Fire Science | Montana State University Billings

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 33-2021.00

Skills

Active ListeningWritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionService OrientationInstructing

Knowledge

Public Safety and SecurityCustomer and Personal ServiceBuilding and ConstructionLaw and GovernmentEducation and Training

Abilities

Problem SensitivityOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionOral ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingNear VisionCategory Flexibility

Tasks

Prepare and maintain reports of investigation results, and records of convicted arsonists and arson
Testify in court cases involving fires, suspected arson, and false alarms.
Package collected pieces of evidence in securely closed containers, such as bags, crates, or boxes,

Technology

Data base user interface and query softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareElectronic mail softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite software

Tools

35 millimeter camerasAdjustable hand wrenchesAdjustable pipe wrenchesBall peen hammersBallistic vestsBar levelsBattery analyzersBattery powered smoke detectorsBit driversBolt cuttersBox end wrenchesCamera flash attachmentsCamera lensesCamera positioning tripodsCarpet cutters

Work Values

AchievementSupportIndependenceWorking ConditionsRecognitionRelationships

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium33-2021.00	Fire Inspectors and Investigators	title_inference	$78,060 median$149,870 top	+3.4%	60

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Associate's Degree)

Probable cause analysis — apply deductive reasoning to evaluate physical evidence patterns and determine likely fire origin in routine residential cases.
Inspection findings reports — compose clear, complete written reports of fire code violations and hazardous conditions using office suite software with minimal editorial review.
Newly installed fire suppression systems — conduct acceptance testing and document compliance with applicable codes during standard commercial construction inspections.
Arson case records — maintain accurate, organized databases of investigation results and suspect information using department records management software.
Accelerant residue and physical evidence — examine collected samples and correlate findings with burn patterns to support cause-and-origin determinations.
False alarm patterns — monitor incident data over time to identify recurring violations or systemic building issues requiring follow-up action.
Fire scene photography — plan and execute systematic photographic documentation of multiple evidence points to build a coherent investigative record.
Court testimony preparation — organize case notes and evidentiary materials in advance of routine legal proceedings involving confirmed or suspected arson.
Building occupants and owners — communicate inspection results and required corrective actions clearly and professionally in field settings.
Time-sensitive inspections — prioritize and manage multiple concurrent inspection assignments across a defined service area within established deadlines.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.