Structural Engineering Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Dec 29, 2023

Structural engineering is a type of civil engineering that examines the structure of a civil engineering project. These professionals use mathematics and physics to understand the current stability of a structure and how to improve it, as well as its strength and rigidity.

An online Structural Engineering Graduate Certificate is the ideal addition to your civil, automotive, or aerospace engineering degree, helping you enter the niche of structural design and analysis. There are many careers you can enter with this qualification.

What Are the Online Structural Engineering Graduate Certificate Requirements?

To earn a structural engineering graduate certificate, you will need to be fully qualified. Eligibility requirements vary from school to school, but you can expect to be asked for the following:

A relevant engineering bachelor's degree and a master's degree; civil engineering is standard but environmental and construction engineering graduates are also eligible
Minimum GPA of 2.75 or above
Official university transcripts backing up your academic experience and achievements
If English is not your first language, the school will ask that you submit details of formal certification: PTEA, IELTS, and TOEFL are widely accepted. Check school listings as some accept ELS112, DuoLingo and other alternatives
Two or three letters of recommendation
The application fee which is non-refundable
A short personal statement, usually around 500 words
There may also be an entrance exam in the form of an essay. The question will ask you to address a current issue in structural engineering

What Type of Classes Are Included in the Online Structural Engineering Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

The structural engineering graduate certificate program is comprised of mandatory and often several elective courses that can typically be completed in around one academic year of study. Common course titles and topics include:

Fundamentals of Prestressed Concrete
Masonry Design
Timber Design
Bridge Design
Pavement Design
Building Information Modeling
Earthquake Engineering Design
Methods of Structural Analysis
Structural Design to Resist Natural Hazards
Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering
Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures
Advanced Finite Element Analysis
Advanced Blast Resistant Topics
Advanced Reinforced Concrete Structures
Design of Steel Structures
Advanced Building Design Topics

What Type of Careers Can I Pursue with an Online Structural Engineering Graduate Certificate?

Structural engineering graduate certificates are a wonderful stepping stone to specialty engineering careers. With your grad certificate in hand, you may wish to pursue the following career pathways:

Aerospace Engineer: While most structural engineering graduates will go into civil engineering working on buildings, aerospace also needs engineering design and testing.
Astronautical Engineer: Working with NASA and associated contractors, you will design satellites and parts for astronautical and space exploration vehicles.
Automotive Engineer: This career is similar to aerospace and astronautical engineering, but for motor vehicles: cars and trucks, mass transit vehicles, and anything else with an engine.
Building Surveyor: You will offer professional advice or oversee construction for a building or area. You will have knowledge of repair and maintenance, refurb, and extensions – both regulation/law and the physical mechanics.