Structural Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Structural Engineering at the University of California is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers in the design, analysis, and construction of structures that are safe, sustainable, and innovative. This rigorous curriculum combines fundamental principles of physics, mathematics, and engineering with specialized coursework in structural mechanics, materials science, earthquake engineering, and structural analysis. Students will gain practical skills through laboratory work, computational modeling, and real-world projects that simulate industry challenges. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, essential qualities for successful engineers in the dynamic field of construction and infrastructure development. Additionally, students have opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and engagement with industry professionals, providing valuable insights into career pathways and emerging technologies. The faculty comprises leading experts in structural engineering who are dedicated to fostering an environment of academic excellence and innovation. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue licensure as professional engineers, advanced studies, or careers in consulting firms, construction companies, government agencies, and research institutions. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge research centers enhance the learning experience, ensuring students are prepared to meet the technological and societal challenges of the 21st century. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of structural engineering, students will contribute to the development of resilient, sustainable, and efficient structures around the world.

The M.S. degree program is intended to provide students with additional fundamental knowledge as well as specialized advanced knowledge in selected structural engineering aspects over and above the undergraduate degree course work. Two plans are offered; the M.S. Thesis Plan and the M.S. Comprehensive Examination Plan. In addition to the traditional M.S. degree in Structural Engineering, a M.S. degree with a specialization in Structural Health Monitoring, Prognosis, and Validated Simulations (SHMP&VS) is also available. The requirements for the M.S. degree in SHMP&VS are listed in the M.S. "In Health Monitoring" section of the department's website.

The M.S. Comprehensive Examination Plan involves course work and requires the completion of a written comprehensive examination covering multiple courses that the student has taken. The M.S. Comprehensive examination will be comprehensive and cover two focus sequences and at least one additional technical elective that the student has taken. The examination must be completed no later than the end of the eighth week of the quarter the student intends to graduate.

Master students are required to complete three core courses before they can graduate with their master's degree. The courses are SE 200 Applied Mathematics in Structural Engineering (or one of the following two similar courses: MAE294A and Math. 210A), SE 201 Advanced Structural Analysis, and SE 271 Solid Mechanics for Structural and Aerospace Engineering.

The M.S. Thesis Plan is designed for those students with an interest in research prior to entering the structural engineering profession or prior to entering a doctoral degree program. The M.S. Thesis Plan involves course work leading to the completion and defense of a master's thesis.

The thesis defense is the final examination for students enrolled in the M.S. Thesis Plan and must be conducted after completion of all course work. Upon completion of the research project, the student writes a thesis that must be successfully defended in an oral examination and public presentation conducted by a committee composed of three faculty members. A complete copy of the student's thesis must be submitted to each committee member two weeks before the defense.

Master students must complete forty-eight units of courses for graduation. For the M.S. Comprehensive Examination Plan all forty-eight units of credit must consist of regular courses (twelve courses). For the M.S. Thesis Plan, thirty-six units (nine courses) from regular courses are required, in addition to twelve units of graduate research for the master's thesis. For both M.S. plans, students are required to complete a minimum of two sequences from the focus areas listed below.

A focus sequence is composed of three regular courses from the same focus area. The courses comprising the focus sequences are listed in the table in this section. To allow for greater flexibility in the program, the remaining credits required from courses may be earned by completing additional focus sequences, parts of focus sequences, or other appropriate courses. Students may elect to take other appropriate technical electives (with the approval of their advisor and the SE Graduate Affairs Committee). In general, no undergraduate courses are allowed for the M.S. degree.

Units obtained in SE 290 and 298 may not be applied towards course work requirements. No more than four units of SE 296 may be applied toward course work requirements and only with prior approval of the SE Graduate Affairs Committee.

The department also offers a seminar course each quarter dealing with current research topics in Structural Engineering (SE 290). Students must take SE 290 every quarter in the first year, and are strongly recommended to take it for at least one quarter in every subsequent year.

Sample Focus Areas

Requirements

• Please note that successful applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution in the United States or from a recognized university-level academic institution abroad and at least a B average (3.0 GPA) or its equivalent by the time they enroll.
• A test of English language proficiency is required for international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not studied full-time for one uninterrupted academic year at a university-level institution in which English is the language of instruction and in a country where English is a dominant language.The university-wide minimum TOEFL score required for consideration for graduate admission is 550 for the paper based test (PBT), and 80 for the internet based test (iBT). The university-wide minimum IELTS Academic Training exam score required for consideration for graduate admission is Band Score 7.
• GRE General Test is required.
• Minimum of 3 recommendations required.
• Statement of Purpose 2500 word limit
• Resume/CV

Scholarships

• Global Education
• Different Fellowships and Traineeships

The University of California offers a comprehensive program in Structural Engineering, which is a specialized branch within civil engineering focused on the design, analysis, and construction of structures that support or resist loads. The program prepares students to develop innovative, safe, and sustainable infrastructure by applying principles of physics, mathematics, materials science, and engineering mechanics. Students enrolled in this program gain a solid foundation in structural analysis, structural dynamics, materials mechanics, and design methodologies. They also explore advanced topics such as earthquake engineering, wind engineering, and construction management, reflecting the university's emphasis on safety and resilience in structural design. The curriculum typically includes coursework in statics, dynamics, reinforced concrete, steel structures, bridge design, and computer-aided design (CAD) tools. Through laboratory work, project-based learning, and collaborations with industry, students develop practical skills necessary for real-world engineering challenges. The program often features research opportunities with faculty who are leading experts in the field, allowing students to engage in cutting-edge investigations related to sustainable materials, innovative construction techniques, and structural health monitoring. Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers in engineering consulting firms, construction companies, government agencies, and research institutions. They may pursue licensure as professional engineers (PE), which involves passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. The university's strong ties with industry partners and its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration ensure that students are prepared for the evolving demands of the infrastructure sector. Moreover, the program emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability and resilience against natural disasters, aligning with global efforts to create safer, more durable structures. Overall, the Structural Engineering program at the University of California aims to develop technically proficient, innovative, and socially responsible engineers capable of contributing to the development of resilient built environments worldwide.