This certificate provides the student an opportunity to develop the requisite knowledge and skills to seek specialization or promotion within the fire service in the field of fire investigation. It is also designed for non-fire service personnel who wish to develop a career in the field of private fire investigations or specialized fields such as law enforcement officers or the insurance industry.
The program includes a core component that provides a framework for development of the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field. This core section consists of classes that are also required for the AAS degree in Fire Science , thus providing a student who has not completed an AAS degree a path to further develop his or her education upon successful completion of the certificate program.
The curriculum includes courses that emphasize the legal and technical knowledge base that is essential in understanding and applying the key aspects of fire behavior, fire operations, investigations, criminal and fire service law.
This program offers preparatory background for students wishing to pursue a nationally recognized certification through the National Fire Investigators Association (NAFI-CFEI) and/or the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI-CFI).
Students must demonstrate college-level proficiency in composition, reading, and critical evaluation of written documents. Students must consult with the Fire Science Program Coordinator prior to enrolling in classes for the first time. Please contact Chuck House at 970-569-2921.
Fire Science Technology and the Fire Investigation program are offered at Colorado Mountain College in Vail Valley at Edwards. Please contact that location for course schedule information. CMC also offers an AAS degree in Fire Science Technology and certificates in Fire Academy I , Fire Academy II , Fire Department Company Officer , Fire Prevention- Code Enforcement , and Driver Operator .
Graduates of the program will receive a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency in Fire Investigations.
This certificate program is not eligible for federal student aid funds.
