Become a Pioneer in Explosion Protection Engineering
In the era of electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and modern space shuttles, the global need for explosion prevention and protection is higher than ever. Prepare for a career that meets the moment and addresses the challenges of explosion hazards in WPI’s MS in Explosion Protection Engineering (XPE)—the first-of-its-kind program in the US.
Investments in renewable energy, alternative fuel sources, and human spaceflight will only continue to increase. The world needs leaders who have the advanced knowledge and training in explosion protection engineering to drive systemic changes in infrastructure, process safety, regulations, and public awareness. At WPI, we prepare such leaders—like you.
When you graduate from our comprehensive, interdisciplinary program, you’ll be armed with the robust skillset to advance the science and practice of explosion protection systems and innovate risk mitigation strategies across a broad spectrum of applications—creating a safer future for all.
Program Highlights
- Build skills in a high-growth field with applications in agriculture, chemical process safety, distilling, electric vehicles, energy storage, hydrogen fuel, manufacturing, mining, space exploration, transportation, and more.
- Master the latest industry standards and best practices through a carefully curated curriculum designed in consultation with top professionals.
- Learn from world-class faculty who are leading experts with extensive real-world expertise in explosion safety, forensic investigation, process safety, and industrial risk management.
- Benefit from our strong industry partnerships, including an advisory board of more than 15 leading companies and research institutes plus connections with regulatory bodies.
- Engage in pioneering research projects that address critical issues in explosion protection, such as combustion safety, risk mitigation strategies, chemical hazards, and more.
- Access state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborative research centers where you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience and work on groundbreaking studies.
Prepare for a Rewarding Career in Explosion Protection
$131K
battery/energy storage safety engineer, average base salary
Glassdoor (2024)
$100K
chemical process safety engineer, average base salary
Glassdoor (2024)
$94K
combustible dust hazard engineer, median base salary
Glassdoor (2024)
First-of-Its-Kind Program in Explosion Protection Engineering
While explosion risk management education exists elsewhere, those programs cater to niche applications like condensed phase explosives in mining. The Explosion Protection Engineering program at WPI is the first to take a unified approach to explosion protection that encompasses all applications and industries. Dedicated to advancing the science and practice of explosion protection, WPI’s comprehensive program is designed to equip professionals with theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for the complexities and challenges of explosion hazards everywhere.
Longstanding Industry Ties
WPI has strong relationships with leading companies in industries such as insurance, process safety, manufacturing, and aerospace, providing the following benefits:
- Dedicated explosion labs and additional resources for specialized equipment
- Collaboration opportunities with industry experts who are engaged in impactful work
- Closer connections to industry demands and trends
State-of-the-Art Laboratories
- Equipped with cutting-edge technology and instrumentation
- Safe environment for conducting explosion control studies
- Optimal launchpad for groundbreaking research in advanced explosion safety strategies
Interdisciplinary Opportunities
Our Explosion Protection Engineering program welcomes all students with the following degrees:
Curriculum
Master of Science in Explosion Protection Engineering at WPI
Our master’s degree in Explosion Protection Engineering offers a unique educational experience designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address explosion hazards across various industries. Our comprehensive curriculum integrates foundational knowledge, practical skills, and advanced research opportunities, preparing students to become leaders in explosion protection. The program offers flexible pathways to accommodate different educational and professional goals, including BS/MS, MS (thesis and non-thesis), and technical certificate options.
Read More
Courses: Each course in the Explosion Protection Engineering program at WPI is carefully selected and taught by world-renowned faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. Courses cover a wide range of topics including hydrogen energy, explosion forensics, explosion venting, quantitative risk assessment, and codes and standards.
Credit requirements: The MS in Explosion Protection Engineering requires 30 credit hours of work. To fulfill the credit requirement, students may select a thesis option, which requires a 9-credit thesis, or a non-thesis option, which requires elective courses.
