Academics / Master's ProgramStructural Engineering & Design Master's Specialization
Meeting the Challenge of Longer, Taller, and Sustainable Structures
Structural Engineers are at the helm of the urban environment. Engineers design novel infrastructure systems to be adaptive, resilient, and sustainable. The structural engineering and design specialization for Northwestern's civil and environmental engineering master of science degree provides you with the tools, methods, and preparation to meet the challenges of this renaissance.
The program builds on the strengths of the world-renowned structural mechanics faculty and elite Chicago-based structural design firms. The theoretical and behavioral study of structures is complemented with design courses and projects taught by registered PE/SE.
- Join a new generation of structural designers
- Experience a broad curriculum in theory and practice
- Learn cutting-edge design techniques from leading Chicago AE firms
- Lead design in sustainable infrastructure systems
- Design for urban development and renewal
- Create longer, taller, and lighter structures of the future
- Make industry contacts and network through seminars and career fairs
Curriculum Overview
The Structural Engineering and Design specialization consists of 12 courses, four of which form a core of required fundamental courses. Students must also select a Professional track — either the Design track or the Research track. Each track consists of three courses, and students commit to one track or the other, and complete the sequence of courses. The remaining five courses are selected from a group of approved electives, based on the student's career objectives and interests.
Seminars & Career Fair
Professional development seminars are organized specifically structural engineering and design students. This includes resume workshops hosted by engineers, and project presentations by structural engineering and associated professionals. In addition, the department organizes two career fairs annually to connect students to employers and support students to attend the annual steel conference.
Alumni Network
Alumni who have studied in the structural engineering and design specialization hold structural design positions in Chicago, across the US, and around the world, with companies including AECOM, Amazon, Arcadis, Armor Tower, ATMI, BUCG, Chicago Transit Authority, China National Offshore Oil Company, DiDi, DiSimone Consulting Engineers, DRPILLA Associates, Drucker Zajdel Structural Engineers, Gace Consulting Engineers, Gilbane Building Co., HOK, Huarui Welding & Cutting Company, HydroChina Chengdu Engineering Corporation, Jacobs, KPFF, Larson Engineering, Magnusson Klemencic Associates, MWRD, R.M. Byrd and Associates, Reigstad, SidePlate Systems, Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger, Inc., Tencent, Thornton Tomasetti, VAA, and WSP. Our program organizes an annual alumni panel, which features graduates of the program sharing their engineering experience.
Some of our MS graduates go on to pursue a PhD degree at universities such as Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University, Tufts University, University of Connecticut, University of Pennsylvania, University of Washington and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. We have also had an alum continue on to earn a law degree at Northwestern University.
Eligibility and Admission
Students studying structural engineering and design earn a master of science in civil engineering through Northwestern University's Graduate School. To be admitted to the MS program, the student must meet one of the following requirements:
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A BS degree in civil engineering or closely related engineering, OR
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A non-engineering degree, but with coursework covering mathematics through differential equations, first-year, college-level physics, statics and dynamics, mechanics of materials, structural analysis or mechanics, and soil mechanics.
These course requirements for admission may be met at Northwestern, but credits from these courses cannot be applied to the graduate degree. In addition, each applicant must meet the usual requirements of The Graduate School and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Questions?
Contact us with questions about this specialization at civil-info@northwestern.edu.