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Structural Engineering MEng

Contact Structural Engineering Admissions

Matt Blank

Student Services Manager

Sherif El-Tawil

Structural Engineering at Michigan Statistics

No. 5

in Civil Engineering - US News & World Report

5:1

student-to-faculty ratio

~100%

of department graduates are employed directly out of school or pursue a higher education

185+

years as a department

$12.5M+

spent on research in 2022

39% female

CEE average, 2015-2019

Why should you get your MEng degree in Structural Engineering at Michigan?

CEE faculty are highly accomplished structural engineers, serving as presidents of major professional organizations, editors of premier journals, and members of national committees that write codes and specifications.

CEE faculty also have extensive consulting experience, ensuring that they are well connected to engineering practice. Our department contains world-class resources, including an extremely well equipped high bay structural testing facility and state-of-the-art computing resources.

What can you do with an MEng in Structural Engineering?

We are responsible for the cities that surround you—both those modern and ancient. We are the first engineers, which has allowed us to build a strong reputation for shaping the world that you see today.

From historical marvels like the Great Pyramids or the Brooklyn Bridge to bright new skyscrapers in Dubai, dams, tunnels, and interconnected highway networks—we do it all.

MEng in Structural Engineering is designed for students planning to pursue careers in structural design practice by providing them with a strong background in structural analysis and design concepts, as well as opportunities for interaction with professionals in related disciplines.

Structural Engineering Specializations

MEng students are required to minor in a complementary technical area. Below is a list of areas from which a minor with a professional emphasis must be chosen. Minor areas:

Construction Engineering and Management

Geotechnical Engineering

Concrete Materials

Architecture

Applied Materials

Courses Offered

Individualized plans of study will be developed by students in consultation with an advisor. Click on the Bulletin link for a description of each course.

Practice Your Purpose

There is a rich variety of experiential learning opportunities to help you find your niche, connect with people who share your passion, and gain hands-on experience that’ll set your resumé apart from the stack.

Student Groups

Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC)

Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC)

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Professional Development

American society of civil engineers. Large group posing at a construction site.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

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Network for Women in Civil Engineering group photo
Network for Women in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Network for Women in Civil and Environmental Engineering

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Society of Women Engineers (Grad SWE)

Society of Women Engineers (Grad SWE)

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Sustainability, Civil, and Environmental Engineering Minorities

Sustainability, Civil, and Environmental Engineering Minorities

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Examples of Current Research

Enrica Bernardini

Enrica Bernardini

Solid mechanics, wind engineering, structural dynamics

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Sherif El-Tawil

Sherif El-Tawil

Use of ultrahigh performance concrete in bridge structures

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Evgueni Filipov

Evgueni Filipov

Deployable structural systems

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Ann Jeffers

Ann Jeffers

Structural fire response

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Jason McCormick

Jason McCormick

Inelastic behavior of steel columns in earthquake-prone regions

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Seymour Spence

Seymour Spence

Wind loading on structures

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Research Videos

Alumni Bios

Each of these alumni were once in your shoes, deciding on a master’s degree. Explore their educational path and how it set their life in motion.

Image of Ayush Atriwal

Ayush Atriwal

MEng Structural Engineering, 2017

Robert Darvas Associates

Structural Design Engineer

Image of Keith Schueller

Keith Schueller

MEng Structural Engineering, 2013

KPMG LLP

Consultant

Image of Lukas Hayter

Lukas Hayter

MEng Structural Engineering, 2019

Walter P Moore

Graduate Engineer with Diagnostics Group

Image of Megan McAlister

Megan McAlister

MEng Structural Engineering, 2019

WJE

Associate II

Image of Ryan Mazurek

Ryan Mazurek

MEng Structural Engineering, 2018

WSP

Assistant Structural Engineer

Image of Ayush Atriwal

Ayush Atriwal

RGPV University, BE Civil Engineering, 2016

University of Michigan, MEng Structural Engineering, 2017

Robert Darvas Associates

Structural Design Engineer

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Career Summary

I started at RDA as an intern in June 2017. It was my first job in the structural engineering world and thus, seemed like an uphill task. But with my passion for the subject and constant help by the amazing ex-wolverines at the company, I learned a lot in 2 months. I was offered a co-op for the Fall 2017 semester after the internship ended at the same firm. After graduating from UMich, I was promoted to Design Engineer- I position. Currently, I am working at RDA as a level II Design Engineer. I handle projects from start to finish which includes discussing the scope of projects with the clients, preparing service fee proposals, analysis and design of buildings, preparing construction documents, and construction administration which includes site visits and review of shop drawings and submittals. The best way to learn structural engineering is working on projects. I attribute my knowledge of engineering most to the variety of structures that I have had the pleasure to work on.

