Structural Engineering
Total graduates
350
2025 · 14 schools
International share
18.3%
64 international students
Bachelor's degrees
196
3.1% international
Master's degrees
145
37.2% international
Overview
Structural Engineering is a specialized field of civil engineering that focuses on the design, analysis, and construction of structures that support or resist loads. This discipline plays a crucial role in ensuring that buildings, bridges, towers, and other infrastructure can withstand various forces such as gravity, wind, earthquakes, and human use.
Students pursuing a degree in Structural Engineering typically study a range of subjects, including mechanics, materials science, fluid dynamics, and structural analysis. They learn how to apply mathematical and physical principles to create safe and efficient structures. This includes understanding the behavior of different materials like steel, concrete, and timber, as well as how structures interact with their environment.
In addition to technical skills, structural engineers must also consider factors such as sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with building codes and regulations. Advanced software tools for modeling and simulation are commonly used in the profession, enabling engineers to predict how structures will perform under various conditions.
Career opportunities for structural engineers are diverse and can be found in both the public and private sectors. They may work for consulting firms, construction companies, government agencies, or as independent contractors. The demand for skilled structural engineers remains strong, particularly in regions experiencing growth or natural disasters where rebuilding and infrastructure improvement are needed.
Overall, Structural Engineering is a vital field that combines creativity, technical knowledge, and problem-solving skills to create safe and durable structures that enhance our built environment.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2002 to 2025, graduates grew 695% and the international share went from 9.1% to 18.3%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 14 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #20 | University of California-Los Angeles | California | 1 | 0 |
| #25 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Michigan | 4 | 0 |
| #27 | University of Southern California | California | 50 | 21 |
| #29 | University of California-San Diego | California | 216 | 24 |
| #44 | Ohio State University-Main Campus | Ohio | 6 | 1 |
| #44 | Lehigh University | Pennsylvania | 7 | 0 |
| #121 | University of Central Florida | Florida | 8 | 0 |
| #121 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Illinois | 9 | 6 |
| #179 | Seattle University | Washington | 2 | 2 |
| #276 | Western Michigan University | Michigan | 4 | 1 |
| — | California State University-Northridge | California | 23 | 8 |
| — | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg | Pennsylvania | 17 | 1 |
| — | Harrisburg Area Community College | Pennsylvania | 2 | 0 |
| — | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Indiana | 1 | 0 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineers | 367,840 | $52.24 | $108,670 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 220,260 | $87.28 | $181,540 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 40,270 | — | $124,520 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.