Why Fire Protection Engineering?

Fire protection engineers are in high demand, with  job opportunities available all over Maryland and the world. There are typically three open entry-level fire protection engineer positions for every student who graduates from our program. Our graduates’ employers include consulting firms, large corporations and government agencies. We have one of the closest-knit, most supportive alumni networks around, and our alumni come back to recruit our students every year. 

Beyond the Classroom

Conduct Research

Our laboratory facilities provide on-campus undergraduate and graduate students with exposure to standardized ASTM test procedures and fire dynamics investigations.

Study Abroad

Get prepared to compete in a global economy and workforce.

Keystone Courses

On-campus freshmen participate in an applied engineering project.

Get Involved with Student Societies

Connect with fire protection engineers in the field through the Salamander FPE Honorary Society and the UMD Student Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.

Top-Notch Location

Near Washington, DC and Baltimore, opportunities are unparalleled.

Exclusive Networks

Enjoy interactions with leading fire protection engineering firms.

Visits are Encouraged!
 

• Fire Protection Engineering Information Sessions (on-campus + virtual options) and Tours (on-campus)
• A. James Clark School of Engineering Information Sessions (virtual) and Tours (on-campus)
• University of Maryland Campus Tours (on-campus)

In the Fall and Spring semesters, the fire protection engineering Student Ambassadors also host Future Fire Protection Engineer Visit Days (application required). Please see the Visit FPE page for details.

Student Stories

Browse All Stories

Having practical experience has given me more confidence in my academic abilities.

The community I immediately found and experienced within FPE has made a significant difference in my academics and in my life.

I learned just how fortunate I am to live in a state with such a reputable and esteemed university.

If you're willing to put yourself out there, and push hard, you will be successful.

I immediately felt at home on the University of Maryland campus.

As long as we keep breathing oxygen, fire can happen anywhere. In outer space, underwater, in a tunnel, you name it, and FPE is needed there.

The staff and faculty are amazing, and the department feels like a family.

FPE is such a unique major with a welcoming community and endless opportunities. You’ll learn a lot, make great friends, and truly feel like you’re making a difference!

My favorite class was Human Behavior in Fire, which I took abroad at Lund University in Sweden.

After graduation, I intend to gain my professional engineers license and work in consulting for life safety analysis.