Obtaining a degree in fire engineering opens doors to working in both the private and public sector. Once in the degree program, participants typically choose from one of four concentrations: fire prevention, fire safety, fire protection and fire investigation. Fire prevention and fire safety tend to focus on prevention and education of the public, whereas fire protection careers tend to focus on prevention through installation of safety measures. Fire investigators analyze fire damage after the fire.
Once you have obtained a fire engineering degree, you will have the option to work in fire prevention, fire safety, fire protection or fire investigation. Fire prevention careers may include working with commercial or residential building projects to help prevent fire damage or fire outbreaks. Fire safety careers could include jobs in fire departments or commercial buildings, working as a planner for evacuation plans or educating others about fire hazards. For careers in fire protection, most individuals work in the business of installing fire suppression systems. Fire investigators determine the causes of fires after the fact and tend to work with police or fire departments, insurance agencies or government organizations. Working in fire protection engineering as an independent consultant or with a company requires a professional engineer (PE) license, which involves passing exams set forth by their state's licensing and registration board.
Most universities offer fire engineering as a bachelor's degree. Although entry requirements will vary depending on the university, almost all students will have to graduate high school and complete relevant ACT or SAT scores to the school's standard. Once accepted, fire engineering degrees focus on course work in natural sciences, mathematics, engineering and computer science. Some schools offer a Master of Science degree in Fire Protection Engineering as well.
Many universities offer fire engineering degrees online, and these programs can work well for nontraditional students or students who must work full-time. Many universities do not offer fire engineering degrees on campus, so make sure to check a school's list of offered majors before enrolling. Some schools only offer a two-year associate degree, which will cost less to obtain, but you will find a smaller number of high-paying job with an associate degree than you will with a bachelor's degree or higher.