Fire Science, Fire/Arson Investigation Concentration, B.S.

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PROGRAM OUTCOMES:

1. To use the scientific method to determine the origin and cause of a fire. Evaluate fire load, fire

development and burn patterns to determine the intensity and progression of the fire and the impact of fire code deficiencies.

2. Students should be able to effectively communicate in writing their findings and have them submitted for evaluation, approval and implementation.

3. Students should be able to determine if a fire was accidental, natural, incendiary in nature or must be considered undetermined. Work with outside agencies to establish party, item or circumstances responsible for ignition scenario.

4. Students should identify hazardous materials or other safety hazards and the appropriate course of mitigation necessary to render a fire scene reasonably safe to investigate.

B.S., Fire Science

The bachelor of science in fire science is offered with a choice of two concentrations to allow the student to major in fire science and specialize in an area of interest. The concentration areas are fire/arson investigation and fire administration.

University Core Curriculum

The completion of 40 credits with the following restrictions:

CC 1: ENGL 1112 or ENGL 1113
CC 2: COMM 1130
CC 3: any Tier 1 course from competency 3
CC 4: CHEM 1105
CC 5: UNIV 1125
CC 6: any Tier 1 course from competency 6
CC 7: PSYC 1111
CC 8: any Tier 1 course from competency 8
CC 9: any Tier 1 course from competency 9
Plus 12 credits from Tier 2 courses and
A certified English course to satisfy the Writing Across the Curriculum requirement

Required Major and Elective Courses

Students earning the B.S. degree in fire science are required to complete at least 122 - 123 credits, including the University Core Curriculum and the common courses for fire science listed below.

Concentration in Fire/Arson Investigation

This concentration prepares students for careers in fire investigation, arson/fraud detection, and code enforcement in both the public and private sectors. The curriculum provides the educational background to determine the cause and origin of fires. It also provides an in-depth study of the laws regarding fire investigations and evidence collection. Students choosing this concentration will complete the requirements for a minor in criminal justice. Students earning the B.S. in fire science with a concentration in fire/arson investigation must complete 123 credits including the University Core Curriculum, the common courses for fire science majors listed above, and the courses listed below, some of which fulfill requirements of the University Core Curriculum.