As the engineering field continues to grow, many new sectors are being created by this lucrative industry. As a result, many campus-based and online schools are creating new college degree programs that can prepare students to be at the forefront of emerging career fields.

For example, a California-based school recently became the third school in the nation to offer a masters degree in fire protection engineering, the Adobe Press reports.

The 45-credit degree program, which will begin this fall, is intended to equip students with the skills they will need to launch successful engineering careers. Individuals who complete this or similar programs could see high career prospects after they graduate, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for engineers is expected to increase by 11 percent over the next eight years.

Students who enroll in graduate programs in fire protection engineering may be required to take classes on mechanical and civil engineering, construction management as well as architecture. Professionals in this field analyze ow buildings are being used, how fires can start and grow as well as how smoke could affect occupants of these structures.