MS in Mechanical Engineering with specialization in Fire Science and Engineering

Explore and learn how to apply the fundamental principles of fire protection engineering, fire behavior and dynamics, protection and suppression systems, polymeric materials structure and more.

mechanical engineering student working in the lab

Degree: Master of Science
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Specialization: Fire Science and Engineering

Changes in government policies worldwide will affect permissible retardants in critical appliances, transportation and communications within the next few years. All manufacturers of consumer products will be focused on finding new solutions to keep their products flame-retardant and safe—and they will be looking to experts in this area to lead the way.

A survey of industry conducted recently by Accenture confirmed there is a distinct need for fire prevention engineers. Industry partners and trade organizations have also expressed a desire for new research to be conducted in fire protection and safety.

There has never been a better time to become an expert in the field of fire science by earning a degree focused on fire protection engineering.

Through our 30-credit-hour curriculum, students explore and learn how to apply the fundamental principles of fire protection engineering, fire behavior and dynamics, protection and suppression systems, polymeric materials structure, properties and selection and more. This special mechanical track focuses on the mechanical engineering and combustion science related to fire protection and suppression. Alternatively, students can explore our materials track through the Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering to focus on polymer chemistry and materials, and the chemistry of flammability and flame suppression.

Case Western Reserve offers a unique intersection of expertise in combustion science and mechanical and chemical engineering, making us singularly suited to cover all aspects of fire protection, safety and flammability.

Our program offers a recently developed curriculum that positions the degree at the cutting edge of fire science, and our close relationship with UL, worldwide leaders in flammability standards, means there’s no other degree that offers as comprehensive a review of fire science and engineering—and how it is utilized in industry.

Studying in Northeast Ohio’s industrial corridor of more than 1,500 corporations puts you at the epicenter of the nation’s advanced materials industry. And the university’s longtime partnership with NASA on Space Exploration Systems programs has included substantial research in fire protection engineering, fire prevention, suppression and detection.

Studying at Case Western Reserve allows students to take full advantage of our renown for academic excellence while also benefiting from our hands-on training to gain practical experience through lab courses and collaboration with professionals active in the field. Our program offers a balanced mix of fundamental learning, practical applications and experiential opportunities.

Graduates of this program will be able to choose from a variety of jobs in many different facets of fire protection engineering, materials and safety, including:

  • Large corporations in the consumer products, materials, transportation and aerospace fields to design and operate complex manufacturing facilities

  • Insurance companies to survey facilities

  • Safety and standards-setting organizations like UL and NIST

  • Government agencies to develop and enforce building and fire prevention codes

  • Fire departments to train, advise and implement modern techniques

Explore degree requirements, courses and more in the university's general bulletin