Fire Investigations
Associate of Applied Science Degree
(575) 527-7746
Fire investigations is a complex career field that involves multiple disciplines, including the criminal justice system. Fire investigators must be analytical, as well as knowledgeable in criminal investigations, the rule of law, and arrest, search and seizure. They usually rely on scientific principles and research in an analysis of fire remains to determine the cause and origin of the fire. Investigators work to determine whether the fire was deliberately set and what contributed to its subsequent growth. These findings can become an integral part of a criminal investigation that may require legal action to be taken against the responsible party.
Fire investigation findings can also be used in the evaluation of existing fire codes and development of legislation to prevent and reduce the loss of life and property due to fire. The fire investigations program provides the fire student with a basic foundation in fire science and law enforcement to actively seek a career in the field of fire investigations.
NOTE: This program does not certify the fire student as a fire investigator
but promotes professional development to help reduce the
loss of life and property from fire. Students seeking fire investigator
certification should consult the various professional associations
granting certification.
Associate Degree (90 credits)
NOTE: In order to receive credit toward the associate degree, a student must earn a final grade of C or better in all courses, be they departmental or nondepartmental requirements. Courses appearing in italics are identical to those offered at New Mexico State University Las Cruces (main) Campus.
| CHEM 110G Prin. & Applications of Chemistry | 4 | |
OR |
COMM 253G Public Speaking COMM 265G Prin. of Human Communication |
3 |
| ENGL 111G Rhetoric and Composition | 4 | |
OR |
ENGL 218G Tech. & Scientific Comm. OR BOT 209 Business & Tech. Communication |
3 |
MATH 210G Math Appreciation |
3 | |
| PSY 201G Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| SOC 101G Introductory Sociology | 3 |
OR |
C S 110G Computer Literacy OR OECS 105 Intro. to Microcomputer Tech. |
3 |
| SPAN 111 Elementary Spanish I 3 OR SPAN 213 Spanish for Native Speakers I |
3 |
| NOTE: Students must first complete the prerequisite courses in Part I of the Technical Requirements before taking courses in Part II. | ||
| OEEM 115 First Responder—Prehospital Professional | 3 | |
| OEFS 114 Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 | |
| OEFS 115 Hazardous Materials Responder | 3 | |
| OEFS 126 Fire Prevention I | 3 | |
| OEFS 210 Bldg. Construction for the Fire Svc. | 3 | |
| OEFS 216 Chemistry of Hazardous Materials | 3 | |
| OEFS 223 Fire Investigations I | 3 | |
| OEFS 225 Fire Protection Systems | 3 | |
| OEFS 233 Practical Approach to Terrorism | 3 |
| NOTE: Students must have completed Part I of the Technical Requirements before taking courses in Part II. Courses with the C J prefix may also be applied toward a degree in Criminal Justice at either DACC or NMSU. | ||
| C J 205 Criminal Law I | 3 | |
| C J 210 American Law Enforcement Systems | 3 | |
| C J 221 Fund. of Criminal Investigations | 3 | |
| C J 250 Courts and the Criminal Justice System | 3 | |
| LAWE 201 Intro. to Juvenile Delinquency | 3 | |
| LAWE 202 Police Patrol Procedures | 3 | |
| LAWE 205 Crime in America | 3 | |
| LAWE 206 Systems & Practices in Corrections | 3 | |
| LAWE 207 Rights of Prisoners | 3 | |
| OEFS 226 Fire Investigations II | 3 |