Plan of Study: All entering students must submit a Plan of Study identifying the courses to be taken and a prospective project topic before the end of the first semester of the program. The Plan of Study must be approved by the student’s advisor and the Explosion Protection Engineering Graduate Program Committee and must include the minimum requirements listed below.
Part 1: Core Courses
The six core courses are divided into four foundational courses necessary to study Explosion Protection Engineering and two evaluation courses that bridge the gap between engineering codes and standards and fundamentals.
View Core Courses
- Foundational Course No. 1
- AE 5233: Combustion
- Foundational Course No. 2
- FP 585: Explosion Dynamics
- Foundational Course Nos. 3 and 4 (Choose Two)
- AE 5131: Incompressible Fluid Dynamics
- CHE 571: Transport Phenomena
- ME 514: Fluid Dynamics
- AE 5132: Compressible Fluid Dynamics
- Evaluation Course No. 1
- FP 575: Explosion Protection
- Evaluation Course No. 2
- FP 582: Quantitative Risk Analysis
Part 2: Engineering Context
The Engineering Context courses (three total) are divided into two forensics courses and one modeling course. They will function to approach problems from an industrial explosion protection engineering perspective. All courses are practice oriented and provide the students with tools and skill sets that industrial practitioners are looking for.
View Engineering Context Courses
- Forensics Course No. 1
- FP 572: Failure Analysis
- Forensics Course No. 2
- FP 580: Forensic Techniques
- Modeling Course (Choose One)
- ME 5108: Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics
- FP 520: Fire Modeling
Part 3: Electives or Thesis Option
View Electives (Non-Thesis Option)
MS in Explosion Protection Engineering students may choose to take elective courses at the 500 level or above with a prefix of FPE, AE, ME, CHE, or CE to reach the 30-credit requirement. Courses at the 4000 level may also be taken as electives with the prior approval of the Explosion Protection Engineering Graduate Committee.
Elective Course Examples
- FP 573: Industrial Fire Protection
- CE 511: Structural Dynamics
- FP 588: Practical Explosion Analysis: Case Studies in Energy Industry
View MS Thesis Option
A 9-credit thesis can replace 6 credits of elective coursework and 3 credits of Engineering Context coursework. The graduate thesis involves creating and advancing a comprehensive explosion project that exhibits adequate scope and intricacy. Thesis design topics are developed in close collaboration with a thesis committee, which is composed of a primary thesis advisor and an advisor in a focus area. A formal thesis rationale and plan will be presented to the steering committee that comprises industry experts.
MS Student Thesis Competition: In this annual competition, students pitch their research ideas to the advisory board, which votes on the best proposals.
Combined BS/MS in Explosion Protection Engineering
View BS/MS Requirements
WPI allows the double-counting of up to 12 credits for students pursuing a five-year BS/MS program. This overlap can be achieved through the following mechanisms:
- Up to three graduate courses in Fire Protection Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering taken by the student may be counted towards meeting the engineering/science/elective requirements of the student’s undergraduate major, subject to approval by their major department.
- Up to two 4000-level undergraduate courses taken by the student in their undergraduate major program may be counted towards the requirements of the MS in Explosion Protection Engineering if they can be placed in one of the requirement categories listed above and are approved by the Graduate Program Committee.
Graduate Certificate in Explosion Protection Engineering
View Certificate Requirements
This option is available for professionals wanting to hone their skills in a particular area. A graduate certificate consists of 9 credits from a choice of three courses:
- FP 585: Explosion Dynamics
- FP 575: Explosion Protection; or FP 582: Quantitative Risk Analysis
- FP 588: Practical Explosion Analysis: Case Studies in Energy Industry; or any Engineering Context course
Elective courses are not allowed. In special cases, where the student is interested in studying a practical, industry-specific XPE problem, a 3-credit independent study that is approved by the XPE program director will be considered as one course.
Important Dates
Next Start: January 15, 2025
Application Deadline: Apply anytime!
