Department of Fire Science and Professional Studies

Chair: Sorin Iliescu, Ed.D.

Associate Professor: Martin J. O’Connor, J.D., University of Connecticut

Assistant Professors: Sorin Iliescu, Ed.D., Johnson and Wales University; Ting Guang Ma, Ph.D., University of Maryland

Lecturer: Bruce Varga, M.S., University of New Haven

The Department of Fire Science and Professional Studies offers several degree programs for students interested in the specific employment-related areas of fire science (technology, administration, and fire/arson investigation) and fire protection engineering. A number of certificates are also offered in these fields.

Fire Science

Chair: Sorin Iliescu, Ed.D.

The United States continues to be among those countries worldwide that suffer the highest degree of destruction to life and property from fire. The arson/fraud fire problem continues to contribute to these statistics at an alarming rate.

Concern over this unnecessary loss of life and property has triggered a rapidly growing need for professionals in fire science. The municipal fire service is only one part of the demand for individuals with specialized education in this multi-disciplined field. Career opportunities in the public sector include those for municipal firefighters, fire inspectors, fire investigators, fire technicians, and fire protection engineers. Private sector careers include those of industrial firefighters, fire protection specialists, fire protection engineers, fire investigators, and loss control consultants. Government, industry, fire equipment manufacturers and vendors and the insurance industry are all potential employers.

The University of New Haven offers five undergraduate degrees and four certificate programs designed for those entering the exciting field of fire science. A combination of classroom lectures, laboratory sessions, case studies, and field trips gives students the broadest possible exposure in this area of study. Internships allow students to obtain real-life work experience in this specialized field.

The University also offers graduate certificate programs and a master’s degree in fire science for those completing their bachelor’s degrees.

Fire Science Club

The Fire Science Club is the campus activities organization for students with interests in fire science and related fields. This very active group organizes field trips, fire safety and substance abuse programs, and other activities, both on and off campus, throughout the school year.

Student Branch of the Connecticut Valley Chapter of SFPE

The Student Branch of the Connecticut Valley Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers is the professional society on campus for fire science students. The Student Branch works closely with the Fire Science Club to provide programs and field trips with a strong technical basis.

Fire Science Certificates

The Fire Science Department offers certificates in fire/arson investigation, fire prevention, and industrial fire protection. To earn a certificate, students must complete from 16 to 19 credits. Credits earned for a certificate may be applied to an associate or bachelor’s degree in fire science.

A student must successfully complete all required courses as outlined below with a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 to be awarded the certificate.