Structural Engineering (MSST), M.S.

Program Director

Dr. Richard A. DeVries, P.E.
Office: CC 67
Phone: (414) 277-7596
Email: devries@msoe.edu

The Master of Science in Structural Engineering program emphasizes building structural design and analysis, and meets the needs of architectural, civil or structural engineers who desire increased knowledge to design modern building structural systems.

Courses focus on structural design topics such as advanced design of structural steel members and systems; design of light gage metal members and structures, reinforced concrete members and structures, wood structures, masonry structures, foundations; and selection of structural systems. Courses on advanced structural analysis including applications of the finite element method, structural dynamics, and structural stability, also are presented to provide a broader theoretical background for structural design.

The student has two options to conclude the program - the Capstone Report Track or the Capstone Project Track. The Capstone Report Track focuses on course work and is designed for the student who expects to work in the field of structural engineering and does not expect to pursue a Ph.D. The Capstone Project Track has a larger focus on research and is designed to prepare a student for a Ph.D. Program.

A student who selects the Capstone Report Track will complete thirteen required structural engineering courses and one graduate elective. The student will also complete a one-quarter, three credit, literature review project on a structural engineering topic. The student will present the findings of the literature review in both written and oral formats to a faculty review committee.

A student who selects the Capstone Project Track will complete ten required structural engineering courses and two structural engineering electives. The student will also complete a three-quarter, nine credit, capstone project focusing on structural engineering. The project presents the opportunity for the student to integrate the concepts learned in the classroom into a specific application. The project may focus on design issues, research in an area of structural engineering, or other related topic with the approval of the master of science in structural engineering program director. At the conclusion of the project, a comprehensive presentation (oral and written) will be given to a faculty review committee.

Courses are taught by faculty with extensive practical experience as well as academic credentials. Course work has been planned to show practical applications of structural engineering theory. Classes meet in the evenings so students may attend class while working in industry.

The Master of Science in Structural Engineering program assumes the student has completed an undergraduate curriculum that included mechanics of materials, indeterminate structural analysis, basic structural steel design, basic reinforced concrete design and soil mechanics.

The Master of Science in Structural Engineering program currently is being offered as either a full- or part-time program and can be completed in five years or less.

Faculty

Dr. Todd M. Davis, Dr. Richard A. DeVries, Dr. H. Peter Huttelmaier, Dr. Mahmoud Maamouri, Dr. Christopher H. Raebel, Dr. Douglas C. Stahl, Dr. John A. Zachar

Student Outcomes

The outcomes of the Master of Science in Structural Engineering program are that, at the time of graduation, each graduate will be able to:

Perform structural analysis on structural systems and structural components comprised of many types of materials subjected to gravity, wind and/or seismic loads.
Design structural systems made up of many structural components and structural materials; structural members; and connections in accordance with current building codes and specifications.
Individually complete a structural engineering project addressing the complex requirements of modern structures.

Program Educational Objectives

The Master of Science in Structural Engineering program will produce graduates who:

Will be able to confidently meet the responsibilities of a professional structural engineer.
Will, if so desired, be employed in the field of structural engineering.
Will, if so desired, be able to become licensed professional engineers.
Will, if so desired, be able to obtain a Ph.D. in structural engineering or civil engineering.

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Structural Engineering program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals. Classes meet one evening per week during the academic quarter.

The Master of Science in Structural Engineering programs requires completion of 45 graduate credits. At least 36 of these credits will be obtained in structural engineering courses.

Each student must complete a capstone activity. There are two options for the capstone activity. The first option is the completion of a nine-credit, three-quarter Capstone Project sequence (AE 800 , AE 890 and AE 892 ) in addition to 12 structural engineering courses (36 credits) to fulfill the 45-credit requirement. The second option is the completion of a three-credit, one-quarter Capstone Report sequence (AE 800 ) in addition to 13 structural engineering courses (39 credits) and one graduate elective (three credits) to fulfill the 45-credit requirement.