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Structural Engineering Courses
A master’s degree is a postgraduate study program that provides students with an in-depth and highly specialized education in their chosen field. Receiving this degree may improve job prospects for graduates by refining the knowledge and experience they have in their chosen field. Structural engineering programs include classes on the entire process of a construction project. In addition to design training, students are also taught how to analyze a design to ensure that it is safe and strong. They then learn how to oversee the job site and apply the details of the blueprint.
Structural engineering is a specialization within the broader field of civil engineering. Structural engineers apply scientific knowledge about the impact of traffic, winds, and weather toward building and maintaining safe infrastructural components like bridges, dams, buildings, and roads. Some structural engineers find work with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering; however, obtaining a master’s degree in structural engineering increases the likelihood of acquiring management positions in the field.
Why a Master’s Degree?
Online master’s degree programs in structural engineering provide graduates with advanced knowledge of the design, mechanical theory, and structural dynamics required to supervise complex civil engineering projects. All states require all engineers to obtain the Professional Engineering certification to consult; the coursework and experience gained during the completion of a master’s degree program qualifies graduates for this certification. Online programs designed for working professionals generally can be completed within three years, though some educational institutions allow up to five years for completion.
Inside a Structural Engineering Master’s Degree Program
Those who enroll in structural engineering master’s programs online may go on to earn either a Master of Science (M.S.) in Structural Engineering, or an M.S. in Civil Engineering with a concentration in structural engineering. These programs combine theory, design, analysis, and practical skills application and culminate in a thesis project. Core classes focus on engineering and science fundamentals, and students may choose elective courses in particular areas of interest.
Typical courses in these master’s degree programs include:
- Advanced Structural Engineering: Heavily based in mathematics, this course approaches problem-solving in the construction and maintenance of vertical structures.
- Plastic Structures: The properties of plastic and its usage as a building material are taught, including analysis, design and weight-bearing capacities.
- Materials: Common and uncommon construction materials used in infrastructure are examined. Specifications adherence and budget considerations are also covered.
- Element Analysis: This course builds on engineering fundamentals taught in bachelor’s degree programs and examines heat transfer, stability, plane stress and dynamics.
- Computer Modeling: Simulated computer design programs, particularly Computer Assisted Design (CAD), are taught in this course.
- Nonlinear Systems: Also very heavily based in mathematics, this rigorous course delves into chaos theory, dynamic systems, differential equations, fractals, bifurcation and periodic motion.
- Traffic Analysis: This course explores traffic patterns, traffic theory and traffic analysis, including in international applications.
Elective concentration courses may focus on city planning, traffic planning, engineering management or computer programming. Degree candidates conduct a supervised research project near the end of the program; written theses may or may not be required, depending on each program’s requirements.
What’s Next for Structural Engineering Master’s Degree Holders?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects steady job growth in this sector of engineering. Aging infrastructure in much of the U.S. is expected to continually drive a need for maintenance or replacement. Master’s degree holders will enter the job market with the qualification to manage these complex projects, many of which will be government-operated. Job growth is projected to reach 8% between 2014 and 2024.
Structural engineers in management positions can expect to analyze survey reports, perform tests on job sites, calculate cost estimates, present findings and plans to local officials and project stakeholders, and manage a staff of lower-level engineers. In 2014, the mean annual salary of civil engineers was $82,050.
Engineers who wish to continue study may elect to pursue a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering. While these programs are relatively rare, the prospects for graduates are encouraging. As the field expands, there will be an increased need for professors to teach undergraduate and master’s degree courses. Aside from the salary increases that a Ph.D. may find in industry, these individuals are also well-situated for consulting with private agencies, research and development firms, large laboratories, and government agencies of all stripes.
Online Structural Engineering Masters Degree Programs
Many schools offer online master’s degree programs in civil engineering with the option to specialize in structural engineering. All courses may be online, or the program may combine online and on-campus studies. Classes may be live or recorded, allowing students to view them as their schedules permit. A computer with a high-speed Internet connection and a webcam is a must, and there may be some additional software requirements.
A bachelor’s degree is needed, preferably in engineering or a related field. In a structural engineering concentration, students look at the properties of building materials and how they are impacted by stress. Core courses cover topics such as engineering mathematics and project management techniques. Most programs call for a capstone project.
