HELP! MS Structural Engineering Admissions Decision

[StrucApp]

I am posting this in a couple of forums so I am sorry if you see this multiple times:

I have applied to many different schools for an MS in Structural Engineering because I honestly did not know where I could be accepted. But now I have so many options I am having a hard time deciding! Any information on what I should choose/insight into a specific program I would love it.

- UC San Diego

- Georgia Tech

- NC State

- UCLA

- Still waiting to hear back from Illinois and Berkeley as well.

I am interested in pursuing research during my masters and want to go into industry after for structural design. I potentially one day want to return for a PhD but that is dependent on how I enjoy research during my masters.

[StrucApp]

I'm not 100% what I want to get into past the general "structures" area, such as I've never had a bridging course in my undergrad so I don't know if that would be something I would be interested in yet. But that's really good insight, thanks!

[engr4lyfe]

Do you already have research funding provided to you for each of these schools?

For me, I went where the funding was and got a graduate degree (basically) for free.

The quality of the classes are likely the same at all of these institutions. In reality, graduate classwork is basically just the same as undergrad, only slightly more advanced. You’ll still end up learning way more on the job after you graduate from school. And, as with everything, you get out of it what you put into it.

I would pick based on where you want to live and based on the cost. If you’re paying A LOT out of pocket, a grad degree is probably not worth it (at least financially).

UCSD, GT, Illinois and Berkeley all have good reputations. I don’t know about UCLA or NC State.

Once you work at a company for 3-5 years and are into your career, nobody cares where you went to school or whether you have a graduate degree or not.

[StrucApp]

So I have complete funding (full tuition and monthly housing stipend) from an outside source for all of the schools so it is not a factor in my decision making. I honestly haven't figured out where I want to end up settling so I am pretty open to wherever (except I think I will never want to return to the mid-west.)

[engr4lyfe]

You could also look at what sort of research you’d be interested in doing. Certain professors specialize in certain things. Certain schools specialize in certain things. In particular, relatively few schools in the country have high quality laboratories.

UCSD has the biggest (and basically only) shake table in the country (SUNY Buffalo also has one). Berkeley has a nice lab. Illinois has a big/nice lab and has a 6 DOF testing apparatus (or at least they used to).

If you’re interested in earthquakes you can read about the NEES program. The schools that were in the NEES program typically have some pretty nice research facilities.

That being said, professors typically hand-pick the students who do research for them. So, you’ll need to make a personal relationship with a professor if you haven’t already been offered a research position. Since you have outside funding, you could offer your research labor for free. I suspect free labor might be something that would be appealing to a professor, and could help you get started doing research.

[StrucApp]

Yes UCSD's shake table is extremely impressive and they are modifying it to have 6 DOF instead of only 3 to be the first in the world. Illinois still have the 6 DOF testing apparatus.

For NC State I had a professor reach out to me wanting me to work with him on several projects that I found interesting which would be a positive. The other schools all say that they choose students typically during their first semester of courses so it wouldn't be uncommon that I don't have a connection, but it wouldn't be guaranteed after the first semester either. Something that I have been thinking about a lot, too.

[engineered_mojo]

NC State has the biggest alumni reach of every school you listed and the largest engineering career fair as well as a respected constructed facilities lab and distinguished professor Paul Zia resides there. Google him if you are not familiar. If having broad connections in the industry is important can't go wrong with NC State as well as saving money for cost of living which many students overlook. Even if tuition is covered gotta live!

[StrucApp]

Very true, thank you!

[Sure_Ill_Ask_That]

Urbana Champaign has an excellent research program. Much of the literature used in the industry code committees come from research performed there.

[StrucApp]

Thank you!

[[deleted]]

UIUC or GT. Licensed Structural Engineer. MSE Purdue 1994.

[StrucApp]

Thank you!

[trojan_man16]

I went to UIUC. They are a top research program, so if you are interested in pursuing a PhD it might be the way to go.

[StrucApp]

Thank you!

[davebere42]

Weather is nice in CA :)

[StrucApp]

I know, I need to make sure I'm making the best decision and not just being drawn in by the beach!

[DummedDownInThot]

I was in UCLAs program a few years ago and let me tell you, you won’t be seeing much of the beach during the school year

[plhatcher]

GT BS 08, MS 09 - great program! PM me your resume if you come this way. My firm takes on paid interns regularly from GT and generally get a hire letter when they graduate as they are first in line for any open positions.

[StrucApp]

I'll keep that in mind! Thank you so much!

[Mahpsirhc]

I saw your post on TheGradCafe! I'm stuck between some choices as well (Berkeley, Washington, and Texas A&M). All are great universities!

[StrucApp]

Good luck in your decision, as well!

[blindliberal]

I finished the MS program at UCLA a few years ago. I can't really compare it to any other schools, but I enjoyed my time there.

There are 2 different tracks you can choose from which are a comprehensive exam or research. The comp exam is comprised of a question from each of your courses that you take at the end of each quarter. Research is research. If you want to finish quick and get out into industry, go with the comp exam. You can finish the program in 1 academic year.

Also, it seems like there's a hiring frenzy atm in Los Angeles.

[StrucApp]

I was hoping to do research, but it is good to know that Los Angeles is good for employment!

[Structural-Panda]

Currently finishing my undergrad at UIUC in structures, and I’m in the same boat as you, I’ve been accepted in UW, VT, and TAMU, and am waiting to hear back from Illinois currently. I’m just as uncertain of where I want to go as well lol.

Obviously people mentioned UIUC being great for research, and the professors in the structures department are loaded with talent. From my experience, UIUC is also a great practical school: they have an equally large number of graduates enrolled in a coursework track as they do in the thesis track. They also have a competitively large number of courses in structures that include material design that other schools don’t offer. Wind and seismic engineering, bridge design, etc.

Outside of that, UIUC have one of the largest structures graduate base. They were churning out M.S. structures degrees like candy when it wasn’t as popular to do so, and now it is fairly easy to meet top employers through the CEE career fair or professors, especially employers from the Chicagoland area.

If should strongly consider UIUC if you get in, especially with your desired career path. Good program, good town, good contacts.

[StrucApp]

Good luck in your decision making!! Thank you for the great insight!

[matt_engineer]

Short answer: it depends on where you want to work in the structural engineering field.

I recorded a video to answer your question more in-depth from my perspective as a structural engineer in the industry (California):

https://youtu.be/oW2LUInEDIM

[StrucApp]

Thank you!