Download MS in Structural Engineering Brochure

THE
STRUCTURE
OF YOUR
FUTURE
We know exactly what the leading
structural design firms want from their
new hires — because we asked. In SU’s
professionally focused graduate program,
you will master the fundamental skills
that the industry demands.
Learn to solve complex engineering
problems and design structures that
are both sound and cost-effective.
Develop the communication and
project management skills necessary
for seamless collaboration with
owners, architects and contractors.
Whether you’re interested in
designing solutions for commercial
towers, residential buildings,
bridges or waterfront structures,
a master’s degree from SU provides
the technical and professional
skills you need to be competitive
in the structural engineering
marketplace.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
MEETING INDUSTRY DEMAND
As a graduate student in structural engineering at SU, you will be immersed in the methods, technology
and best practices required by today’s leading firms. Key aspects of the program have been developed in
close collaboration with individuals working at the forefront of the profession.
Project-based team learning enhances student-centered course design, and small classes provide plenty
of opportunity to interact with faculty and fellow students. Program learning outcomes — such as technical
specialization, globalization, mechanics and problem solving — are rooted in the American Society of Civil
Engineers Body of Knowledge 2 for graduate studies.
Our faculty is well grounded in both the theoretical and practical applications of the fundamentals at the
core of good structural engineering practice. Faculty members hold advanced degrees in the subjects
they teach and are committed to student success.
You can complete this non-thesis master’s program in nine months of full-time, intensive coursework or
over two or more years of part-time study. All courses are held in the morning in order to accommodate
the schedules of working professionals.
“We have created this graduate program in response to the demand for highly
competent entry-level structural engineers. Our program meets industry
expectations, providing the required technical and professional
foundation. Students will graduate with a strong understanding
of the fundamentals and how those principles are applied
in practice.” Katie Kuder, PhD, PE Chair, Department of Civil
and Environmental Engineering
“The courses offered by Seattle University
have been refined by the practicing design
community and provide the essentials we
require from all our new hires. This is the
skillset they need to master before they
come to us.” John Hooper, PE, SE
Senior Principal/Director of Earthquake
Engineering, Magnusson Klemencic Associates
ADVISORY BOARD: a regional who’s who
Intentionally chosen to provide perspectives from the entire structural
engineering industry in the region, our advisory board represents both the
public and private sectors. This diverse group works in a broad range of
structural projects including commercial, residential, educational campuses,
bridges, foundations, tunnels and ports.
Zohrah Ali, PE Structural Design Engineer/CKC Structural Engineers
Cale Ash, PE, SE Associate Principal/Degenkolb Engineers
Hans-Erik Blomgren, PE, SE Associate/Arup
Robert Cochran, PE, SE Senior Civil Engineer/Seattle City Light
Perry Cole, PE, SE Senior Associate/Dibble Engineers, Inc.
Chris Duvall, PE, SE Structural Associate Principal/Coughlin Porter Lundeen
Bill Elkey, PE, SE NW District Manager, Bridge & Tunnel Division/Parsons
Richard Hemmen, PE, SE Principal/DCI Engineers
Cory Hitzemann, PE, SE Structural Associate Principal/Coughlin Porter Lundeen
John Hooper, PE, SE Senior Principal/Magnusson Klemencic Associates
Kent Johnson, BCA Structures Engineering Design Chief/Boeing
Shana Kelley, PE, SE Associate/KPFF Consulting Engineers
Chun “James” Lau, PE, SE Supervising Structural Engineer/Brown and Caldwell
Joyce Lem, PE, SE Senior Project Manager/Professional Associate/HDR Engineering
Marjorie Lund, PE, SE Principal/Lund Opsahl
Robert Mast, PE Senior Principal/BergerABAM
Andrew McGlenn, PE, SE Associate/Jacobs Associates
Michael A. Wright, PE, SE Structural Engineer/MA Wright
BUILD YOUR CAREER
Your bachelor’s degree in civil engineering gave you a solid foundation.
Now take the next step. To schedule an interview and transcript review,
call Paul Smith, PhD, PE at 206-296-5901, or email [email protected].
Visit us online at www.seattleu.edu/scieng/cee/degrees/ms-structural
OUR CURRICULUM: INFORMED BY INDUSTRY FROM THE GROUND UP
Technical Mastery
Develop the theoretical, analytical and technical skills required
by the profession.
ADVANCED STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS. Become proficient in
the modern matrix analysis methods necessary to design
complex structures.
EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING. What does it take to design
earthquake-resistant structures? This introduction to
earthquake engineering analysis and design of structures
covers elastic and inelastic analysis; single- and multi-degree
of freedom systems; ground motion characterization; response
spectra; limit analysis; and code-based seismic design.
BUILDING SYSTEMS. Step back from the behavior of specific
materials to examine how buildings react to and resist external
loads. Learn simplified approaches to validating and understanding computer model output related to building forces,
displacements and drifts from lateral and gravity loading.
PERFORMANCE-BASED DESIGN. This exciting approach to
structural design is where our industry is heading. You’ll go
beyond traditional code prescriptions as you study the theory
behind performance-based approaches and learn how they are
currently employed in engineering practice.
ADVANCED REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN. Study
indispensable topics frequently addressed in consulting
practice yet not taught in conventional undergraduate courses.
The course covers torsion, short columns, slender columns,
two-way slabs, composite concrete beams and shear walls,
with an emphasis on constructability, sequencing and detailing.
PRESTRESSED CONCRETE DESIGN. Develop an
understanding of the theory and application of prestressed
concrete as you learn to design and analyze prestressed
concrete structures. Course covers flexure, moment-curvature,
shear, losses, serviceability and composite beams.
ADVANCED STEEL DESIGN. Go beyond the topics traditionally
covered in undergraduate steel design courses. Topics to be
covered in this course include detailed composite deck design,
connection design and advanced steel lateral bracing systems.
PROBABILITY FOR ENGINEERING. As structural engineers,
we employ processes that depend upon probability
distributions. Learn how to incorporate uncertainties such
as earthquakes and wind into your engineering approach.
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS. Understand the guiding
principles of modern structural engineering analysis software
used in the design of structures from buildings and bridges
to airplanes and blast shields.
Professional Development
Elevate your practice and prepare for a leadership role, with
three vital courses unique to SU.
ENGINEERING COMMUNICATION. Your designs are only as
good your ability to communicate them. Learn the precise use
of language and graphics you need in order to communicate
complex technical information to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
ETHICS IN ENGINEERING. Take a deep dive into the ethics
of our profession. Understand what it means to assume
responsibility for the lives and well-being of those who will
occupy the structures we design.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT. Develop the analytical skills and
awareness necessary for the successful management of an
engineering project. Learn and practice the principles and
techniques you need from the initiation phase through
planning, execution, control and closeout.
“Structural engineering is a quickly changing field,
and advanced training has become a must-have.
I’m at a position where I’m thinking about my future,
and I’m looking at SU for my next step. The courses
SU offers are critical. My boss looked at the syllabus
and said that’s exactly what he would recommend.”
Chris Padin (’13 BSCE), Structural Staff Engineer,
Coughlin Porter Lundeen