Meet Our World-Class Faculty
Alfonso Ibarreta
Adjunct Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Alfonso Ibarreta holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan and is a certified fire and explosion investigator with expertise in combustion processes, fires, and explosions. His research and professional work focus on the analysis and prevention of explosion hazards involving flammable dusts, liquids, and gases. He has extensive experience in using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models, such as FLACS, to simulate flammable liquid/vapor releases, vapor cloud explosions, and combustible dust explosions.
Ibarreta is a principal member of the NFPA Technical Committee on Explosion Protection Systems, where he contributes to standards such as NFPA 67, 68, and 69. He also serves on the Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention Regulations, overseeing state fire safety codes. His expertise includes consequence modeling, testing fuel gas systems, and developing fire safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Ali S. Rangwala
Professor, Fire Protection Engineering
Program Head
Specializes in industrial fire and explosion, focusing on deflagration of combustible dust clouds and ignition behavior of dust layers. Co-authored books on explosion dynamics and fire mechanisms. Teaches explosion dynamics and explosion protection engineering.
Vyto Babrauskas
Professor, Fire Protection Engineering
Renowned researcher in fire safety science, explosion safety, and electrical failures. Inventor of the cone calorimeter and author of Ignition Handbook. Teaches courses on new and renewable energy technologies, hydrogen, battery storage, electrical arc explosions, and transformer safety.
Aswin Gnanaskandan
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Specializes in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), developing high-fidelity models for multiphase flows. Directs the Computational Multiphase Transport Laboratory. Teaches a graduate course on CFD, a key component of the explosion protection engineering curriculum.
Jagan Jayachandran
Assistant Professor, Aerospace Engineering
Associate Program Head
Focuses on reacting flows under explosion safety conditions. Studies laminar flame ignition, DDT, and flame instabilities. Teaches a graduate course on combustion.
Stephen Kmiotek
Professor of Practice, Chemical Engineering
Brings 30 years of experience in the chemical and environmental industries, focusing on chemical process safety, environmental health and safety, and air pollution engineering. Provides students with practical insights into explosion protection and safety management.
Kathy Notarianni
Associate Professor, Fire Protection Engineering
Expertise in fire protection engineering and emergency response optimization. Experience from NIST and over 10 years as head of the fire protection engineering department. Integrates advanced risk assessment and incident management strategies into the explosion protection engineering curriculum.
Milosh Puchovsky
Professor of Practice, Fire Protection Engineering
Over 30 years of experience in fire protection and explosion safety, including lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems. Strengthens the explosion protection engineering curriculum by teaching application-oriented courses and bridging consulting engineering with academic research.
Michael Timko
Professor, Chemical Engineering
Associate Program Head
Researches chemical engineering science, transport, phase behavior, and reactor design for converting energy resources into fuels and chemicals. Focuses on hydrogen production and utilization. Teaches a core class on transport phenomena.
Jamal Yagoobi
Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Associate Program Head
Director of the Center for Advanced Research in Drying (CARD), teaches heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermal systems design. Researches heat and mass transfer and explosion risks in drying processes. Provides valuable insights into heat transfer and explosion protection.
Christopher Wood
Professor, Fire Protection Engineering
Head of Fire Link LLC, experienced in hazard analysis and forensic investigation. Teaches courses on explosion forensics, providing practical knowledge essential for analyzing explosion incidents.
Lorenz Boeck
Adjunct Professor, Explosion Protection Engineering
Boeck is chief scientific officer at Rembe® Inc., a global leader in explosion and process safety, where he oversees the company’s scientific program. Prior to joining Rembe® Inc., Boeck held research positions at FM Global, California Institute of Technology, Queen's University, and Technical University of Munich.
With over 15 years of research experience in academia and industry, Boeck has led programs to assess and mitigate explosion risks across various sectors, including nuclear, aerospace, energy, food and beverage, wood products, and general manufacturing. His expertise spans a wide range of explosion hazards, encompassing gas, dust, hybrid, energetic-material, and physical explosions. He has extensive experience in large-scale and laboratory-scale testing, as well as in the certification of explosion protection systems such as deflagration vents, suppression systems, and isolation systems.
