M.S in Fire Protection and Safety Management
The Master of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Management (FPSM) program is a 30 credit-hour program that includes a 15-credit hour core, with the remaining 15 credits chosen from a list of elective courses. A capstone experience is also required, which may consist of a 6-credit hour graduate research thesis or a comprehensive exam at the conclusion of studies. Distance students will be directed toward the non-thesis option while resident students may complete either option.
The UNC Charlotte Fire Protection and Safety Management Program has high-quality faculty, from different geographic and educational backgrounds, representing the fire and safety science fields. A snapshot of our graduate student population:
- Approximately equal numbers of international/domestic students
- Part-time (70%) and full-time students (30%)
- In-classroom and online students
- Thesis and non-thesis students
Most students currently choose the non-thesis option, but we are expanding research project options for students.
Graduate catalog:
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Fire Administration
Occupational Safety
(30 Credit Hours)
(30 Credit Hours)
The MS in Fire Protection & Safety Management (FPSM) offers advanced fire safety, administration, and risk management instruction. Designed for firefighters and safety professionals, this program helps advance careers with relevant courses taught by experienced instructors from North Carolina Fire Departments and similar roles.
The MS in Fire Protection & Safety Management (Occupational Safety Track) prepares students for occupational health and safety careers. This STEM program focuses on preventing workplace injuries and ensuring a safe environment. Graduates are highly sought after in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and government.
Key Industries for Graduates
Fire Administration
Occupational Safety
| Fire Departments |
| Insurance Companies |
| Industrial Plants |
| Military Bases |
| University Facilities |
| Local, State, Federal Government |
| Construction |
| Industrial Plants |
| Manufacturing |
| Military Bases |
| University Facilities |
| Local, State, Federal Government |
| PhD Studies in Industrial Hygiene/Public Health |
| Insurance Companies |
2025-2026 Curriculum
Fire Administration
Occupational Safety
| Core (15 Credit Hours) | Electives (15 Credit Hours) |
| Human Behavior in Fire | Fire Protection Systems |
| Fire and Building Codes | Public Budgeting & Finance |
| Industrial Safety | Grant Writing/Reporting |
| Fire Department Administration | Emergency Management |
| Community Risk Reduction | Homeland Security/Terrorism |
| Safety/Health and more |
| Core (18 Credit Hours) | Electives (12 Credit Hours) |
| Industrial Safety | Emergency Management |
| Industrial Hygiene | Public Administration |
| Ergonomics | Human Behavior in Fire |
| Environmental Pollution | Fire and Building Codes |
| System Safety Management | Special Topics |
| Fire Protection Systems | Research Projects |
Application Deadlines
| Spring | Fall | |
| Early Entry | Dec 1 | July 15 |
| Final | Dec 1 | Aug 1 |
| Post-Baccalaureate | Jan 8 | Aug 21 |
| TA Funding | N/A | March 15 |
Additional Opportunities
Early Entry:
Earn up to 12 credits in your senior year and save a year of tuition.
Post-Baccalaureate Program:
Try a few courses if you’re unsure and have them count towards the degree when you apply.
https://gradadmissions.charlotte.edu/admissions/post-baccalaureate
Contact:
Dr. Mike Benjamin