What is Structural Engineering?
Structural engineering focuses on designing load-bearing structures. This field covers multiple engineering disciplines and is used in civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. In civil engineering, it mainly involves applying mechanics in the design of large structures that are fundamental to basic living, such as buildings, bridges, walls, dams and tunnels. Structural engineers must design structures to prevent collapse or undesired behavior while they perform their intended functions. Efficient use of funds and materials to meet these structural goals is also very important. Structural engineers collaborate closely with architects, construction managers, and transportation engineers, among others.
An experienced engineer usually enjoys designing more intricate structures, like multistory buildings (including skyscrapers) or bridges. When working on these complex systems, a structural engineer often taps into their creativity, applying mechanical principles in innovative ways. This process leads to the development of new structural systems and exciting new uses for materials. Additionally, cutting-edge technologies such as control and damage detection systems are now making their way into civil engineering structures, which were once common only in mechanical or aerospace systems.
Degree Information
You can earn M.S., M.Eng., and Ph.D. degrees in civil engineering with a specialization in structural engineering.
At Texas A&M, the graduate program in structural engineering reinforces and subsequently builds upon your fundamental knowledge in presenting advanced techniques for the analysis and design of state-of-the-art structural systems. Our program offers you outstanding opportunities in formal coursework and independent research. A diversified curriculum provides you with broad latitude to design your individual program of study. Graduates of the structural engineering program have become contributing design professionals, and many are influential leaders in the field today.
Master of Engineering and Master of Science (Non-Thesis)
A minimum of 30 semester credit hours of approved courses is required for the Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) and Master of Science (Non-Thesis) degrees. Thesis work is not part of these degrees. This includes 18 hours of required coursework and 12 hours of electives. A complete discussion of university requirements can be found in the current Texas A&M University Graduate Catalog.
Master of Science (Thesis)
A minimum of 30 semester credit hours of approved courses is required for the Master of Science – Thesis degree (MS-T). At least 24 semester credit hours must be coursework and the remainder are CVEN 691 research credit hours. A complete discussion of all university requirements can be found in the current Texas A&M University Graduate Catalog.
Doctor of Philosophy
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is a research-oriented degree requiring a minimum of 64 semester credit hours of approved courses and research beyond the Master of Science (MS- T or MS-NT) or Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree in an approved and related program [96 credit hours beyond the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree].
A complete discussion of all university requirements can be found in the current Texas A&M University Graduate Catalog. For example, university requirements include a preliminary examination, a final examination and submission of a dissertation to the university.