Master of Science in Civil Engineering with Structural Engineering and Mechanics

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Program Overview

The M.S. in Civil Engineering at UMass Amherst offers a specialization in Structural Engineering and Mechanics (SEM), focusing on structural behaviour, mechanics of materials and the safety and performance of infrastructure. Students can choose a research-based thesis option or a coursework-only option, tailoring their studies to professional interests and research goals.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Students build advanced knowledge through core courses such as Matrix Analysis of Structures (CEE 535), Advanced Topics in Concrete Design (CEE 536), and Structural Dynamics (CEE 541). Additional options include Advanced Topics in Steel Design (CEE 542), Introduction to Bridge Engineering (CEE 550), and Structural Stability (CEE 549).

Year 2: Students complete electives and the remaining degree requirements. Research-option students complete six credits of master's thesis research, while coursework-option students replace the thesis credits with additional electives.

Focus Areas: Structural analysis, structural design, structural mechanics, concrete and steel structures, bridge engineering, seismic design, structural dynamics, finite element analysis, structural reliability.

Learning Outcomes: Analyse structural behaviour, apply advanced mechanics principles, evaluate structural safety and performance, design and assess concrete and steel structures, use computational and analytical methods, conduct independent research, communicate engineering findings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The department's undergraduate Civil Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This accreditation does not apply automatically to the M.S. degree; separate graduate-program accreditation is not stated.

Reputation and Employability: The program provides access to the Gunness Structural Engineering Laboratory, Robert B. Brack Structural Testing Facility and computational research resources. Graduates pursue opportunities in private engineering consulting firms, state and federal agencies, industry and universities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

UMass Amherst offers strong practical research opportunities through its Structural Engineering and Mechanics Research Facilities. Students can combine theoretical learning with large-scale structural testing, experimental investigations, computational analysis and field-based research. These facilities allow students to examine structural behaviour, test engineering materials and investigate solutions for safer and more resilient infrastructure.

Students can benefit from the following program-specific facilities and opportunities:

Gunness Structural Laboratory: Conduct experimental research using full-scale specimen testing equipment, hydraulic actuators, fatigue testing systems and concrete testing machines.
Robert B. Brack Structural Testing Facility: Investigate large-scale infrastructure components, including full-size beams and girders, using a crane with a lifting capacity of up to 60,000 pounds.
Structural Testing Equipment: Gain exposure to MTS hydraulic actuator systems, Instron testing machines, Tinius Olson testing equipment and advanced instrumentation.
Structural Monitoring: Work with measurement instruments such as load cells, displacement transducers, tiltmeters and strain-gauge systems for structural testing and field data collection.
Computational Resources: Access advanced software, multiprocessor shared-access workstations and the 608-processor Cyclops computing cluster for structural modelling and computational analysis.
Bridge Engineering Research: Explore bridge load testing, structural monitoring, infrastructure assessment and bridge performance.
Earthquake Engineering: Investigate structural behaviour under seismic loading and develop knowledge of earthquake-resistant infrastructure.
Materials Research: Participate in experimental investigations involving concrete, steel and other structural materials.
Field Research: Gain exposure to on-site instrumentation, structural monitoring and full-scale engineering investigations.
Graduate Research Seminars: Attend structural engineering seminars featuring graduate research presentations, faculty discussions and visiting lecturers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MS in Civil Engineering with a Structural Engineering and Mechanics focus prepares graduates for specialised careers in structural design, infrastructure development, engineering consultancy and structural research. Students develop advanced capabilities in structural analysis, material performance, bridge engineering and infrastructure safety, supporting opportunities in both private and public-sector engineering organisations.

Career development and employment opportunities:

Career services: UMass Amherst provides university career development resources to support professional preparation, career exploration and employment searches.
Industry opportunities: Graduates can pursue employment with private consulting engineering firms, construction and infrastructure companies, government agencies and engineering organisations.
Government careers: Explore opportunities involving public infrastructure, bridge assessment, structural safety and engineering regulation at state and federal agencies.
Research opportunities: Develop careers in structural engineering research, experimental testing, computational mechanics and infrastructure innovation.
Potential job roles: Structural Engineer, Bridge Design Engineer, Structural Analysis Engineer, Seismic Design Engineer, Structural Research Engineer, Infrastructure Consultant, Civil Engineering Consultant and Structural Project Engineer.
Graduate destinations: The university specifically identifies private consulting firms, state and federal agencies, industry organisations and universities as employment destinations for SEM graduates.
Employment statistics and salaries: The official SEM program information does not publish a specific graduate employment rate, average salary or median salary for this specialisation.
Professional development: Advanced coursework, laboratory testing, computational analysis and research experience strengthen the technical capabilities required for specialised engineering responsibilities.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a specialisation in Structural Engineering and Mechanics at UMass Amherst. Doctoral research focuses on developing independent research capabilities and advancing knowledge in structural behaviour, earthquake engineering, structural mechanics, infrastructure safety and advanced engineering materials. Students can also pursue doctoral opportunities at other research universities or explore research careers in national laboratories and academic institutions.