What is Structural Engineering?
Structural engineering is the field of engineering particularly concerned with the design of load-bearing structures. The field crosses engineering disciplines, and structural engineering can be found within civil, mechanical and aerospace engineering. Within civil engineering, it is largely the implementation of mechanics to the design of the large structures that are fundamental to basic living, such as buildings, bridges, walls, dams, and tunnels. Structural engineers need to design structures so that the structures do not collapse or behave in undesirable ways while serving their useful functions. The efficient use of funds and materials to achieve these structural goals is also a major concern. Structural engineers work closely with architects, construction managers, and transportation engineers, to name only a few.
An experienced engineer would tend to design more complex structures, such as multistory buildings (including skyscrapers) or bridges. It is in the design of these more complex systems that a structural engineer must draw upon creativity in the application of mechanics principles. New structural systems and novel application of materials result from this process, and new technologies, such as control and damage detection systems, are now found in civil engineering structures, where traditionally they were only found in mechanical or aerospace systems.
Degree Information
Students can earn M.S., M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in civil engineering in the structural engineering division of emphasis.
At Texas A&M, the graduate program in structural engineering reinforces and subsequently builds upon students’ fundamental knowledge in presenting advanced techniques for the analysis and design of state-of-the-art structural systems. Our program offers graduate students outstanding opportunities in formal course work and independent research. A diversified curriculum provides broad latitude for students to plan individual programs 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 degree (M.Eng.) and Master of Science (Non-Thesis). 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 is 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 is 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.E.) 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 is 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.