BSc in Fire Protection Engineering in College Park United States | University of Maryland, College Park

The Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland, founded in 1956, runs the sole accredited undergraduate program and one of just three graduate programs in this field nationwide. By applying engineering principles, conducting research, and analyzing fire incidents, Fire Protection Engineers tackle safety challenges across diverse environments—from buildings and industrial sites to wildlands and transportation systems. Recently, faculty and students have engaged in extensive fire research, studying topics like energy storage safety, material flammability, refrigerant risks, detection systems, AI applications for fire awareness, and computer modeling of fire behavior and human responses—all aimed at minimizing fire-related casualties and property damage through top-tier education, research, and public engagement in fire safety and environmental health. The department's core mission focuses on mitigating life and property losses by delivering rigorous, science-driven education, research, and community outreach in fire protection engineering and related safety disciplines. Our curriculum delivers an interdisciplinary foundation and advanced training to solve intricate fire safety challenges. Graduates pursue diverse careers in safety evaluations, hazard analysis, prevention strategies, and regulatory compliance.

FPE students master fundamental engineering concepts including mathematics, physics, and chemistry. The program expands into specialized areas like material science, fluid dynamics, and thermal sciences with fire-specific applications. Fluid mechanics covers sprinkler systems, extinguishing methods, and smoke control, while heat transfer explores fuel evaporation processes. Combustion studies address flame types, ignition mechanisms, and fire propagation. Hands-on labs introduce standardized fire testing and measurement techniques. The curriculum emphasizes design principles for suppression, detection, alarm, and structural safety systems, alongside code interpretation for professional practice. Students learn comprehensive fire safety methodologies and analytical approaches. A capstone design or research project allows deeper investigation beyond standard coursework.