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PhD of Fire Protection Engineering
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Worcester, United States
- English
- On campus
- PhD
About the program
The first PhD offered in fire protection engineering, with research informing building design and regulation.
Program highlights
- Internship available: no
- Placement support: yes
- Work during study: yes
- Post-study work rights (Up to 12 months (Optional Practical Training per education level) plus 24-month STEM OPT extension for STEM-designated degrees): yes
- PR pathway friendly: no
Career outcomes
- Fire protection engineering leadership in research
- Policy and education
Curriculum
- Interdisciplinary doctoral study mixing engineering disciplines
- mathematics and policy
- with research affecting regulation
- building design
- first-responder operations and product performance. WPI was the first university to offer a PhD in this field.
Entry requirements
Academic
- Accredited bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field; transcripts
- statement of purpose
- resume and 3 recommendation letters in some programmes (e.g. Aerospace Engineering PhD requires three letters
- GRE not required). English proficiency required of non-native speakers.
Accepted academic background
Accredited bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, Transcripts, Statement of purpose, Resume and 3 recommendation letters in some programmes (e.g. Aerospace Engineering PhD requires three letters, GRE not required)
Language tests
- TOEFL iBT 4.5
- IELTS 6.5
- Duolingo 115
- IELTS 6.5
Documents you’ll need
- Postsecondary Academic Transcripts
- English Proficiency Evidence if Required
- Program-Specific Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Letters of Recommendation as Specified by Program
How to apply
- Check your programme's requirements and deadline. Most programmes admit on a rolling basis
- with priority dates for funding. Apply online in the graduate application portal and pay the non-refundable application fee (70 USD). Upload unofficial transcripts
- personal statement
- recommendations and English test scores. Decision comes in 6-10 weeks. Accept the offer and pay the tuition deposit if required (not for funded students). Receive the I-20 through the ISS portal and apply for the F-1 visa. Join pre-departure orientation.
Other costs
| Tuition per year | $28,490 USD |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $70 USD |
| Deposit | _ |
Program details
| Campus | Worcester |
|---|---|
| Faculty or school | School of Engineering |
| Department | Fire Protection Engineering |
| Teaching language | English |
| Credit value | _ |
| Study pace | _ |
| Post-study stay | Up to 12 months (Optional Practical Training per education level) plus 24-month STEM OPT extension for STEM-designated degrees |
| Scholarship note | Eligible graduate students may compete for department-managed assistantships, scholarships and fellowships, including some opportunities for international students. Funding, eligibility and award amounts vary by department; no award is guaranteed. |
Intakes and deadlines
Program starts
January 2027
Apply by
No deadline listed
Program starts
August 2027
Apply by
No deadline listed
Program starts
January 2028
Apply by
No deadline listed
Frequently asked questions
Tuition is $28,490 USD per year. The application fee is $70 USD. The estimated living cost is $19,143 USD.
Accepted language tests: TOEFL iBT 4.5, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 115, IELTS 6.5.