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How to Become an Arson InvestigatorMany arson and fire investigators started off in law enforcement and with investigation experience began to specialize in fire and arson investigation by taking courses in these areas. Earning a criminal justice degree is often a requirement and will help you gain some of the necessary skills and knowledge you'll need to be successful. Other investigators attend academies or schools that offer programs in fire science and investigation. The ATF for example, has a special training academy for their fire investigators and Arson investigators. Find Criminal Justice and Related Degree Programs Now Earn an associates or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, engineering, science or chemistry. Criminal justice and engineering will provide you with the most relevant education for a career in fire investigation. Most police and fire departments require some college education (associate's degree) and more are starting to require a bachelor's degree. The ATF requires a four-year degree (bachelor's). Law enforcement agencies will open the door for a career in arson and fire investigation. Many fire and arson investigators recommend volunteering in your local fire department while earning your education, attend fire and arson investigation related conferences, pursue professional educational courses or certificates in fire or arson investigation and then joining as many professional organizations as possible. Some examples of professional organizations would be, the IAAI (International Association of Arson Investigators) and the (NAFI) National Association of Fire Investigators. Certificate and/or courses that are relevant to pursuing a career in fire investigation would include topics such as fire dynamics, incendiary fire, motor vehicle fire investigation, insurance and fire investigation and other related topics. Certification for arson investigators is offered through the IAAI and termed the IAAI-CFI. Certification through the NAFI is done through the National Certification Board and offers a certification in fire and explosion investigation, certified fire investigation instructor and a certified vehicle fire investigator. Certification provides recognition for excellence in training, knowledge and sets a standard for arson investigators and fire investigators. Arson Investigator Job DescriptionArson investigators are responsible for determining who started the fire, acquiring evidence that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect. Arson investigators often testify in court as expert witnesses regarding the techniques used to gather the evidence against the accused. Arson investigators also work to determine the cause and origin of the fire in many agencies, however this overlaps with much of what a fire investigator's job description is. Arson investigators work in both the private and public sectors. Fire Investigator Job DescriptionFire investigators has an in-depth understanding of fire behavior and working knowledge of building construction and engineering. Fire investigators should also have an in-depth knowledge of types of fuel, the ease of ignition of each fuel and the impact of each fuel on the development of a fire. Fire investigators are required to be capable of collecting, securing, packaging and transporting physical evidence. The evidence that fire investigators collect will be used in the prosecution of an individual responsible for an intentionally set fire and will often times testify as expert witnesses at trial. A fire investigator documents fire scenes through the use of photography, so a working knowledge of still and videography is required. Fire investigators work for insurance companies and other private fire investigation firms. Fire investigators are also employed by public agencies like the ATF and police or fire departments. Arson Investigator and Fire Investigator SalariesSalaries commensurate with experience and those fire or arson investigators working in the private sector often make more money than those working in government. According to indeed.com the national average annual salary for a fire investigator is $47,000 and the national average annual salary for an arson investigator is $68,000. The salary research done by our salary specialist found that current fire and arson investigator annual salaries in the public sector fall in the $30,000 to $70,000 range depending on experience. Those that choose to work in the private sector for insurance or investigative firms can make significantly more with experience.
Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs
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 Bachelor's in Fire Science
Certificate in Fire and Emergency Services
AAS in Fire Science
Upper Iowa University: The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. UIU offers open enrollment for their Independent Study Programs (distance learning), which means students can enroll and start taking classes anytime. BS in Public Administration - Fire Science
Associates of Arts Criminal Justice Request free information about online Criminal Justice programs at University of Phoenix.
American InterContinental University Online: Associate's Criminal Justice Administration
Bryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation. Associate's in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
Drexel University Online: Drexel University is regionally accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. There is a strong focus on criminology as well as the many other facets of criminal justice including administration, policies and procedures, law, corrections and much more. Learn more by requesting information today. BS in Criminal Justice Online
Associate's - Criminal Justice
CJ Associate's Degree
Florida Tech University Online: AA in Criminal Justice
AAS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice and The Study of the Criminal Mind
Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Strayer University: Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. A.A. in Criminal Justice
AA in Criminal Justice
Master of Arts in Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies
Walden University Online: Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
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