Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering Concentration (MCE)

Program Educational Goals:

Graduates obtaining the MCE from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering with a concentration in Structural Engineering will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental principles and knowledge in structural engineering including structural mechanics, analysis and design, construction materials, and computational methods.
• Read, assess, and critically review published literature and research findings in structural engineering.
• Recognize and discuss new techniques, skills, and tools used in structural engineering.
• Communicate structural engineering concepts effectively in writing, orally, and graphically.
• Contribute towards the development, application, and/or synthesis of new methodologies, techniques, and/or theories in structural engineering.
• Relate science and engineering concepts and collaborate on interdisciplinary teams to address problems of societal significance.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Civil Engineering (MCE) degree is awarded only to individuals who, upon admission, have an undergraduate degree in engineering. Students pursuing the MCE degree choose between thesis or non-thesis tracks and declare a concentration. 

Formally, the student must perform 24 credit hours of course work and 6 credit hours of thesis. Students may also choose the non-thesis option, which requires 30 credit hours of course work. The MCE program is often chosen by students planning to pursue a career as professional engineers. The program, however, is also well suited as an introduction to a PhD in Civil Engineering or other engineering or science-oriented areas.

Thesis Track Degree Requirements

The thesis track Master of Civil Engineering degree in the field of Structural Engineering requires three core courses in two different topic areas listed below, five electives, six thesis credits and the completion of a thesis.  Students in a thesis program are also required to enroll in the CIEG 865  each semester.

• CIEG 865 - Civil Engineering Seminar Credit(s): 0
• CIEG 869 - Master’s Thesis Credit(s): 1-6

Non-Thesis Track Degree Requirements

The non-thesis track Master of Civil Engineering degree in the field of Structural Engineering requires six core courses, one materials elective, and a minimum of three additional electives, totaling a minimum of 30 credit hours of course work.  The three additional electives shall be selected based on the student’s interests and career goals with prior approval from the student’s advisor using the Graduate Student Advisement Form.  Electives shall be 600 or 800 level and may come from civil or other engineering disciplines or from outside of the College. Electives should be selected based on approval from your advisor.

Last Revised for 2022-2023 Academic Year