Fire and Safety Engineering Technology – Fire Safety
Preparing Students to Protect People and Property, in Our Workplaces, Homes, and Communities
The Fire Safety concentration has an emphasis on both technical and non-technical aspects in the fields of fire and safety. The program is directed toward those seeking positions within the fire service as well as those preparing for work in fire protection related occupations.
Our recent graduates have been hired as:
- Fire Chief, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, Division Chief, Battalion Chief
- Property Risk Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Fire Safety Operations Engineer
- Investigator
- Plans Examiner
- Associate Fire Protection Engineer
- Fire and Safety Manager
- Fire and Evidence Technician
- Fire Protection Systems Designer
Target career fields for graduates:
- Fire service
- Private fire protection
- Insurance
- Fire and safety equipment manufacturing
- Oil and petroleum production
- Local, state, and federal government
Curriculum Overview
The Fire and Safety Engineering Technology – Fire Safety program provides both a breadth and depth of technical and practical knowledge. Theoretical backgrounds are coupled with practical application to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the workplace. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for increasingly responsible roles in leadership and management in the field of fire safety. In addition, the program provides comprehensive classes dealing with fire behavior, active and passive protection systems as well as the foundational principles of research investigation.
Transfer Students
The Fire and Safety Engineering Technology – Fire Safety concentration program welcomes transfer students at various levels of academic progression.
Transfer admission into the major occurs with one of the following two scenarios:
1. Transfer applicants who have an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree must:
- Hold the AAS degree in an appropriate field of Fire Protection Technology or Public Safety for Fire Safety Tract or similar title with curriculum acceptable to the department
- A minimum GPA of 2.50 (out of 4.00) in the AAS degree.
- Have completed satisfactorily, and transferred in, courses equivalent to the lower-level courses. Missing lower-level courses may be taken at UNC Charlotte.
2. Transfer applicants who do not have an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in an appropriate field must meet the University Transfer Admission Requirements.
Changing Your Major
If you are interested in changing your major to Fire and Safety Engineering Technology – Fire Safety concentration, please follow this guidance.
Distance Education Option
The Fire and Safety concentration delivers upper-division program courses of the program in an individual access, online, distance education format. In order to qualify for the online program, students must:
- Complete an Applied Associate of Science (AAS) degree Fire Protection Technology or Public Safety for Fire Safety Tract or similar title with curriculum acceptable to the department
- A minimum GPA of 2.50 (out of 4.00) in the AAS degree is required.
- Have completed satisfactorily the prerequisite background courses for the option they plan to enter. Lower division fire safety courses are not offered online and must be completed prior to being admitted to the online program.
Visit the School of Professional Studies website for more information
Fire Science Minor
The Fire Science Minor is designed for students seeking an understanding in fire, its benefits and drawbacks . The minor emphasizes the technical aspects of fire, designed to prepare students for increasingly responsible roles in workplace safety and management. The minor provides comprehensive classes dealing with fire behavior, investigation and hazardous materials.
Scholarships
There are several scholarship opportunities available for students in the Fire Safety Engineering Technology program. As a student, you are encouraged to apply for all of them.
Joshua B. Earley Memorial Scholarship
Firefighter Steven Coakley Memorial Scholarship
North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association
- The North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association currently provides three scholarships that cover the actual cost of tuition, books and fees up to $1,500 dollars per scholarship per year. The scholarships are available to one student from each of the three regions of North Carolina. To apply for one of these scholarships, please print the application form, fill it out completely and return to the MAPS office in the W.S. Lee College of Engineering.
International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation Scholarship
- The objective of the program is to assist individuals desiring to further their academic education through college-level courses in the fire sciences or related academic programs. Scholarships awards range from $250 to $4,000.
National Fire Protection Association Scholarship
W.S. Lee College of Engineering Scholarship Information Page
Early Entry for M.S. in Fire Protection and Safety Management
Students wishing to pursue a master of science degree may choose to enroll in the early entry program and obtain their M.S. in Fire Protection and Safety Management in just two additional semesters.
Program Contact
Program Faculty & Staff
Meet our Fire and Safety Faculty & Staff.