Fire/Arson Investigation and Prevention
A program focusing on the theory and principles of fire combustion and behavior applied to the analysis of fires and their causes. Includes instruction in fire behavior and combustion, fire dynamics, hazardous materials chemistry, incendiary fire analysis, fire-related human behavior, forensic procedures, investigative techniques, case management and case preparation.
- Schools offering
- 4
- Annual completions
- 47
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $80k
About this major
A program focusing on the theory and principles of fire combustion and behavior applied to the analysis of fires and their causes. Includes instruction in fire behavior and combustion, fire dynamics, hazardous materials chemistry, incendiary fire analysis, fire-related human behavior, forensic procedures, investigative techniques, case management and case preparation.
Examples of specialized tracks: Arson Prevention and Investigation, Fire Investigation, Fire Analysis.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers | $92k | +3.4% | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Fire inspectors and investigators | $78k | +3.8% | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$80k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$75k
Bachelor's
$86k
Top colleges for Fire/Arson Investigation and Prevention
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, KY | 0 | 25 | 25 |
| Suffolk County Community College | Selden, NY | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| Methodist University | Fayetteville, NC | 0 | 10 | 10 |
| New Mexico State University-Dona Ana | Las Cruces, NM | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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