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Structural Engineering and Mechanics Degree Requirements

Print version: Structural Engineering degree requirements

Research Track (Thesis Option) Professional Master's Program (Coursework Option)
  • 33 credits of coursework
  • 9 credits of CEE 700 – Master's Thesis (max 12 credits with faculty approval)
  • 42 credits of coursework

Coursework requirements

  • 3 credits maximum of CEE seminar count toward degree
  • 3 credits maximum CEE 600 - Independent Study
  • 18 credits minimum 500 level coursework
  • 18 credits minimum of 400-500 level coursework
  • All CESG coursework (except seminars) taken for numeric grade
  • 3 credits minimum outside structures coursework (can be CEE)
  • 499 credits do not count toward a graduate degree
  • 300 and below coursework does not count toward a graduate degree
  • Structures does not allow internship credit to count towards degree

GPA requirements

  • 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA overall
  • 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA in CESG coursework
  • 2.7 minimum grade for a course to count

Other requirements:

  • 6 year max to complete degree (including official On Leave status)
  • 6 credits maximum of approved transfer credits
Course # Course Name Credits
CESG 501 Structural Mechanics 4
CESG 502 Structural Dynamics 4
CESG 504 Finite Element Meth in Structural Mech 4

The remaining course requirements for the MSCE degree can be satisfied with 5XX and some 4XX courses in the CESG program, as well as a variety of relevant courses from other departments at the UW. Students are encouraged to explore the availability of these courses and decide on an individual plan of study that balances depth and breadth, in line with the student's career goals, with guidance and approval from their faculty adviser.

  • 12 credits of additional 500-level Structures Classes
  • Remaining credits of additional coursework to be fulfilled as follows (9/18 credits):
    • Any 500-level Structures or Geotechnical Engineering course
    • Any CEE, COE, and/or AMATH courses on the approved electives lists
    • One ARCH or CM course listed on approved electives lists (more than one okay with faculty adviser and SEM graduate coordinator approval)
    • Up to 3 credits of CEE Seminar

Civil Engineering suggested electives

Note: This is not a comprehensive list but rather suggestions for some relevant departments. Refer to the UW Time Schedule or the corresponding department for course offering details. Students should always confirm their elective choices with their faculty adviser.

Course # Course Name Credits
CESG 505 Engineering Computing 3
CESG 506 Nonlinear Analysis of Structural Sys 3
CESG 507 Structural Stability 3
CESG 508 Materials Modeling 3
CESG 509 Reliability and Design 3
CESG 521 Advanced Reinforced Concrete 3
CESG 522 Prestressed Concrete Design 3
CESG 523 Advanced Structural Systems 3
CESG 524 Advanced Steel I 3
CESG 526 Earthquake Engineering I 3
CESG 527 Earthquake Engineering II 3
CESG 528 Wind Engineering Design 3
CESG 529 Bridge Engineering 3
CESG 599 Advanced Steel II 3
CESG 599 Elasticity 3
CEE 599 Math Foundation of Continuum Mechanics 3
CESI 588 Energy and the Environment 3

Departments with suggested electives

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