Structural Engineering
Overview
Structural engineering programs prepare people to design and test materials used in buildings, dams, and bridges.Structural engineering programs include topics such as:
- Load-bearing structures
- Strength of materials
- Earthquake safety standards
- Natural hazards
- Environmental impact
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in structural engineering. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree, students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Very few colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in structural engineering. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four or five years of full-time study.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in structural engineering. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Applied Mathematics
- Architectural Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computational Mathematics
- Construction Engineering
- Construction Inspection
- Construction Trades
- Drafting and Design Technology
- Engineering Physics
- Engineering, General
- Geological and Geophysical Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Materials Science
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Pre-Engineering
- Transportation and Highway Engineering
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Architects
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Civil Engineers
- Construction and Building Inspectors
- Construction Managers
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Biology
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- English Composition
- Physics
- Trigonometry
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in engineering, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Concrete Design
- Construction Materials
- Engineering Physics
- English Composition
- Foundation Engineering
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Linear Differential Equations
- Mechanics
- Mechanics of Materials
- Senior Design Project
- Statistics
- Steel Design
- Structural Analysis
- Structural Modeling and Experimental Methods
- Thermodynamics
Graduate Program Courses
A master's program typically includes the following:
- Required courses
- Thesis
Things to Know
Most engineering jobs require a lot of writing and clear communication. Taking writing and other humanities courses will develop your communication skills.
Some bachelor's programs combine work experience with classes, and may take five or six years to complete. This work experience teaches skills, helps build job contacts, and you may be paid while you work.
You will need to be licensed as an engineer by your state. Usually you must have a degree from a program recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. You also need several years of work experience and must pass an exam. Many people take the exam at the same time they graduate or soon after.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Civil Engineering--Structural Engineering Option
King-Snohomish Area
Seattle University
- Structural Engineering