Getting into the Fire Protection Engineering Game

[KootK]

Hi All,

I'm a long time structural engineer looking to migrate, at least partially, into the world of fire protection engineering. Unfortunately, educational opportunities in that field are not readily available in my area. I'm considering enrolling in an on-line MSc program in fire protection through the University of Maryland (Link).

Can anyone comment on how well such a degree would be received in industry? I'm always a little sceptical about the credibility of on-line degrees. The courses certainly look interesting but the price tag is not insignificant.

Thanks for your help.

KootK

The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.

 

[PEDARRIN2]

We have an engineer taking this program.

It is not for the faint of heart.

Once you have the degree, it is my understanding you would have to take the Fire Protection Engineer test (the PE for fire protection) - again, not a walk in the park.

 

[KootK]

@Pedarrin2: is your engineer taking the on-line version of the program?

The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.

 

[PEDARRIN2]

Yes.

We are in Ohio.

 

[stookeyfpe]

Maryland has a good program, so does WPI. Maryland is less expensive than WPI but both have high quality instructors. I know several engineers who were either mechanical or structural engineers who have take the Maryland program and they are very good, responsible engineers.

It' my understanding that UCLA or CU-Berkley has started an on-line program but I have not investigated this.

 

[chicopee]

So is the university of Oklahoma.

 

[Sdpaddler50]

These are all good programs, but you are looking at a large time commitment if you are also working full time. depending on how far you want to go, you could also look at certificate programs from colleges. these are generally 6 to 8 classes. granted, these are not highly technical, but a good way to get your feet wet, and then perhaps some ojt doing fire protection projects. Anyone with an engineering degree can make the transition to fp, you just need the exposure which will take time. longer term you could then look at getting your FPE lic. lastly have you taken the EIT?

 

[KootK]

I have paddler. I'm an SE in a few jurisdictions so I'm no stranger to being examined mercilessly.

The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.

 

[stookeyfpe]

Chicopee:

It's Oklahoma State University. I am a graduate of that program. Just to clarify.

 

[chicopee]

Thanks, my error stookeyfpe.

 

[NightME]

I'm a grad of Oklahoma State (BS FPST) and Maryland (Online MEng FPE) and I have to say they are both exceptional programs well worth the time and money. Each program is built for a specific purpose, so make sure you know what you want before you invest >$20,000 and a couple years of your life.

There are places starting new FPE programs, CalPoly, Univ Tennessee, Univ Texas - Austin, and a few others who have been in the game for a long time, UMD, and WPI. Each have their own benefits and also some cons, feel free to call an adviser from each institution before you make a decision that you may regret later.

 

[KootK]

Thanks NightME. Can you tell me what specific purposes the OK and MD programs are built for?

The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.

 

[TravisMack]

The CalPoly program seems very interesting. I have researched it and spoke with the director of the program a few times. I have applied for admission to the MS FPE program at CalPoly. Hopefully I will be in the program this January.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com