Master of Science - Structural Engineering

Overview of Degree Requirements:

This page presents requirements for coursework selection for graduate students seeking an MS Degree in Civil or Architectural Engineering with a specialization in Structural Engineering. The program is intended to ensure that students develop a strong background in fundamental areas of structural analysis, behavior, and design. At the same time, the program permits considerable flexibility in the selection of courses, allowing students to tailor their coursework according to their background and educational objectives.

The student is responsible for developing a suitable program of coursework in consultation with a faculty advisor in Structural Engineering. In addition to conforming to the requirements for Structural Engineering, the coursework program must also conform to the requirements of the Graduate School and of the Department of Civil Engineering. For additional requirements, students should consult the following:

Degree Options:

The MS degree includes both coursework requirements and a research requirement. To provide students with flexibility in balancing the emphasis between coursework and research in their MS program, students can choose from one of the following three MS degree options:

Thesis Option
The Thesis Option requires a minimum of 30 semester hours for graduation. This includes 24 semester hours of coursework (typically 8 courses) and the preparation of a thesis (6 semester hours).

Graduate School Report Option
The Graduate School Report Option requires a minimum of 33 semester hours of credit for graduation. This includes 30 semester hours of coursework (typically 10 courses) and the preparation of a Graduate School Report (3 semester hours).

Departmental Report Option
The Departmental Report Option requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of credit for graduation. This includes 30 semester hours of coursework (typically 10 courses), the Structures Seminar (3 semester hours), and the preparation of a Departmental Report (3 semester hours).

Students choose an option in consultation with their faculty advisor, and normally need not make a choice until after their first semester at the University of Texas.