Structural Engineering: Advanced Analysis—Graduate Certificate

Online Education for Working Professionals

Learn the advanced structural engineering tools necessary for analysis of large and inherently-complex structures.

Structural Engineering: Advanced Analysis

Utilize advanced techniques to evaluate structures.

Advanced analysis is necessary for structures that are complex, exhibit finite deformations, are loaded beyond their first yield point, or experience dynamic loads. This certificate covers skills in determining the response to load effects due to dead, live, and environmental loads applied to the structure. The dynamic response of single- and multi-degree structures is explored using exact analytical and numerical methods. Gain analysis skills for career advancement as a structural engineer in the technical track at larger engineering firms. The average structural engineer salary is $77,421 per year (Payscale).

Figures from payscale.com, accessed May 2024.

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How to Apply

3 courses in 3 semesters.

Department	Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
Admissions requirement	Civil engineering, structural engineering, or related degree.
Contact	Angela Keranen

Length	3 courses in 2-3 semesters
Effort	3 hours per credit per week
Each course	3 credits
Total credits	9
Course type	Online or on-campus
Modality	Watch class recordings on demand
Cost	Based on credits and course type
Already enrolled?	Speak with your advisor

Curriculum

Progress quickly with a compact curriculum. Work with the program advisor to select courses that fit your interests and prerequisite skills.

Prerequisites

Check your preparation. Students without civil, structural, or related degree should have taken CEE 3202 or equivalent.

CEE 3202 - Structural Analysis

Introduction to structural concepts and techniques for analyzing trusses, determinate and indeterminate beams, and frame structures. Apply concepts from statics and mechanics of materials to determine internal forces and deflections of structural members and systems, including loads and load paths.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): (ENG 2120 or MEEM 2150) and (MA 2320(C) or MA 2321(C) or MA 2330(C))

Required Courses

Take a 3-credit required course.

CEE 4201 - Matrix Structural Analysis

Analysis of trusses and frames by the direct stiffness method. Use of a typical commercial computer code is stressed as a tool for complex structures. Introduces three-dimensional structures.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): CEE 3202

Electives

Take 6 credits of elective courses. Students who have already taken the required course CEE 4201, or its equivalent, may take 9 credits from the elective course list to complete the certificate requirements.

CEE 5201 - Advanced Structural Analysis

The study of nonlinear structural analysis techniques, especially energy methods, applied to elastic buckling analysis, large deflections of beams, second-order effects in frames, and plastic analysis of steel structures.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): CEE 4201

CEE 5202 - Finite Element Analysis

Introduction to the use of finite element methods in structural analysis. Covers the finite element formulation, 1- and 2-D elements, including isoparametric elements, axisymmetric analysis, plate and shell elements, dynamics, buckling, and nonlinear analysis.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): CEE 4201

CEE 5241 - Structural Dynamics

Free and forced vibration of undamped and damped single degree of freedom systems. Seismic design using the equivalent lateral force method. Introduction to multi-degree of freedom systems and transmissibility.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): CEE 4201(C)

Typical Schedule

The minimum completion time is three semesters. Here is a typical schedule.

Fall	Spring
CEE 4201	CEE 5201 or CEE 5202
Summer
CEE 5241

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to the Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts, test scores, or letters needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps.

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Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
GMAT/GRE: Not required
Preferred major: Civil, environmental or related degree

International Students

TOEFL: Recommended Score of 79 iBT
IELTS: Recommended Overall Band Score of 6.5

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis.

Certificate Admissions

Prospective Students

Prospective students and non-degree seeking students interested in obtaining a graduate certificate must apply to the certificate program using the online application.
Accelerated certificate options exist for current Michigan Tech undergraduate students in good standing and have achieved at least junior-level standing or recent bachelor’s graduates of Michigan Tech (less than two years).
The number of credits earned prior to admission that can be counted are restricted.

Current Graduate Students

Current Michigan Tech graduate students who are in a degree program do not need to formally apply. Current students must still submit the appropriate degree schedule in order to complete the certificate.

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

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Interested in taking a single, online course? Enroll as a non-degree seeking student.

Upon completion of the certificate, students will be able to:

Apply advanced structural analysis skills for linear and nonlinear structural behaviors under static and dynamic loads using both numerical and closed-form analysis types.

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