His contributions to the field include over 70 peer-reviewed research publications. His work has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious John H.S. Lee Award and multiple international best-paper awards. Boeck teaches Explosion Protection (FP 573) for the XPE program.
Ashok G. Dastidar
Adjunct Professor, Chemical Engineering
Ashok Dastidar holds a PhD in chemical engineering from Dalhousie University (2004) and is a leading expert in chemical process hazards analysis, specializing in flammable dusts, liquids, vapors, explosion hazards, and electrostatic risks. He has extensive experience conducting tests and analyzing data on electrostatic discharge, dust explosibility, flammability, and thermal stability, as well as implementing risk mitigation strategies using HAZOP and FMEA methods.
A prominent figure in the field, Dastidar is actively involved with AIChE, NFPA, and ASTM, where he chairs the ASTM E27.05 Subcommittee on dust explosibility and serves on multiple NFPA technical committees.
Alfonso Ibarreta
Adjunct Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Alfonso Ibarreta holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan and is a certified fire and explosion investigator with expertise in combustion processes, fires, and explosions. His research and professional work focus on the analysis and prevention of explosion hazards involving flammable dusts, liquids, and gases. He has extensive experience in using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models, such as FLACS, to simulate flammable liquid/vapor releases, vapor cloud explosions, and combustible dust explosions.
Ibarreta is a principal member of the NFPA Technical Committee on Explosion Protection Systems, where he contributes to standards such as NFPA 67, 68, and 69. He also serves on the Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention Regulations, overseeing state fire safety codes. His expertise includes consequence modeling, testing fuel gas systems, and developing fire safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Ali S. Rangwala
Professor, Fire Protection Engineering
Program Head
Specializes in industrial fire and explosion, focusing on deflagration of combustible dust clouds and ignition behavior of dust layers. Co-authored books on explosion dynamics and fire mechanisms. Teaches explosion dynamics and explosion protection engineering.
Vyto Babrauskas
Professor, Fire Protection Engineering
Renowned researcher in fire safety science, explosion safety, and electrical failures. Inventor of the cone calorimeter and author of Ignition Handbook. Teaches courses on new and renewable energy technologies, hydrogen, battery storage, electrical arc explosions, and transformer safety.
Aswin Gnanaskandan
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Specializes in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), developing high-fidelity models for multiphase flows. Directs the Computational Multiphase Transport Laboratory. Teaches a graduate course on CFD, a key component of the explosion protection engineering curriculum.
Jagan Jayachandran
Assistant Professor, Aerospace Engineering
Associate Program Head
Focuses on reacting flows under explosion safety conditions. Studies laminar flame ignition, DDT, and flame instabilities. Teaches a graduate course on combustion.
Stephen Kmiotek
Professor of Practice, Chemical Engineering
Brings 30 years of experience in the chemical and environmental industries, focusing on chemical process safety, environmental health and safety, and air pollution engineering. Provides students with practical insights into explosion protection and safety management.
Kathy Notarianni
Associate Professor, Fire Protection Engineering
Expertise in fire protection engineering and emergency response optimization. Experience from NIST and over 10 years as head of the fire protection engineering department. Integrates advanced risk assessment and incident management strategies into the explosion protection engineering curriculum.
Milosh Puchovsky
Professor of Practice, Fire Protection Engineering
Over 30 years of experience in fire protection and explosion safety, including lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems. Strengthens the explosion protection engineering curriculum by teaching application-oriented courses and bridging consulting engineering with academic research.
Michael Timko
Professor, Chemical Engineering
Associate Program Head
Researches chemical engineering science, transport, phase behavior, and reactor design for converting energy resources into fuels and chemicals. Focuses on hydrogen production and utilization. Teaches a core class on transport phenomena.