Master’s Degree – Structural Engineering
Structural engineering is a sub-discipline of civil engineering. Schools are therefore more likely to offer an online program in structural engineering as a specialization or concentration to a civil engineering master’s degree. Programs in structural engineering study the effect of stress factors – wind, weather, traffic – on built infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, buildings and dams. Students learn the static and dynamic properties of wood, steel, concrete and other building materials. A bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related subject such as engineering, physics or mathematics, is required for admission to a master’s degree program.
Information and Requirements
Students may take classes entirely online or as a mix of online and traditional instruction in an online structural engineering program. Course lectures may be viewed live or via download, and all other course materials are accessible through a school’s website. Interaction with faculty and advisors is conducted by phone, discussion boards, e-mail and live chat. A master’s degree is typically earned in 2-3 years.
Schools may use a proprietary content management system or a commercial system, such as Blackboard. A relatively new Windows or Mac personal computer, Internet access and a webcam are required for participation in an online program.
List of Common Structural Engineering Courses
Master’s degree programs in engineering are built around core courses and elective courses. Core courses emphasize fundamental engineering concepts, while elective courses address structural engineering and related topics such as earthquake engineering and solid mechanics.
Element Analysis
Students in this course learn the methods of evaluating the properties of different materials. Plane stress, stability, heat transfer, stiffness and dynamics are among the topics considered.
Plastic Structures
This course examines the properties of plastic as a building material and of plastic structures. Topics covered include plastic analysis, weight distribution theorems and design requirements.
Structural Dynamics
Students examine the stresses that deform and degrade structures. Coursework engages modal analysis, computational techniques, wave propagation, system responses, vibration analysis and random excitation.
Nonlinear Systems
Chaos theory and the mathematics of nonlinear dynamic systems – with an emphasis on real-world structural applications – are the focus of this course. Differential equations, local and global analysis, bifurcations, fractals and periodic motion are among the topics covered.
Career Information
All states require that structural engineers be licensed. Requirements usually include completing a bachelor’s degree program that is accredited by ABET, the engineering education standards organization, and passing competency exams. Some states require continuing education for license renewal. While a master’s degree is not mandatory, it is considered necessary for career advancement.
Candidates who earn a master’s degree in structural engineering may become civil engineers who specialize in structural applications. Established civil engineers who earn the degree are positioned for leadership roles on structural engineering projects, or they may become structural engineering consultants. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), employment of civil engineers was expected to increase 6% over the years 2018-2028. Growth is driven by the need to build new bridges, roads and other infrastructure as well as maintain existing infrastructure. The median salary of civil engineers as of May 2018 was $86,640.
Continuing Education Information
Licensing requirements for engineers are on the books in all U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Candidates must complete an accredited engineering program, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam (for which structural engineering is an available concentration) and accumulate a specified number of years of work experience. Continuing education requirements for re-licensing are also in place in several states.
Students can earn a master’s degree in structural engineering entirely online. The program educates students in fundamental engineering concepts and a variety of structure designs.
Popular Schools
The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users.
An admission advisor from each school can provide more info about:
- programs & curriculum
- career opportunities
- tuition & financial aid
- admissions & starting dates
- 1Northcentral UniversitySchool InfoMinimum eligibility requirements:
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree; Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
- 2Washington University in St LouisSchool InfoProgram InfoAreas of study you may find at Washington University in St Louis include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- General Construction Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering Physics
- Environmental Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- 3Polytechnic Institute of New York UniversitySchool InfoProgram InfoAreas of study you may find at Polytechnic Institute of New York University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework, Diploma
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- General Construction Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering Physics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- 4Lehigh UniversitySchool InfoProgram InfoAreas of study you may find at Lehigh University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree:
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering Physics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Plastics Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- 5Illinois Institute of TechnologySchool InfoProgram InfoAreas of study you may find at Illinois Institute of Technology include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree:
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- General Construction Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering – Architectural
- Engineering Physics
- Environmental Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- 6Stanford UniversitySchool InfoProgram InfoAreas of study you may find at Stanford University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- 7Harvard UniversitySchool InfoProgram InfoAreas of study you may find at Harvard University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Math
- 8University of PennsylvaniaSchool InfoProgram InfoAreas of study you may find at University of Pennsylvania include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Geological Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- 9University of MichiganSchool InfoProgram InfoAreas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering – Architectural
- Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering Physics
- Environmental Engineering
- Geological Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Plastics Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- 10Duke UniversitySchool InfoProgram InfoAreas of study you may find at Duke University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
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