COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Fire Science with a concentration in Fire/Arson Investigation is designed to prepare students for professional careers in fire investigation, arson detection, fraud investigation, code enforcement, and forensic analysis within both public and private sectors. The program combines scientific, legal, investigative, and fire service education to provide students with the technical expertise necessary to determine the origin and cause of fires and analyze fire-related incidents. Students complete a 40-credit University Core Curriculum that includes coursework in academic writing, communication, mathematics, chemistry, psychology, humanities, and social sciences, along with additional Tier 2 courses and a certified writing-intensive English course that strengthens analytical and professional communication skills. The fire science curriculum provides foundational knowledge in fire behavior, fire chemistry and physics, fire prevention, hazardous materials, fire protection systems, hydraulics and water supply, building construction for fire protection, life safety codes, fire protection law, and special hazards control. Internship experiences allow students to gain practical exposure to professional fire service and investigative environments. The Fire/Arson Investigation concentration specifically focuses on criminal justice, forensic science, and advanced investigative procedures. Students study criminal law, criminal investigation, criminal procedure, forensic science, fire investigation techniques, risk management, insurance practices, abnormal psychology, and arson-for-profit crimes. Advanced laboratory coursework in Fire Investigation II provides hands-on training in evidence collection, fire scene analysis, burn pattern interpretation, and investigative documentation. The curriculum emphasizes determining whether fires are accidental, natural, incendiary, or undetermined while applying scientific methods to analyze fire progression, ignition sources, fire loads, and structural impacts. Students also learn to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, forensic experts, and legal professionals during investigations and court proceedings. Advisor-approved electives further allow students to customize their education based on career interests or specialized investigative fields. Overall, the program prepares graduates for careers as fire investigators, arson investigators, forensic specialists, fire inspectors, insurance fraud investigators, code enforcement officers, public safety officials, and fire prevention professionals while building strong analytical, technical, legal, and communication skills required in modern fire investigation and public safety industries.