How does your Master’s degree differentiate you from others?

The best thing about the University of Michigan is the professors. A special shout out to Prof. Seymour Spence for teaching me Reliability of Structures and Performance-Based Seismic Engineering. These are the latest state-of-the-art design methodologies which not a lot of schools offer. Not just what was taught, but the way it was taught made a big impact on how I learned how to learn new things, which helps me even today as I take on new challenges as a working professional.

Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

Do not miss Prof Spence’s class. It is one heck of an experience! Make the most of your time at the UMich. You have the best resources in the world at your disposal. Talk to your professors or an on-campus organization if you are facing issues regarding anything. And if you are like me who does not like being bothered by people walking around all the time at the Dude, there is a small cubical for study room in the mechanical GGB. I have pulled countless all-nighters there. Those who look for it would find it. 😉

Image of Keith Schueller

Keith Schueller

University of Michigan, MEng Structural Engineering, 2013

KPMG LLP

Consultant

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Career Summary

I completed my M.Eng at Michigan immediately after my undergraduate coursework at Marquette. The Master of Engineering program allowed me to focus on engineering, while providing some flexibility to take courses outside of the College of Engineering, including a Real Estate Finance course through Ross. For three years, I worked at a small structural engineering firm (Baldridge & Associates Structural Engineering) of about 15-20 engineers, where we worked on large 40-50 story residential and hospitality projects in Hawaii and India while building a book of business in Chicago. Since it was a small firm, junior engineers were wearing multiple “hats” from day one, responsible for gravity and lateral system designs. Some of my favorite courses were Special Topics courses – one was taught by an industry professional and went through many common design areas for new, junior engineers, the other was an applied dynamics course that went into the design of different damping and base isolation systems. I used both courses on a day-to-day basis, the first more practically, the second to gain a deeper understanding of structural dynamics and how a lateral force resisting system is designed. Since working in engineering, I’ve transitioned to a consulting role in the San Francisco Bay Area. I currently work at KPMG LLP, a large accounting & professional services firm. Our group within KPMG assists owners of large capital projects and programs and provides advice on how to execute these capital projects efficiently while providing value to the broader organization. Our clients are generally large businesses that engage in construction activities; however, construction is not their primary business activity (hospital groups, utilities, tech companies, government agencies, etc.). Our advice spans from ensuring that organizations have the right team in place to oversee contracts and contractors, helping our clients implement better business practices, or providing market advice on utilizing up-to-date technology. 

How does your Master’s degree differentiate you from others?

A Master’s degree from Michigan has helped open doors for me that may not have been open before. A Michigan Master’s can help get anyone a first interview – after that, it will be up to you to show that you are a good fit for the job. My master’s degree, combined with a Professional Engineer license, helps me establish credibility early on in my client relationships. That credibility is your responsibility to maintain; it can be squandered if it is not followed up with quality work.

Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

At Michigan, I enjoyed going to football games, as well as helping set up the Bridges to Prosperity chapter. There are hundreds of student groups at Michigan and dozens within the College of Engineering. Try new things, and I hope that you can find rewarding pursuits outside of the classroom to broaden your Michigan experience.

Image of Lukas Hayter

Lukas Hayter

University of Waterloo, B.A.Sc. Civil Engineering, 2018

University of Michigan, MEng Structural Engineering, 2019

Walter P Moore

Graduate Engineer with Diagnostics Group

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Career Summary

I entered my bachelor’s degree without a clear idea of which civil engineering discipline I wanted to pursue. Through trying internships in a variety of civil engineering disciplines, I found I enjoyed working in the structural engineering field. After completing an MEng in structural engineering at the University of Michigan, I joined Walter P Moore as a graduate engineer in the diagnostics group. Structural analysis projects such as the course project in CEE 611 and design problems such as homework in CEE 514 helped prepare me for the real-world analysis and design challenges I encounter as a Graduate Engineer at Walter P Moore.

Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

I really liked the selection of courses offered and the flexibility of the masters of engineering program. My favorite event is the ASCE Fall Career Fair. My advice to students is to complete as many internships as you can.

Image of Megan McAlister

Megan McAlister

University of Kansas, BSE Architectural Engineering, 2018

University of Michigan, MEng Structural Engineering, 2019

WJE

Associate II

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Career Summary

Following graduation, I started working at WJE, a firm that specializes in structural repair and diagnostics. A good part of this work focuses on restoring historic infrastructure, which means that I have the privilege of working on some exciting projects, including a few iconic buildings in the Chicago skyline. The work is dynamic and challenging, always requiring some engineering creativity. The most important thing I have learned since starting is that no two projects will be the same. Therefore, the best solution is to cultivate confidence and competent problem-solving skills. 

How does your Master’s degree differentiate you from others?

Having a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan is definitely the reason I have the job I love. It has opened doors that I didn’t even know existed. Most importantly, it has given me confidence in achieving my career goals.

Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

Tackle your dreams. Never underestimate the power of a good education. Also never be afraid to reach out to those around you, professors or peers, for advice and support. Enjoy your time in grad school and GO BLUE!

Image of Ryan Mazurek

Ryan Mazurek

Western Michigan University, BSE Civil Engineering, 2017

University of Michigan, MEng Structural Engineering, 2018

WSP

Assistant Structural Engineer

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Career Summary

After graduating from the University of Michigan, I accepted a job as a Graduate Structural Engineer at a firm called Arup in Chicago, IL where I worked for a year and 6 months. My time at Arup was beneficial in the development of my career. I was exposed to a few different projects that allowed me to further my knowledge in the structural engineering field. One of my major projects was a two-story research facility for Fermi Lab located in Batavia, IL. After leaving Arup, I joined WSP USA in Chicago, IL as an Assistant Structural Engineer. My time at WSP USA has been great so far. I have been involved in a few large-scale projects that have allowed me to further enhance my engineering skills. In particular, I’ve worked on a few high-rise buildings which has been my passion since I started my career. 

How does your Master’s degree differentiate you from others?

I believe my master’s degree from the University of Michigan aided me in starting my career with a large, well-known engineering consulting firm. Having a well-known, highly ranked school such as UofM on your resume can help you get an interview and secure a job. The engineering job market is competitive, and I believe my degree from UofM helped make me a competitive candidate. Additionally, everything I learned at UofM has helped me succeed in my career thus far. 

Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

Although I was only at UofM for one year, I greatly enjoyed my time there. My fellow classmates were awesome, and we made a lot of great memories together. My recommendation to students is to study hard because it will pay off. The information you learn in the classroom will be used throughout your career. I would also recommend joining clubs or other organizations as these are great ways to network with your classmates while also continuing your education. Forever GO BLUE!

Industries & Occupations

  • Asset Management
  • Construction Engineering
  • Construction Management
  • Energy Systems
  • Federal Government
  • Infrastructure
  • Offshore Structures
  • Renewable Energy Technology
  • Scientific Research
  • Smart City Technologies
  • Structural and Architectural Design
  • Sustainability
  • Urban Networks and Design

Companies

  • AECOM Technology Corporation
  • Arcadis
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Arup
  • Atkins
  • Balfour Beatty
  • Bechtel
  • Consumers Energy
  • HDR, Inc.
  • Jacobs Engineering Group
  • Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
  • Skanska
  • SOM
  • Stantec
  • Thornton Tomasetti
  • Vinci

Salaries

Discover the value of a master’s degree!

On average, U-M graduates with a master’s degree in an engineering field can earn 15-25% more than those with a bachelor’s degree in engineering.  Use the link below to research average salaries based on a U-M engineering master’s degree, experience level, and desired work location.