Fire and Safety Engineering Technology, Occupational Safety
The Fire and Safety Engineering Technology, Occupational Safety program at the University of North Carolina is designed to provide students with a solid grounding in fire protection principles, risk assessment, and occupational health and safety standards. The curriculum emphasizes the technical, regulatory, and managerial aspects of fire prevention, emergency response planning, and hazard mitigation. Students are equipped with both theoretical understanding and hands-on skills through laboratory exercises, case studies, and real-world simulations involving safety engineering systems, fire dynamics, and environmental compliance.
Throughout the four-year academic journey, students explore a wide range of interdisciplinary topics including industrial hygiene, building codes, hazardous materials, and occupational safety legislation. The program is especially suited for those who aim to ensure safety in industrial, commercial, and public environments. By fostering critical thinking, technical expertise, and leadership development, this degree prepares future professionals to manage safety programs, conduct inspections, and respond to emergencies effectively. Students also gain familiarity with national and international standards such as OSHA and NFPA, positioning them for impactful careers in the field of fire and safety engineering.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Fire and Safety Engineering Technology, Occupational Safety
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 February 2026
- Location: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
- Field of Study: General Engineering & Technology
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations of Fire Safety
• Introduction to Fire Protection Principles
• General Chemistry with Lab
• Occupational Health and Safety Fundamentals
• Technical Mathematics I
• Composition and Technical Writing
Year 2 – Core Engineering and Risk Management
• Fire Behavior and Combustion
• Safety Codes and Regulations
• Industrial Hygiene Principles
• Risk Management and Loss Control
• Applied Physics for Safety
Year 3 – Applied Safety and Emergency Systems
• Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
• Hazardous Materials Management
• Safety Management Systems
• Fire Protection Hydraulics
• Ethics in Engineering Practice
Year 4 – Professional Application and Leadership
• Advanced Fire Protection Technologies
• Incident Command Systems
• Safety Program Administration
• Capstone Project in Safety Engineering
• Internship or Cooperative Experience
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are well-positioned to enter a wide range of safety-critical industries where protecting life, property, and the environment is essential. Career paths include roles such as fire protection engineers, occupational safety specialists, industrial safety managers, and risk assessors in sectors like construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, aviation, and public service. Many also work with government agencies, insurance companies, or consulting firms to evaluate safety compliance and design prevention strategies. With strong demand for safety professionals across industries, graduates are valued for their ability to apply technical knowledge, lead safety audits, and implement risk-reduction initiatives. The program also lays a strong foundation for further certification (e.g., CSP, CHST) or graduate-level studies in engineering, public health, or emergency management.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing this program means gaining the tools to protect communities and workplaces through science-based decision-making and strategic planning. The University of North Carolina delivers a curriculum that blends engineering fundamentals, regulatory insight, and real-world application, offering students the opportunity to build both deep expertise and practical experience. Access to modern labs, field simulations, and faculty with industry experience enhances the quality of learning. The interdisciplinary structure of the program ensures that graduates are prepared not just as technicians, but as future leaders capable of adapting to evolving safety challenges. For those who value public safety, enjoy solving complex problems, and aspire to make meaningful contributions in high-responsibility environments, this degree offers a robust, future-proof foundation for success in the field of fire and occupational safety.
Contact Information
Phone: +1 (919) 966-3621
Email: unchelp@admissions.unc.edu
Address: Jackson Hall, 174 Country Club Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
