Online Degree Options for a Structural Engineer

Structural engineering is a good career option for people with a talent for math and physics and an interest in construction. Online degree programs in structural engineering are available at the master's degree level.

Overview of an Online Master's Degree in Structural Engineering Program

A few schools offer their master's degree programs in structural engineering online, sometimes as a specialty within a civil engineering program. Structural engineering programs emphasize analysis of the behavior of buildings, roads, bridges and dams under load. Students learn to calculate the response characteristics of buildings and their constituent materials and adjust designs accordingly. Applicants need to have earned a bachelor's degree, preferably in engineering or physics and maintained a 3.0 or better grade point average for admission.

Program Information and Requirements

Courses in an online master's degree program in structural engineering are generally offered in a hybrid format that mixes online learning with traditional instruction. Students access all course materials - readings, lectures and presentations - via the school's website and submit completed assignments via the website or e-mail. Courses are accessible at any time of day. Some programs may require exams to be completed on-campus. A master's degree is typically earned in 2-3 years.
The minimum technical requirements for participation include a personal computer or laptop with word processing software and Internet access. Schools may use an educational content management system, for example Blackboard, to deliver content.

List of Common Structural Engineering Courses

Master's degree programs in structural engineering generally consist of a core set of engineering fundamental courses and electives or seminars specific to the subject. Programs may also offer thesis and non-thesis options.

Structural Engineering Introductory Course

This course reviews basic concepts that underlie structural engineering, providing background for more specialized courses. Coursework explores materials, design principles, types of structures and safety issues.

Analysis of Structures Course

Students in this course learn classical, static and dynamic methods of analyzing the strength and flexibility of built structures. Course content examines the interaction of design codes and building codes with analysis methods.

Steel and Timber Structures Course

Design issues arising from the use of steel and timber as structural support members are the focus of this course. Topics considered include 2D and 3D framing, wind and seismic stress, load-bearing characteristics and serviceability.

Concrete Structures Course

This course explores design concepts and the benefits and drawbacks of building with reinforced concrete. Students perform loss calculations and learn to design and analyze pre-stressed members.

Career Information for Structural Engineering Graduates

Graduates of an online master's degree program in structural engineering are qualified to work as civil engineers, either as new entrants to the field or as established professionals extending their careers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) predicts that the need for new infrastructure and maintenance of existing infrastructure will generate strong future demand for the services of civil engineers. Employment is projected to increase 24% from 2008-2018. As of May 2009, the median salary of civil engineers was $76,590.

Continuing Education Information

All states require engineers to be licensed if they offer services to the public directly. Licensure entails graduating from an accredited engineering program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering examination, accumulating several years of work experience and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Several states also require completion of continuing education credits for re-licensure.
A doctoral degree is the next step for structural engineers who want to teach postsecondary students or conduct academic research. Ph.D. degree programs are generally available only on a traditional campus or are extremely rare if offered online at all.