A Master of Science prepares students for a range of careers within structural engineering, while a Master of Engineering prepares students to become a professional, licensed civil engineer. Programs typically train students in topics such as design, analysis, mechanics and structural behavior.
Top 10 Civil Engineering Schools
These schools offer master's degrees related to structural engineering, and several offer different concentrations.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Graduate Tuition 2018-2019* |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of California - Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | 4-year, Public | $11,442 in-state, $26,544 out-of-state |
| University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | 4-year, Public | $15,068 in-state, $28,221 out-of-state |
| Stanford University | Stanford, CA | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | $50,703 |
| University of Texas - Austin | Austin, TX | 4-year, Public | $11,742 in-state, $22,564 out-of-state |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA | 4-year, Public | $13,788 in-state, $28,568 out-of-state |
| Purdue Global - West Lafayette | West Lafayette, IN | 4-year, Public | $9,908 in-state, $28,010 out-of-state |
| University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | 4-year, Public | $23,128 in-state, $46,678 out-of-state |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | $51,520 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | $43,815 |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | $29,500 |
Sources: *National Center for Educational Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Students interested in structural engineering programs may want to keep these considerations in mind:
- Students should look for schools offering the type of master's degree program, as well as the specialization, that will be most useful to their career goals.
- A Master of Science in Structural Engineering offers students a background in civil engineering with a focus on the structural aspects, while a Master of Engineering is made up almost entirely of classes pertaining specifically to becoming a structural engineer and licensure preparation.
- Students may consider concentrations such as prognosis, simulation and mechanics.
- Students who eventually want to earn a Ph.D may seek Master of Science programs that offer a thesis option.
Master of Science in Structural Engineering
Most program participants hold a bachelor's degree in engineering. Some programs admit students with degrees in other areas but may require additional courses to supplement the student's background. Students complete approximately 15 credit hours of study in structural and civil engineering courses. Students may also be required to take math-oriented courses.
Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering
The Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering program focuses on preparing students for professional practice as a structural engineer. Students graduating from the program may seek licensure (P.E). Licensure requirements may vary by state and information can be found on the NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying) website (www.ncees.org).
Programs often encourage or require students to minor in a subject with professional emphasis. The degree requires about 30 credit hours of coursework. At the end of most programs, students complete a structural engineering project, often accompanied by a report or presentation.
Many schools offer both Master of Science and Master of Engineering in structural engineering programs. Students may consider a concentration relevant to their future careers, as well as thesis options.