Jamal Yagoobi
Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Associate Program Head
Director of the Center for Advanced Research in Drying (CARD), teaches heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermal systems design. Researches heat and mass transfer and explosion risks in drying processes. Provides valuable insights into heat transfer and explosion protection.
Christopher Wood
Professor, Fire Protection Engineering
Head of Fire Link LLC, experienced in hazard analysis and forensic investigation. Teaches courses on explosion forensics, providing practical knowledge essential for analyzing explosion incidents.
Lorenz Boeck
Adjunct Professor, Explosion Protection Engineering
Boeck is chief scientific officer at Rembe® Inc., a global leader in explosion and process safety, where he oversees the company’s scientific program. Prior to joining Rembe® Inc., Boeck held research positions at FM Global, California Institute of Technology, Queen's University, and Technical University of Munich.
With over 15 years of research experience in academia and industry, Boeck has led programs to assess and mitigate explosion risks across various sectors, including nuclear, aerospace, energy, food and beverage, wood products, and general manufacturing. His expertise spans a wide range of explosion hazards, encompassing gas, dust, hybrid, energetic-material, and physical explosions. He has extensive experience in large-scale and laboratory-scale testing, as well as in the certification of explosion protection systems such as deflagration vents, suppression systems, and isolation systems.
His contributions to the field include over 70 peer-reviewed research publications. His work has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious John H.S. Lee Award and multiple international best-paper awards. Boeck teaches Explosion Protection (FP 573) for the XPE program.
Ashok G. Dastidar
Adjunct Professor, Chemical Engineering
Ashok Dastidar holds a PhD in chemical engineering from Dalhousie University (2004) and is a leading expert in chemical process hazards analysis, specializing in flammable dusts, liquids, vapors, explosion hazards, and electrostatic risks. He has extensive experience conducting tests and analyzing data on electrostatic discharge, dust explosibility, flammability, and thermal stability, as well as implementing risk mitigation strategies using HAZOP and FMEA methods.
A prominent figure in the field, Dastidar is actively involved with AIChE, NFPA, and ASTM, where he chairs the ASTM E27.05 Subcommittee on dust explosibility and serves on multiple NFPA technical committees.
Alfonso Ibarreta
Adjunct Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Alfonso Ibarreta holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan and is a certified fire and explosion investigator with expertise in combustion processes, fires, and explosions. His research and professional work focus on the analysis and prevention of explosion hazards involving flammable dusts, liquids, and gases. He has extensive experience in using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models, such as FLACS, to simulate flammable liquid/vapor releases, vapor cloud explosions, and combustible dust explosions.
Ibarreta is a principal member of the NFPA Technical Committee on Explosion Protection Systems, where he contributes to standards such as NFPA 67, 68, and 69. He also serves on the Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention Regulations, overseeing state fire safety codes. His expertise includes consequence modeling, testing fuel gas systems, and developing fire safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Research Advisory Board
Our research advisory board, comprising leaders from academia, industry, and government agencies, ensures that the Explosion Protection Engineering program continuously adapts to industry changes and emerging trends.
Dedicated to Professor Robert G. Zalosh
The XPE program is dedicated to the memory of Professor Bob Zalosh, the founder of modern explosion protection engineering and developer of the graduate curriculum in this area. Professor Zalosh authored several publications in the field of explosion dynamics and made significant contributions to the field, shaping the education and research in explosion protection.
Have questions?
WPI's dedicated graduate student support team can help.
Take the First Step Today
Discover the opportunities for learning, research, and professional growth in WPI’s new MS in Explosion Protection Engineering program.
Grad Studies Blog: Catalyst.
Explore Catalyst, our graduate school blog, where you’ll find student stories, expert insights, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re a prospective, admitted, or current grad student, it’s your go-to source for STEM perspectives, career advice, and essential tips—all in one place.
Graduate Studies Series
Team members from Graduate & Professional Studies host quick and convenient webinars designed to highlight popular topics when starting grad school. Take a deep dive into specific areas of interest such as how to secure funding, how to ace your application, an overview of student services, and more!
