Environmental and Physical Hazards
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Safety Protocols and Risk Mitigation
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Mid-Term Examination
Week 5: Reputational Risk And Organizational Projection
- Public Perception of Paranormal Groups
- Media Relations and Public Statements
- Managing Controversy
- Social Media Conduct
- Handling False Claims and Hoaxes
- Internal Misconduct and Disciplinary Procedures
- Protecting Organizational Credibility
Week 6: Client Relations And Case Management
- Intake Procedures and Case Screening
- Identifying Client Motives
- Psychological and Emotional Considerations
- When to Refer Clients to Mental Health Professionals
- Documentation Standards
- Delivering Findings Responsibly
- Managing Client Expectations
Week 7: Recruitment, Training, And Professional Development
- Recruitment Motives: Why Do People Join?
- Screening and Background Considerations
- Establishing Training Standards
- Evaluating Investigator Competency
- Continuing Education
- Ethical Off-Boarding of Members
- Maintaining Organizational Integrity
Week 8: Professional Standards, Communication, And Future Directions
- Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Communication Protocols (Internal and External)
- Media and Public Speaking Responsibility
- Record Keeping and Data Security
- Crisis Management Planning
- Creating a Professional Standards Framework
- Final Examination
- Course Conclusion
Grading:
- Discussion Questions: 40%
- Mid-term Examination: 30%
- Final Examination: 30%
- Grading Scale: A+ (90-100), A (80-84), A- (85-89), B+ (77-79), B (73-76), B- (70-72), C+ (65-69), C (60-64), C- (55-59), D (50-54), F (0-49)
Technical Requirements:
- Stable internet connection
- Access to Zoom for live lectures (recordings available)
- Moodle for course materials and assignments
Tuition:
Payable through PayPal’s secure online payment system.
Supports CAPRI’s non-profit mission.
Withdrawals and Terminations:
Refer to CAPRI’s policies on voluntary withdrawals, terminations, and appeals.
Admissions:
Complete the CAPRI student enrollment admissions form below.
